Bolzano Christmas Market

Oct 10, 2024

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Bolzano (Bozen) is a picturesque town that blends Italian and Austrian influences in the South Tyrol region of the Dolomites – a unique alpine city with where German is spoken just as much as Italian, nestled in some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever visited.

Bolzano’s Christmas Market is set against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Dolomites, is a magical experience that draws visitors from all over Europe. From handcrafted gifts to traditional foods and activities, Bolzano is the perfect Christmas destination!

We spent last Christmas in Bolzano with my husband’s family – it was a magical place and perfect for a multigenerational group, after we were in Milan, with lots for everyone to do.

For tons of tips on where to stay in Bolzano and other ideas for visiting South Tyrol, visit my Bolzano Travel Guide.

For my hand-selected tours in Bolzano, please visit my Viatour Affiliate shop.

A festive Christmas market featuring decorated trees and a large bear statue stands proudly in front of Bolzano's historic church.

What to See at the Bolzano Christmas Market

The Bolzano Christmas Market, or “Mercatino di Natale di Bolzano”, is the largest and most famous Christmas market in northern Italy – it was one of our favorite markets we’ve visited. Here’s what to explore:

Walther Square (Piazza Walther): Walther Square is the heart of Bolzano’s market, where there are tons of wooden stalls, bars, and a giant Christmas tree with a life-sized nativity. The cathedral, Duomo di Bolzano, towers over the market, for a picture-perfect setting that oozes charm.

Christmas Decorations and Crafts : Bolzano’s Christmas market is known for its artisanal goods, many of which are handmade by locals around South Tyrol. We loved exploring:

Hand-carved wooden figurines: Delicate nativity scenes, angels, and ornaments crafted from local wood. We bought a few wooden German smokers – little figurines that “smoke” incense cones.
Glass and ceramic decorations: Beautifully crafted ornaments and figurines that make perfect gifts or keepsakes.
Alpine woolen products: Cozy scarves, hats, and socks made from soft, high-quality wool sourced from the region – with beautiful, unique designs.
South Tyrolean honey and preserves: Locally produced honey, jams, and preserves make for delicious souvenirs.
Advent wreaths and candles: Traditional holiday décor made with fresh pine, holly, and berries.

Ice Skating in the Square – For a fun winter activity, head to the ice rink located near Piazza Walther. Surrounded by festive lights and the bustling market, it’s the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit, especially if you’re traveling with family. We loved the little penguins my niece sat on while my daughter skated her around the rink.

Visit the Duomo di Bolzano – Right next to the market, the Bolzano Cathedral (Duomo di Bolzano) is a must-see. This Gothic cathedral features stunning frescoes and a towering bell tower. During Christmas, the church is beautifully decorated with nativity scenes and holiday displays.

A decorated Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments stands vibrant against the dark sky, capturing the festive spirit of the Bolzano Christmas market.

A glass of orange cocktail with a straw is held up in an outdoor setting, with a blurred view of a Christmas tree and the charming buildings of Bolzano's market in the background.

Snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds, trees in the foreground, reminiscent of the scenic beauty surrounding Bolzano during its enchanting Christmas Market season.

A festive display features wooden nutcracker figures in various costumes, arranged on a red surface. In front, small green and gray model houses evoke the charm of Bolzano's Christmas market.

Nestled near Bolzano, this small church with a red steeple and cross stands serenely against forested hills under a clear sky, evoking the charm of a Christmas market scene.

Shelves in Bolzano's market are stocked with various vacuum-sealed cured meats and sausages in a festive display, perfect for Christmas shopping.

What to Buy at the Bolzano Christmas Market

The Bolzano Christmas market itself had lots of fun and unique trinkets – we go to German markets often that usually have similar vendors and crafts – Bolzano had a lot of gorgeous, intricate woodwork, beautiful ceramics, lots of sausages and bottles of gorgeous wine – and of course great candies, chocolates, and even lots of artisan leather goods.

Local Wines – Bolzano is part of Italy’s famed wine region, so be sure to pick up a bottle of Lagrein or Gewürztraminer, both local varietals known for their distinctive flavors. Many stalls offer tastings, so you can sample before you buy.
Speck – A South Tyrolean specialty, Speck is a type of cured ham that has been lightly smoked and seasoned with herbs. It makes a perfect souvenir or gift, and you can find it in various forms—from whole cuts to thinly sliced.
Strudel – Bring home a taste of the Alps with a traditional apple strudel. Many stalls offer freshly baked strudel, as well as packaged versions that are easy to transport.
Handcrafted Leather Goods – Bolzano has a rich tradition of leather craftsmanship. Look for stalls selling handmade leather bags, wallets, belts, and other accessories, which make unique and high-quality gifts.
Local Cheese – The South Tyrol region is famous for its cheese. From creamy Asiago to sharp Pecorino, you’ll find a variety of local cheeses at the market. Many vendors offer tastings, so you can sample and select your favorites.

A plate with three seasoned patties garnished with herbs and Parmesan, accompanied by a fork, captures the essence of Bolzano's culinary delights. A side of golden French fries in a paper cone adds charm reminiscent of a Christmas market feast.

A wooden board at the Bolzano market, adorned with assorted meats, cheeses, lettuce, a pickle, a cherry tomato, and a dollop of cream, invites indulgence. A perfect festive delight to savor with a knife in hand during the Christmas season.

A bowl of tomato soup with a slice of bread and melted cheese on top, reminiscent of the cozy flavors found at a Christmas Market in Bolzano, served on a floral-patterned plate with a spoon beside it.

Three herb dumplings on a blue plate, garnished with parsley and set in a light buttery sauce, evoke the cozy warmth of Bolzano's Christmas Market.

What to Eat in Bolzano

We definitely didn’t go hungry while staying in Bolzano – from the grocery stores (I love finding a good Spar) to local shops, there was plenty to eat. We love both German and Italian food – and because of Bolzano’s Tyrolean history and distance from Milan and Venice, you can definitely get the best of both worlds in Bolzano!

Würstel Stalls: You’ll find plenty of stalls offering classic German-style sausages, or “Würstel,” served in a bun with mustard. It’s a perfect snack to enjoy while wandering the market.

Knödel (Dumplings): A South Tyrolean staple, Knödel are savory dumplings made from bread, herbs, and sometimes bacon or cheese. Look for vendors selling hearty portions of this comforting dish.

Vin Brulé (Mulled Wine): Warm up with a steaming cup of Vin Brulé, the Italian version of mulled wine. It’s spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus, making it the perfect companion on a chilly evening.

Forsterbräu Bolzano: For a sit-down meal, head to Forsterbräu Bolzano, a historic brewery and restaurant. They serve traditional South Tyrolean dishes, such as goulash, Wiener schnitzel, and local sausages, paired with freshly brewed beer!

The facade of an old building in Bolzano features murals depicting human figures, decorative patterns, and multiple windows with shutters, reminiscent of a Christmas market's charm.

Night view of a stone building with a tower, featuring a triangular roof and small windows, reminiscent of Bolzano's charm during Christmas, set against a dark sky.

Against a dusky sky, the tall gothic-style church tower in Bolzano stands with detailed stone carvings and a clock, overlooking the festive Christmas market below.

A narrow cobblestone street lined with buildings and festive lights, reminiscent of a cozy Christmas market in Bolzano, features a clock tower set against a colorful sunset sky.

What to Do in Bolzano During Christmas

Explore the Old Town: Bolzano’s Old Town is a beautiful blend of Italian and Austrian architecture. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with Renaissance and Gothic buildings, especially along Via dei Portici, the main shopping street. Many stores are decorated for the holidays, creating a festive atmosphere.

Visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: Home to the famous Ötzi the Iceman, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region. Even during the holiday season, it’s a must-see attraction for history lovers.

Ride the Funivia del Renon: For breathtaking views of the Dolomites and Bolzano’s surrounding landscape, take the Renon cable car. It’s a short ride up to the Renon plateau, where you can enjoy scenic walks or visit the charming villages. We actually drove to Renon instead of taking the cable car, and we were bummed we missed it – but Renon and Ritten should not be missed!

At night, the nativity scene glows beside a lit Christmas tree, with Bolzano's tall tower forming a picturesque backdrop, capturing the festive spirit of the town known for its charming Christmas Market.

Bolzano on Christmas Day

Bolzano is relatively quiet on Christmas Day, with most shops and stalls in the market closed. However, this creates the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s serene beauty, visit local churches, or take a peaceful walk through the nearby hills.

Be sure to plan ahead for dining, as many restaurants close on Christmas Day, but one incredible option is Gasthof Kohlern – where we spent our Christmas dinner.

A plate of sliced beetroot with green lettuce, white cheese shavings, and red sauce drizzled on the side evokes the festive spirit of a Christmas Market in Bolzano. The vibrant dish is elegantly presented on a white plate, with a fork placed at the top right.

A bowl of creamy soup topped with two purple potato slices and a yellow dollop sits on a decorative white dish with a floral pattern, reminiscent of the elegance found at Bolzano's Christmas Market. Silverware is placed beside the plate.

A plate of ravioli topped with creamy sauce and crispy fried onions, reminiscent of a festive Market treat in Bolzano, rests invitingly on a white dish.

A plated dish with sliced meat and sauce, accompanied by colorful vegetables, garnished with a drizzle of sauce on a decorative plate that evokes the festive charm of the Bolzano Christmas Market.

Mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks in the distance, dense forests, and rolling hills under a clear blue sky, reminiscent of Bolzano's serene backdrop during the festive Christmas Market season.

Christmas Day Dinner at Gasthof Kohlern

For a memorable Christmas Day meal, book a dinner at Gasthof Kohlern, a charming alpine hotel and restaurant perched high above Bolzano. The restaurant is known for its incredible views, seasonal dishes, and cozy, rustic ambiance.

We took the cable car to this adorable hotel and restaurant to spend Christmas Dinner – it was a knockout! I’d really like to stay at Gasthof Kohlern on a future visit.

Cuisine: Gasthof Kohlern offers a menu that blends traditional South Tyrolean flavors with modern influences. Look for dishes like roast venison with red cabbage, ravioli filled with mountain herbs, or a delicate strudel for dessert.
The Experience: The journey to Gasthof Kohlern is an adventure in itself, as you’ll take the Kohlerer Bahn, the world’s oldest cable car, to reach the restaurant. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of Bolzano and the surrounding mountains, creating a magical setting for your Christmas dinner.
Atmosphere: The warm, welcoming interior is perfect for a festive holiday dinner! Wooden beams, cozy fireplaces, and candlelit tables set the tone for a relaxing and intimate dining experience. We will treasure the memories from our alpine dinner forever!