The centuries long tradition of Christmas Markets comes alive every year in Alpine Italy and especially in South Tyrol and Trentino. A Germanic tradition with an Italian flavour!
TRENTINO
Many towns and locations in Trentino host markets every winter, renewing a long and much-loved tradition. In Trento, the ancient city walls frame the dozens of wooden huts colouring Piazza Fiera, from 25 November to 24 December, with their sculptures, pottery, floral compositions, arts and crafts, decorations and many delicious local specialities. In Arco too, from 17 November to 23 December, the historic centre turns into a stage for stands with the marvels of arts and crafts, and for jugglers and singers, in memory of the Hapsburg tradition. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
A visit to the Levico markets, set in the secular Parco delle Terme among majestic trees, is like a journey of discovery among the tastes and scents of Valsugana. These markets are open from 26 November to Christmas Eve, from 10am to 7pm and special openings will be on 2,9 and 16 December when the markets will stay open until 10pm for a firework display . In the nearby medieval town of Caldonazzo the stands, hosted traditionally in the Magnifica Corte Trapp, are open on 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17 December only from 10am to 7pm.
The characteristic market of Siror, a small centre at the foot of the Pale di San Martino, is based on a northern tradition, but reinterpreted in a local key. Here you can find sweets and local products, while the children can travel around the village on a large wooden sleigh drawn by horses. The magical atmosphere of the traditional Christmas will be completed by carol singing and entertainment by clowns and jugglers. The dates for this market are 3, 8,9,10 and 17 December.
SOUTH TYROL
South Tyrol’s Original Christmas Markets open officially on 1st December 2006, making the five towns of Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Vipiteno and Brunico five stars amid the region’s firmament, heralding in the Alpine festive season. At precisely 5 pm the five towns will illuminate their Christmas trees along with the festively decorated market stalls, at the same time, flooding the squares and streets with light.
South Tyrol’s Christmas Markets' traditions are rooted in the Central European culture, especially German-speaking re-gions, where, similar to English-speaking countries Christmas is one of the most cherished times of the year. The four weeks – the Advent period - leading up to Christmas Day – are rich in events, symbolism and centuries-old traditions which are relived each year by South Tyrolean families.
The tastefully arranged stalls offer mainly locally-crafted goods and South Tyrolean food products, the ultimate expression of the flavours and colours of this magnificent, unique Al-pine region.
The ideal way to experience this unrivalled Christmas atmosphere in South Tyrol is to embark on a “five star” tour of the five towns which are the venues of these Original Christmas Markets, each of which is “original” in its own right.
Bolzano/Bozen, for example, is famous for its delicious Christmas sweet bread called “Zelten”, made from rye bread with opulent toppings of dried figs, candied fruits and plenty more, while South Tyrol’s main town also offers plenty of other cultural attractions including its numerous museums. Visitors can obtain special reductions for admission to Runkelstein Castle and various museums in and around Bolzano, including the famous Archaeological Museum and Reinhold Messner’s Mountain Museum (MMM).
The Merano/Meran Christmas market is dedicated to the theme of apples, the fruit which has become symbolic of the Christmas tradition here. However, element of wellbeing is also well to the fore with the new Spa Centre and the atmosphere emanating from Merano’s glori-ous past as a favourite resort of the old Austrian aristocracy.
Bressanone/Brixen, medieval seat of the region’s Prince Bishops is the spiritual and cultural centre of South Tyrol’s Original Christmas Markets. A delightful seasonal attraction is the crib museum containing examples from all over the world. The impressive cathedral and its frescoed cloister are also well worth visiting.
Handcraft plays an important rule and manual labourer will work on wood, glass, candles, wool and on other natural elements in the squares.
The medieval town of Vipiteno/Sterzing dedicates its market to mineworks, which maid the town rich in eralier times. On the occasion of the Christmas markets the former mine of Miniera di Ridanno/Ridnaun-Monteneve/Schneeberg-now a museum - can be visited. Guided excursions to the historic center of Vipiteno are organzied, too.
“Christmas in the mountains” is the main theme of the Christmas market in the town of Brunico/Bruneck. A living crib and typical handcraft are on show .
The Bolzano Christmas market will be open until 23 december, in Merano until 30 december, in Bressanone and Brunico until 6 January 2007, in Vipiteno they will be open until 7 January.
ROME, PIAZZA NAVONA
Also open from 8 December to 6th January is the famous Christmas market in Piazza Navona where you can buy all the necessary ornaments for your Christmas tree and figurines for your crib. Father Christmas and the “Befana” (an old good witch that brings toys to the roman children and flies on a broom from chimney to chimney) will be in attendance for the joy of all the children.
CHRISTMAS TODAY FAIR in Rome, 8-17 December 06
The magical world of Christmas, with its special colours and atmosphere, will be brought to life at the “Natale Oggi” (Christmas today) event in Rome. Here the visitor can find all the best of Italian gift ideas, toys, Xmas food products, jewelry etc. Beside shopping, there will also be food tastings, merry-go-rounds, exhibitions, musical performances and children will be invited on Santa’s sledge…..
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