The first Christmas market held in Italy took place in 1991 in the city of Bolzano, in the north of the country.
Inspired by traditional German events, the Christkindlmarkt de Bolzano It quickly established itself as one of the most anticipated attractions in Alto Adige.
In 2025, the event will celebrate its 33rd anniversary and will remain one of the five original Christmas markets in the region, alongside those in Merano, Brunico, Bressanone, and Vipiteno.
The event starts on November 28th.
This year's edition will officially open on November 27th with the lighting ceremony of the Wishing Tree. The 20-meter pine tree will be decorated with ceramic works produced by children undergoing hospital treatment, with support from the Lene Thun Foundation.
Activities for the public will take place between November 28, 2025 and January 6, 2026, in the city's historic center.
The central point of the event is Piazza Walther, where the main attractions are concentrated. There will be 112 wooden chalets, with handcrafted products, Christmas souvenirs, and gastronomic specialties such as the traditional strudel and vin brûlée. A nativity scene will also be set up inside a stable.
Activities for children and cultural programming
Children will be able to ride electric trains through the city streets and have fun on the ice skating rink. The Piazza del Grano will host a charity market until December 23rd, with proceeds going to local organizations.
The program also includes concerts, cooking and craft workshops, theatrical performances, and other cultural activities. Two of the events will be dedicated to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The Museion, a contemporary art museum, will host an exhibition about the Olympic torch, while an art installation in homage to the Games will be set up in Piazza Municipio.
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