Welcome in Bressanone, in South Tyrol, dear Friends, a corner of the Dolomites that becomes a fairy tale every year, from the end of November to the 6th of January, with the ancient architecture that dress up with lights, the liveliness of the Christmas Market, the exhibition of cribs, musical performances, the skating rink and the possibility of on the beautiful slopes of Plose, the local mountain.
The traditional Christmas Market
But let’s start with Christmas Market. From the end of November to January 6th, Piazza Duomo welcomes forty small wooden houses illuminated by day, where you can admire and buy gifts, handicrafts, decorations for your Christmas tree and your house, figurines for the crib and traditional foods such as frankfurters and sausages, typical sweets such as zelten and ginger biscuits, and drinks like bear and vin brulè (hot wine with spices).
The whole market is surrounded by inviting scents and typical Christmas music that warm the cold of the sunset. It really feels great!
Like all the Christmas Markets in South Tyrol, called Christlindmarkt, this one in Bressanone is a Green Event, organized and lived according to eco-sustainable criteria, respecting natural resources, artisanal traditions, the enhancement of seasonal and regional products.
The ancient monuments in Bressanone
A chase of ancient monuments surrounds the square, it’s full of history and beauty: the Cathedral with the wonderful frescoed cloister; the San Michele parish church and historic buildings such as the town hall. A frame that has helped to qualify this market by CNN as the ninth in the world for beauty and atmosphere.
Do not miss also the prestigious collection of cribs inside the Diocesan Museum, a permanent exhibition with pieces of absolute value, such as the Baroque crib or the Neapolitan one.
Good typical food
Characteristics are also Via Portici Maggiori and Via Portici Minori, with well restored old houses, and Via Mercato Vecchio, where there are addresses for gourmets. with shops selling smoked speck with juniper wood, game salami, spiced biscuits and the typical zelten, a typical cake made with dried and candied fruit.
Next to the stands of the market, children and adults can have fun on the ice rink next to the Bishop’s Palace.
Nature, mountain and snow
Who wants a full immersion in nature can make excursions on foot or reach the nearby Plose slopes, the local mountain that, in addition to the possibility of skiing, also offers one of the longest toboggan runs in South Tyrol.
Finally, at sunset, in the courtyard of the Hofburg, the Bishop’s Palace, on stage the musical show of lights Best of Soliman’s Dream, full of special effects and emotions.
You can find informations and times about Christmas Market at www.brixen.org