Christmas Markets in Trentino-Alto Adige 2026: a guide to historic towns, mountain villages and the Dolomites

From late November to Epiphany, the choice is wide, from the big city events to small village markets. We have gathered all the dates for the 2026 edition here, along with some tips for planning your visits from Siusi allo Sciliar.

Christmas Markets in Trentino-Alto Adige 2026: when to go and how to plan

This year things start early. Trento opens on 20 November, while Bolzano and Bressanone open on 26 November. All three city markets stay open until 6 January 2027. Bolzano and Bressanone close only on 25 December, while Trento opens on Christmas Day in the afternoon, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Mountain villages follow shorter calendars, often limited to the Advent weekends.

If you can, choose a weekday and arrive in the early afternoon. On December weekends, and especially over the Immaculate Conception holiday (8 December), the squares fill up and parking becomes a challenge. Trains and buses are the most convenient option, also because the main markets are just a few minutes’ walk from the station. For a stay during the festive weeks, take a look at our winter offers.

The historic Christmas market towns of South Tyrol

Bolzano Christmas Market

Opened in 1991, the Bolzano market is considered the first Christkindlmarkt in Italy, and in 2026 it reaches its thirty-fifth edition. It opens on 26 November and runs until 6 January 2027, closing on 25 December. The Bolzano Christmas market centres on Piazza Walther, but it also extends along Viale Stazione and Via dell’Isarco, home to the artisan crafts section. Between glass ornaments, carved nativity scenes and spiced biscuits, it is worth setting aside at least half a day. From Siusi, the provincial capital is about half an hour away.

Bressanone (Brixen) Christmas Market

Bressanone also celebrates its thirty-fifth anniversary. The market opens on 26 November and stays open until 6 January 2027, closing on 25 December. The Bressanone Christmas market gathers in Piazza Duomo, between the cathedral and the church of San Michele, with a more intimate atmosphere than Bolzano. At dusk, head to the courtyard of the Hofburg, the former prince-bishops’ palace, which hosts a ticketed light show. The two towns are half an hour apart by train, so you can visit both on the same day.

Villages and the plateau: markets just steps from the hotel

Castelrotto (Kastelruth) Christmas Market

From 28 November to 27 December 2026, the village square hosts “Christmas in the Mountains”, open on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and on public holidays. The Castelrotto Christmas market is small, just eight huts, but the programme is packed: there is the St Nicholas procession and the Krampus parade. On Saturday 19 December, the Kastelruther Spatzen, the folk band that is the village’s emblem, play their Christmas concert at the Telfen sports centre (booking required). Children are usually enchanted: if you are travelling with them, staying at Hotel Villa Madonna is the best choice.

Alpe di Siusi Christmas Markets

At the foot of the plateau, Advent moves at a slower pace. The Alpe di Siusi Christmas markets include Fiè allo Sciliar, where the huts stand in the church square and come alive mostly in the afternoon and evening. Then there is Tires al Catinaccio, with its mountain Advent on the afternoons of 12, 19 and 26 December 2026. Siusi allo Sciliar also hosts Christmas events from early December to mid-January, within walking distance of the hotel. Between one market and the next, there is time for the slopes and walks in the snow.

Christmas Markets in the Dolomites

If you want to venture further, you are spoilt for choice. The Christmas markets in the Dolomites range from the Maitin in Canazei, in Val di Fassa, open from 27 November to 27 December, to San Candido (Innichen) in Alta Pusteria. San Candido runs from 27 November to 6 January and opens only at weekends in the first weeks of Advent. In Val Gardena, just a few kilometres away, Santa Cristina and Selva offer small markets with the peaks as a backdrop.

Heading south into Trentino, between the city of the Council and the lake

Trento Christmas Market

Founded in 1993, the Trento Christmas market is the first to open. From 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, the huts fill Piazza Fiera, along the medieval walls, and Piazza Mostra, at the foot of the Buonconsiglio Castle. It is open every day, including Christmas Day with reduced hours. A dedicated little Christmas train takes visitors around the city’s festive sights.

Molveno Christmas Markets

On the shores of Lake Molveno, at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites, the atmosphere is more intimate. During the holidays, the old town comes alive with music, events and the traditional trail of nativity scenes created by the residents, until Epiphany. The Molveno Christmas markets are ideal for a day trip, combined with a walk along the lake. The detailed programme is published every year by the APT Dolomiti Paganella tourist board.

Christmas markets and gluten-free food

Strauben, zelten and krapfen contain gluten. Roasted chestnuts and mulled wine are generally a simpler choice, but it is always worth asking about ingredients and the risk of cross-contamination. At Hotel Villa Madonna, affiliated with the Italian Coeliac Association (AIC), gluten-free cooking is part of everyday hospitality. When you return from the markets, you can enjoy dinner with peace of mind and a selection of products dedicated to food intolerances.

Your Christmas at the foot of the Sciliar

Historic towns, mountain villages and lakeside resorts: the Christmas markets of Trentino-Alto Adige offer itineraries for every kind of traveller. Siusi allo Sciliar is a convenient base for reaching them and for returning, in the evening, to the silence of the forest. Contact us to book your stay for Christmas 2026.

Is there an entrance fee for the markets?
No, access to the squares is free. Only some related attractions charge a fee, such as shows, ice skating or concerts.

Can you visit with a pushchair?
Yes, but at peak times the paths between the huts get narrow. For little ones, a baby carrier is often more practical.

How far in advance should I book the hotel?
For December weekends and the Immaculate Conception holiday, we recommend booking a few weeks in advance, as availability in the area drops quickly.