The 2026 Christmas markets in South Tyrol will open at the end of November and stay lit until 6 January 2027. The towns that host them, from Bolzano to Merano, from Bressanone to Vipiteno and Brunico, are already hard at work on wooden stalls, lights and decorations. Anyone wanting to enjoy them at a relaxed pace would do well to plan now: December weekends are the most sought-after, and trains and hotels fill up quickly.
When do the 2026 Christmas markets open in South Tyrol?
The announced dates point to an opening between Thursday 26 and Friday 27 November 2026, with everywhere closing on 6 January 2027. Merano is expected to start on 26 November, while sources differ between 26 and 27 November for Bolzano and Bressanone. Admission is always free. The official calendar, with opening times and any closure days, is on the tourist portal suedtirol.info.
The most beautiful Christmas markets in South Tyrol
Bolzano, the biggest
In Piazza Walther, at the foot of the Duomo, Bolzano's Christmas market is the largest and best known in the region. The stalls offer wooden handicrafts, glass decorations, boiled wool and local specialities: speck, strudel, Zelten (a traditional fruit cake) and mulled wine. From here, just a few steps away, you reach the Portici arcades on Via dei Portici, perfect for a stroll sheltered from the cold.
Merano, along the Passirio
In Merano, the market stretches along the Passeggiata Lungo Passirio, in front of the Art Nouveau Kurhaus, with the river flowing alongside the stalls. It's one of the most elegant markets in Italy, and can be paired with a warm soak at the Merano Thermal Baths, just a few minutes' walk away. We featured Merano on TV with the Gran Premio Merano Alto Adige, at the Maia Racecourse: in winter the town takes on a different look, but loses none of its charm. For information about the area, there's the Merano and surroundings portal.
Bressanone, in the Duomo square
Bressanone, considered the oldest town in Tyrol and for centuries the seat of its bishops, hosts its market in Piazza Duomo, amid historic buildings and bell towers. The atmosphere is more intimate than in Bolzano, and in the evening, with the lights on, the square looks like a nativity scene. From here, the Isarco Valley leads towards Val Pusteria and Rio di Pusteria, which we featured in the episode on Rio Pusteria and Gitschberg Jochtal.
Vipiteno, beneath the Torre delle Dodici
Vipiteno is one of South Tyrol's most picturesque villages, with its main street lined with colourful façades and the Torre delle Dodici (Twelve O'Clock Tower) splitting it in two. The market here is small and cosy, ideal for anyone looking for a quieter Christmas.
Brunico, at the foot of Plan de Corones
In Val Pusteria, Brunico brings its market into the heart of the old town. With snow, which often arrives early here, and the mountains all around, this is the most "mountain-like" market on the list.
How to reach the Christmas markets without a car
The train is the best way to get around South Tyrol's Christmas markets: Bolzano, Bressanone, Vipiteno, Merano and Brunico are all connected by rail, and you can reach the town centres on foot in just a few minutes from the station. This way you avoid full car parks and can enjoy your mulled wine worry-free. Timetables and tips are on the getting around the Christmas markets by public transport page on suedtirol.info.
Our trip: South Tyrol told first-hand
South Tyrol is one of the regions that Una gita fuoriporta with David Romano has featured the most. In the eighth season we went there to talk about excellence and things done well, in the episode Alto Adige, when quality becomes a way of life, then among the meadows of Rio di Pusteria, and finally in Merano for the Gran Premio. It's an area where craftsmanship and traditions aren't just a postcard image, but a way of life: and the Christmas markets are their finest showcase.
You'll find more ideas for the region on our Trentino-Alto Adige page.
Practical tips for the 2026 Christmas markets
- Book early: December weekends, especially the Immaculate Conception long weekend, are the busiest.
- Choose a weekday if you can: it's easier to get around and shop at a relaxed pace.
- Dress in layers: in the evening temperatures drop below zero, especially in Vipiteno and Brunico.
- Take the mug home or return it: at many markets, mulled wine is served in mugs with a deposit.
- Pair it with an experience: the thermal baths in Merano, a walk at altitude, or a visit to the Archaeological Museum in Bolzano, home to Ötzi.
And to choose your next destination, on our site you'll find all the episodes of Una gita fuoriporta to watch on demand.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 Christmas markets in South Tyrol
When do the Bolzano Christmas markets open in 2026?
At the end of November: the announced dates point to 26 or 27 November 2026, closing on 6 January 2027. Check the official website for confirmation.
When does the Merano Christmas market open in 2026?
Thursday 26 November 2026, until 6 January 2027, along the Passeggiata Lungo Passirio.
Is there an entrance fee for the Christmas markets?
No, admission to South Tyrol's Christmas markets is free.
What's the best way to get around the markets?
By train: Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Vipiteno and Brunico are all connected, and the markets are close to the stations.