Mercatino di Natale Bressanone
Set against the backdrop of the cathedral in the historic old town, traditional wooden huts showcase South Tyrolean handicrafts, including woodcarvings, candles, ceramics, and textiles. Food stalls offer local specialties such as dumplings, krapfen, and homemade mulled wine, alongside treats prepared over an open fire pit. The market is complemented by a cultural program featuring musical performances, Advent traditions, and children's activities.
What to Expect
Traditional alpine South Tyrolean market designated as an eco-friendly Green Event.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Piazza Duomo
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Brixen Tourism
Food & Drink
Stalls offer hot drinks such as homemade mulled wine and punch, alongside South Tyrolean specialities including dumplings, sausages, apple strudel and sweet krapfen; selections vary by vendor and season.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and visitors interested in regional crafts and traditions
Vibe
Traditional and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Market stalls: Mon–Thu 11 am–7 pm; Fri–Sun & public holidays 10 am–7 pm. Special hours: 24 & 31 December 10 am–4 pm; 1 January 12 noon–7 pm; 6 January 10 am–6 pm. Food & drink stalls: Mon–Thu 11 am–9 pm; Fri–Sun & public holidays 10 am–9 pm. Special hours: 6, 13, 20 & 23 December until 10 pm; 24 December 10 am–5:30 pm; 31 December 10 am–5:30 pm & 10 pm–2 am; 1 January 12 noon–9 pm. The market is closed on 25 December.
- Accessibility: Located on Cathedral Square in the historic old town, visitors needing step-free routes or specific facilities are advised to contact Brixen Tourism in advance.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive by train if you can, since the station is only a few minutes' walk from the old town and Cathedral Square.
- Be at Cathedral Square as the market opens to hear the White Tower carillon play Ode to Joy, which it does every day.
- Stop by the fire pit for free traditional South Tyrolean snacks and a chance to see traditional crafts made in front of you.
- Do your gift shopping first, because the craft stalls close a couple of hours before the food and drink stalls each evening.
- Combine your visit with the Light & Music Show at the Hofburg, which sits close to the market in the old town.
Special Events & Promotions
- November 26: opening ceremony of the Christmas Market.
- 35th anniversary edition, with a new concept and a cultural program created with local associations.
- Fire pit from November 26 to December 30 and January 2–6, with free traditional South Tyrolean snacks and live traditional crafts.
- Food and drink stalls stay open an hour later on December 6, 13, 20 and 23.
- New Year's Eve: the food and drink stalls close in the late afternoon, then reopen late at night until the early hours.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I buy at the market?
Most goods are made or finished in South Tyrol. Look for handmade candles, wooden articles, felt and wool goods, hand-painted glass baubles, ceramics, natural cosmetics, herbal products and homemade specialties.
What can I eat and drink?
Food stalls serve homemade mulled wine, dumpling dishes, sweet krapfen and apple strudel. There are also sausages, goulash soup, polenta, strauben and waffles, plus drinks like hot aperol, punch and mulled apple gin.
Is the market good for families with children?
Yes. There's music, storytelling, creative activities and Advent traditions. The fire area has activities for both younger and older visitors, and children can bake Christmas biscuits at the Profanter Natural Bakery.
Can I get there by train?
Yes. The station is a few minutes' walk from the old town. DB-ÖBB Railjet trains run along the Brenner route five times a day, linking Italy, Austria and Germany directly with Brixen.
Is it a sustainable market?
Yes. It's a Green Event. That means regional products, short transport routes, careful use of resources, waste management and sustainable travel, with train and bus travel encouraged.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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