Celebrate Christmas in Bolzano – Italy’s Christmas Capitol
December 13, 2013Deep in the rolling hills of South Tyrol’s regional capital, the true spirit
of an Old-World Christmas comes to life on the medieval streets of Bolzano
where visitors indulge in holiday treats and Yuletide joy at the Mercatino di
Natale – Italy’s largest Christmas Market.
From
November 29 to December 23, the picturesque streets of Alto Adige/South Tyrol's
regional capital invite you to experience the magic of an Alpine Christmas
during the annual Mercatino di Natale. Thousands of visitors come to celebrate
the holiday season by strolling through Bolzano’s fabled Christmas market with
a steaming cup of hot mulled wine in hand as they inhale the sweet scents of
cinnamon and spice.
The
beautifully decorated Piazza Walther is the festive meeting place where family
and friends gather to share in Yuletide joy. This historic square in the town’s
medieval district is a picturesque scene right out of a children’s storybook
with over 80 stalls stacked with glass Christmas tree decorations, handmade
arts and crafts, wooden toys, candles and ceramics.
Here
the romance and magic of a traditional Christmas is alive and well. Shimmering
lamps and candlelight bathe the city in a magical glow as people celebrate the
traditions of a bygone era while indulging their sweet tooth with artfully
decorated seasonal pastries that seem to have jumped off the pages of a medieval
cookbook. 
Live
Christmas concerts are also held throughout the historic centre in churches and
other venues, along with beautifully displayed nativity scenes. There are also
horse-drawn carriage rides as well as numerous activities and exhibitions. This
is a special time of year in Bolzano where the outdoor market is filled by the
sights, smells and sounds of a good old-fashioned Christmas.
However, an Alpine Christmas would not be complete without the Sfilata di San Nicolò e i Krampus. Though most Canadians are familiar with Jolly Old Saint Nick’s European heritage, few are familiar with his dark servants the Krampus: towering mythical devils with pointed horns, bulging eyes and whip-like tongues who accompany him on his earthly journey.
However, an Alpine Christmas would not be complete without the Sfilata di San Nicolò e i Krampus. Though most Canadians are familiar with Jolly Old Saint Nick’s European heritage, few are familiar with his dark servants the Krampus: towering mythical devils with pointed horns, bulging eyes and whip-like tongues who accompany him on his earthly journey.
On
the eve of December 5, when the sun sets behind the mountain peaks and darkness
envelops the land, the Krampus come out from the woods to parade through the
streets and alleyways of Alpine villages to scare adults and children.
During the parade, the rowdy Krampus scare bystanders with their pitchforks, sticks and whips as the procession of Saint Nicholas makes its way to the local church. While Saint Nicholas rewards children who have been good with gifts and sweets, the scary Krampus are there to punish those who have made the “naughty list.” One look at the Krampus and children are scared straight back to the path of good. After the parade, the noisy Krampus are rewarded with holiday drinks to celebrate the holiday. The Krampus provide the same spirited fun of Halloween and are a great addition to your traditional holiday festivities!
WHERE TO STAY
Experience old-world opulence at the state-of-the-art
Parkhotel Laurin located in the
heart of Bolzano. The ground floor is also home to one of Bolzano’s best
restaurants and the perfect place to enjoy a great meal after a day of
sightseeing.
If retreating to the countryside for rest and relaxation is on your to-do list, then a stay at Hotel Hanny is in order. Located 2.5 km from the centre of Bolzano, the hotel is surrounded by mountains and tranquil cycling and hiking trails.
If retreating to the countryside for rest and relaxation is on your to-do list, then a stay at Hotel Hanny is in order. Located 2.5 km from the centre of Bolzano, the hotel is surrounded by mountains and tranquil cycling and hiking trails.
WHERE TO EAT IN BOLZANO
If you’ve ever wanted to dine in a 13th
century medieval castle then here’s your chance! Located up the hill from
Bolzano, Ristorante Castel
Flavon - Restaurant Haselburg offers a new take on
traditional dishes with panoramic views over the city.
Enjoy the hearty flavours of the South Tyrolean Mountains
at the elegant Restaurant Laurin
where chefs use locally grown ingredients to create their signature mouth-watering
dishes.
After a long day you’ll appreciate the hearty
servings of traditional dishes at Hopfen
& Co, an 800-year-old inn set in the Habsburg era.
SURROUNDINGS
This
South Tyrolean capital is a charming city with lively streets and historic
squares, surrounded by vineyards and an incredible landscape leading into the magnificent
Dolomites. The city’s Austrian influence is displayed in the town’s food and
culture. Bolzano is a great destination for nature enthusiasts with its
beautiful walking trails, green hills and three cable cars that whisk visitors to
enjoy the panoramic views of this outdoor wonderland. GETTING TO BOLZANO
Bolzano is located on the crossroads between Northern and Southern Europe and is easily accessible by train as it is a major hub of the railway system in the Central Alps. The Airport Bolzano Dolomites is located 5 km outside of the city centre and can be reached from most major European cities.
Look for this article in the current issue of Panoram Italia Magazine.
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