A family with a child at the Christmas market

Contemplative atmosphere in the holiday villages

Advent & Christmas season in the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm

When the scent of cinnamon, gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air, it is Advent at the foot of the Schlern. The Christmas markets in the idyllic holiday villages of Kastelruth, Völs am Schlern and Tiers am Rosengarten may be small, but they are exceptionally charming and atmospheric.
They offer a wonderfully peaceful alternative to the large, often hectic markets in South Tyrol’s cities. At these smaller Christmas markets, locals and visitors alike enjoy getting into the Christmas spirit. They admire traditional craftsmanship, enjoy South Tyrolean delicacies and listen to festive music. The cosy, family-like atmosphere will also bring you peaceful moments, you’ll see!

Historic Christmas market on the village square in Kastelruth

Kastelruth Mountain Christmas

28.11. – 27.12.2026
The beautiful historic village centre provides the backdrop for the many small stalls, where visitors can find gift items, candles, nativity figures, herbs and much more. Over mulled wine, fragrant cookies and homemade sweet “Kastelruther Krapfen”, visitors can escape the pre-Christmas bustle and enjoy a few quiet moments.
On the village square, a small ice rink awaits the youngest visitors. The programme of this small, idyllic Christmas market includes an atmospheric music programme and, every year, the Christmas concert of the Kastelruther Spatzen.

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Christmas market on the church square in Völs am Schlern

Christkindl wortn

07.12.2026 – 29.12.2027
The Völs Christmas market is tranquil, cosy and romantic. It shortens the wait for Christmas and brings visitors light and warmth on dark winter days. On the Church square of Völs am Schlern, a majestic Christmas tree stands each year, with atmospheric lighting all around. The rustic wooden huts on the square are a popular meeting place for locals and visitors from near and far. Lovingly crafted local handicrafts, warming mulled wine, treats from the bakery and the special music programme create a strong sense of togetherness for everyone.

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Local specialities and homemade goods

Bergler Advent in Tiers

12.12., 19.12. and 26.12.2026
This year again, the village square in Tiers will become a meeting place for locals and guests on three dates in December. The focus is on cosy get-togethers, accompanied by a fine selection of warm drinks and both savoury and sweet treats.
On each date, the local associations of Tiers take care of the food and drink, and their great commitment brings enjoyment and good cheer. The library reads Christmas stories aloud and gives children special moments during Advent.
Young and old alike enjoy the cosy and authentic atmosphere of the mountain village in winter at the Bergler Advent.

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Atmospheric Christmas season in Seis am Schlern

Seis on Ice

27.11.2026–09.01.2027
In addition to the ice rink and the small mulled wine stands, visitors of all ages can look forward to a varied program of events featuring special highlights: fascinating magic and fire shows, great live bands, and atmospheric Advent and Christmas concerts create a festive atmosphere.

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Christmas Customs

Living traditions in the Dolomites Region Seiser Alm and in South Tyrol

Advent Wreath
Krampus Day
Saint Nicholas
Christmas Eve
The Three Kings
Wishing a Happy New Year

Four candles bringing light and joyful anticipation to the Advent season.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first of four candles is lit on the Advent wreath, which is often hand-made and artfully decorated. That makes the wait for Christmas go by faster.
When Krampus and St. Nicholas bring tradition and a touch of excitement to the streets.

The Krampus is a shaggy, horned, fearsome figure from Alpine folklore. He is the companion of Saint Nicholas: while Saint Nicholas gives gifts to the good children, the Krampus threatens the naughty ones with switches and chains. The actual Krampus Day is 5 December, but nowadays there are countless Krampus parades throughout South Tyrol from the end of November until mid-December.
A special day filled with joy, surprises and little gifts.

On 6 December, Saint Nicholas, accompanied by angels and a chain-rattling Krampus, used to go from house to house bringing small gifts to all the children. Nowadays, Saint Nicholas arrives in every village and hands out nuts, tangerines, gingerbread and chocolate Saint Nicholases to the children present.
An evening filled with peaceful moments, festive lights and togetherness.

The most important day is of course Christmas Eve on 24 December. Christmas trees are set up in all the living rooms, often still decorated in the old tradition with straw stars, red ribbons, wooden ornaments and real candles. The nativity scene must not be missing under the tree, often featuring hand-carved wooden figures.
When the Star Singers bring blessings for the New Year.

After Christmas and until Epiphany on 6 January, farms traditionally carry incense through the house and stable to drive away all evil. During this time, the Three Kings go from house to house to bring blessings for the new year and to collect donations for people in need. On the Seiser Alm, they do this on skis.
Welcoming the New Year with good wishes, happiness and hope.

In many South Tyrolean communities, the local brass bands are out and about on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. In small groups, they visit the houses of the village and play the residents a short serenade. In this way, they bring musical good wishes for the new year. As a thank-you, they usually receive a small donation for the band’s funds and are treated to schnapps, wine or “Krapfen”.

Christmans concert of the Kastelruther Spatzen

On 19 December, the Kastelruther Spatzen will get you in the mood for Christmas with Christmas songs and reflective texts. Look forward to a concert in which the musicians present their most beautiful and heartfelt Christmas songs, an experience that goes straight to the heart and fits perfectly into the Advent season.

Click here for the program