For 2026, we confirmed 25 Christmas events for kids in Bolzano. The season opens on November 13 with Origami di Natale (Christmas Origami) and runs until January 10 with LUMAGICA Merano. Of these, 5 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Italy.
The short version
- Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Bolzano, Bressanone, Lagundo, Lana, Castelrotto and more: 25
- First: Origami di Natale (Christmas Origami), Bolzano, November 13
- Free events: Natale dei Bambini (Children's Christmas), Mercatino Polvere di Stelle: Laboratorio degli Gnomi del Bosco (Stardust Market: Forest Gnomes Workshop), Mercatino Polvere di Stelle: una tenera e buffa storia di Natale (Stardust Market: A Sweet and Funny Christmas Story), Mercatino Polvere di Stelle: teatrino con burattini (Stardust Market: Puppet Theater) and Presepe vivente di Laives (Living Nativity Scene of Laives)
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).
At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Bolzano
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 25 confirmed for 2026
- Towns
- Bolzano, Bressanone, Lagundo, Lana, Castelrotto, Laives, Merano, Scena and Tirolo
- Season
- November 13 to January 10
- Free events
- 5
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- 10 Crafts
- 7 Story time
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Free Christmas events for kids in Bolzano
Christmas showFree
Natale dei Bambini (Children's Christmas)
- When: Daily, Fri, Nov 27 to Wed, Jan 6
- Where: Parco Berloffa, Viale della Stazione, 39100 Bolzano (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
During the Bolzano Christmas Market, in Parco Berloffa along Viale della Stazione, children find a warm Stube where artists tell Christmas stories. The announced program includes magic shows, ventriloquist puppets, shadow theater, storytellers, craft workshops and other activities, with events planned for every day of the market.
Participation is free. The 2026/27 market runs from November 27 to January 6, and the full calendar of Natale dei Bambini will be downloadable from the official website: it is worth checking the page again a few weeks before you go to pick the right show or workshop for your children's ages. Parco Berloffa is a few minutes on foot from Piazza Walther, where the market stalls and the colorful carousel for the little ones are, so the two stops go well together.
Parent tip: Check the daily program on the official website before you leave. Bundle up even though the Stube is heated.
- Host
- Mercatino di Natale di Bolzano (Azienda di Soggiorno e Turismo) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Parco Berloffa, Viale della Stazione, 39100 Bolzano (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 24 more Bolzano events researched for you.
- New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Bolzano.
- Exclusive access to free events Be first to hear about new free events in Bolzano.
- Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
- Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
- One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.
Coming up on this page
- 14 Markets
- 10 Crafts
- 7 Story time
- 6 Parades
- 5 Free
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Christmas events for kids in Lana
Christmas marketFree
Mercatino Polvere di Stelle: Laboratorio degli Gnomi del Bosco (Stardust Market: Forest Gnomes Workshop) (Lana)
- When: Sat, Nov 28, 10 am to 1 pm
- Where: Giardino dei Cappuccini, Via Andreas Hofer 2, 39011 Lana (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
On Saturday, November 28, opening day of the Polvere di Stelle market, Lana's forest kindergarten offers a workshop for children in the Giardino dei Cappuccini. With wood and natural materials, children build small Christmas creations, in an outdoor activity for those who love making things with their hands.
This year there is also something new: you can make Christmas cards and mail them right from the market. The workshop is free, runs from 10 am to 1 pm and needs no registration. It is a good way to kick off Advent as a family; remember that the Lana market has other events for children in the following weeks, including pony rides and Christmas readings. The Giardino dei Cappuccini is at Via Andreas Hofer 2, in the center of Lana, and is easy to reach with a stroller too. For information you can call the Lana tourist office at 0473 561770.
Parent tip: Free, no registration. You work outdoors, so dress warmly.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Lana e dintorni (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Giardino dei Cappuccini, Via Andreas Hofer 2, 39011 Lana (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas marketFree
Mercatino Polvere di Stelle: una tenera e buffa storia di Natale (Stardust Market: A Sweet and Funny Christmas Story) (Lana)
- When: Sun, Dec 6 and Sun, Dec 13, 11 to 11:45 am
- Where: Giardino dei Cappuccini, Via Andreas Hofer 2, 39011 Lana (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free admission
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
Isabella Halbeisen, a trained children's book author, takes young and old into the world of Wolli Trolly. With child-friendly words, stardust, candles and the sound of a coffee grinder, she tells the story of a little mountain sheep who hears about Christmas for the first time in the stable and sets off in search of great Christmas happiness.
Along the way Wolli Trolly meets a squirrel, a little fawn and the wise owl Emma, and together they discover that happiness is often found in small things. At the end of the reading every child receives a small gift. Admission is free and the readings are on Sunday, December 6 and Sunday, December 13 from 11 to 11:45 am in the Giardino dei Cappuccini; for the language of the reading, ask the tourist office (0473 561770).
Parent tip: Free admission, no registration. To find out which language the reading is in, ask the Lana tourist office at 0473 561770.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Lana e dintorni (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Giardino dei Cappuccini, Via Andreas Hofer 2, 39011 Lana (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas marketFree
Mercatino Polvere di Stelle: teatrino con burattini (Stardust Market: Puppet Theater) (Lana)
- When: Fri, Dec 11 and Fri, Dec 18, 4 to 4:45 pm
- Where: Sala San Francesco, convento dei Cappuccini, 39011 Lana (opens in maps)
- Cost: Pay what you wish (donation)
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
For the delight of the little visitors to the Polvere di Stelle market, two German-language puppet shows are planned in the Sala San Francesco of the Cappuccini convent. On Friday, December 11, Gernot Nagelschmied performs 'Zaubertopf', and on Friday, December 18, Eva Sotriffer presents 'Nicht nur Wölfe haben Hunger' (Not Only Wolves Get Hungry). Both shows run from 4 to 4:45 pm.
Participation is by donation, but a reservation is required at the Lana tourist office (0473 561770): the hall holds at most 90 people, so do not wait until the last minute. The shows are in German: very small children follow puppets well even without understanding every word, but take the language into account when choosing. The two dates have different titles, so pick the show you prefer.
Parent tip: Reservation required at 0473 561770. The shows are in German.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Lana e dintorni (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Sala San Francesco, convento dei Cappuccini, 39011 Lana (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Laives
Family Christmas eventFree
Presepe vivente di Laives (Living Nativity Scene of Laives)
- When: Sat, Dec 12, Sun, Dec 13, Sat, Dec 19, Sun, Dec 20 and Thu, Dec 24, 3 to 6 pm
- Where: Vicino alla chiesa parrocchiale, Via Pietralba 58, 39055 Laives (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, voluntary donations
- Ages: The whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
The theater company Heimatbühne Leifers invites you to spend a weekend full of Christmas emotion admiring the living nativity scene near the parish church of Laives, at Via Pietralba 58. The performance is outdoors and suits the whole family, children included.
Admission is free, with voluntary donations for the Peter Pan association, which supports children with cancer. The nativity scene can be visited on five afternoons from 3 to 6 pm: Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20, and Thursday, December 24. No booking is needed. The nearby Laives Christmas Market, in Piazza Municipio, also has a nativity scene trail and is open on several weekends: you can combine the visit to the nativity scene with a snack among the stalls.
Parent tip: You will be outdoors: dress the children warmly. No booking needed.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Laives / Heimatbühne Leifers (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Vicino alla chiesa parrocchiale, Via Pietralba 58, 39055 Laives (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Bolzano
Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.
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Christmas crafts
Origami di Natale (Christmas Origami)
- When: Fri, Nov 13 and Fri, Nov 27, 4 to 5:30 pm
- Where: Biblioteca Europa, Via del Ronco 11, 39100 Bolzano (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages 8 to 18
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Biblioteca Europa in Bolzano offers two origami workshops for children and teens ages 8 to 18, on Friday, November 13 and Friday, November 27, from 4 to 5:30 pm. Using the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, starting from recycled sheets, participants make stars, little Christmas trees and greeting cards. The workshop is by reservation: to sign up your children you can call the library at 0471 508666 or write to biblioteca.europa@comune.bolzano.it. The dates fall before Advent, so they are an easy way to start preparing home decorations together with recycled materials. The workshop is also meant for older teens, up to 18, and takes place in the library, in the warmth. If your children are younger than 8, ask the library whether there is an alternative.
Parent tip: Reservation required at 0471 508666. The two sessions are independent, so you can choose just one date.
- Host
- Biblioteche Comunali di Bolzano (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Biblioteca Europa, Via del Ronco 11, 39100 Bolzano (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas market
Saint Nicholas (San Nicolò) at the Christmas Market
- When: Sun, Dec 6, about 3 to 5 pm
- Where: Piazza Walther, 39100 Bolzano (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Children
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On December 6, Saint Nicholas arrives in Bolzano, the protector of children who, according to South Tyrolean tradition, brings many gifts every year. In the afternoon, from about 3 to 5 pm, the saint is at the Christmas Market in Piazza Walther and walks through the streets of the historic center with his faithful little angels.
The event takes place outdoors in the heart of the market. In the evening, starting at 5:30 pm, the same square also hosts the parade of the Krampus, figures with scary masks: if your children are small or easily frightened, plan your visit for the afternoon window devoted to Saint Nicholas and leave the square before the parade begins. The market opens at 10 am and December 6 is one of its busiest days: if you come by train, Bolzano station is a few minutes on foot from Piazza Walther.
Parent tip: Arrive a little before 3 pm to find a good spot. The Krampus parade starts at 5:30 pm and can scare the youngest.
- Host
- Mercatino di Natale di Bolzano (Azienda di Soggiorno e Turismo) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Piazza Walther, 39100 Bolzano (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Bressanone
Christmas market
Mercatino di Natale di Bressanone: attività per famiglie (Bressanone Christmas Market: Family Activities)
- When: Daily, Fri, Nov 27 to Wed, Jan 6 (closed Dec 25)
- Where: Piazza Duomo, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Families with children
Expand to see the parent tip
The Bressanone Christmas Market, in Piazza Duomo, turns 35 and this year is open from November 27 to January 6, every day except December 25. Families with children find a Christmas carriage, ponies, the steam carousel and musical shows, while at the braziers South Tyrolean specialties are prepared for young and old.
The program changes each season and includes stories, creative workshops and traditional parades: on November 26 at 4:30 pm there is the parade of the angels, on December 6 the Saint Nicholas procession and on January 6 the Befana, the kindly witch who brings gifts. The program may change, and some activities with limited places require registration. For those arriving by car, the recommended parking lots are Stufles and Aquarena; by train, the square is a few minutes from the station.
Parent tip: Some activities require registration and the program may change: check the official website. By train, you can walk there in a few minutes.
- Host
- Bressanone Turismo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Piazza Duomo, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas story time
Storie di Natale intorno al braciere all'aperto (Christmas Stories Around the Outdoor Fire Brazier) (Bressanone)
- When: Mon and Wed, Nov 30 to Jan 4, 4 to 5 pm
- Where: Bracieri all'aperto, Mercatino di Natale, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Young and old
Expand to see the parent tip
When the fire crackles, it is story time. Leni Leitgeb and Christopher Göpfert take young and old into the world of fairy tales and Christmas stories, in a simple, cozy session to enjoy together around the outdoor braziers of the Bressanone Christmas Market. There are eleven dates, all at 4 pm: Monday, November 30, Wednesday, December 2, then December 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30, and finally Monday, January 4. No registration is needed and the event takes place outdoors, near the braziers where South Tyrolean specialties are prepared for young and old. For those with small children, it is a great excuse for a break from touring the stalls and a chance to warm up by the fire. The braziers are in Piazza Duomo, in the heart of the market.
Parent tip: You will be outdoors: dress the children warmly. No registration needed.
- Host
- Bressanone Turismo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Bracieri all'aperto, Mercatino di Natale, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas story time
Lettura e laboratorio «Da qualche parte nella neve» (Reading and Workshop: Somewhere in the Snow) (Bressanone)
- When: Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 5:30 pm
- Where: Biblioteca Civica, sale riunioni, 3° piano, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages 4 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
On Friday, December 4, the Biblioteca Civica in Bressanone invites children to a bilingual reading about winter. The story, called 'Da qualche parte nella neve' (Somewhere in the Snow), is about snow, waiting and small Christmas miracles. After the reading comes a creative activity to enjoy together, so children can take home something made with their own hands. The session is meant for children ages 4 and up and runs from 4 to 5:30 pm in the meeting room on the third floor of the library. Registration is required, at 0472 062190 or by email at biblio@brixen.it. The next day, Saturday, December 5, the same library offers another creative workshop on Christmas decorations, so you can think of making it a double outing.
Parent tip: Registration required (tel. 0472 062190, biblio@brixen.it). Check the page for any room changes.
- Host
- Bressanone Turismo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Biblioteca Civica, sale riunioni, 3° piano, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas crafts
Decorazioni natalizie con materiali riciclati (Christmas Decorations from Recycled Materials) (Bressanone)
- When: Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 1 pm
- Where: Biblioteca Civica, sale riunioni, 3° piano, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages 6 and up, and anyone interested
Expand to see the parent tip
Scraps of fabric and paper, threads and seemingly simple materials turn into Christmas decorations to hang, give as gifts or take home. The workshop, devoted to creativity and the pleasure of giving things new life, takes place on Saturday, December 5 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Biblioteca Civica in Bressanone. The activity is led by Brigitte Clara Ferdigg, Ruth Oberhauser and Christine Rungger and is for children ages 6 and up and anyone interested, so you can take part as a family. Registration is required (tel. 0472 062190, biblio@brixen.it). The day falls on Saint Nicholas weekend, perfect for pairing the workshop with a stroll in the center. The materials are simple and recycled, so children can keep using the same techniques they learn during the morning at home. Bring an apron if you do not want to risk glue stains.
Parent tip: Registration required at 0472 062190 or biblio@brixen.it. The activity lasts three hours: with the youngest, bring plenty of patience.
- Host
- Bressanone Turismo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Biblioteca Civica, sale riunioni, 3° piano, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa Claus parade
Processione di San Nicola (Saint Nicholas Procession) (Bressanone)
- When: Sun, Dec 6, 4:30 to 7 pm
- Where: Centro storico e Mercatino di Natale, Piazza Duomo, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
December 6 is one of the events Bressanone's children look forward to most. Saint Nicholas, accompanied by the city's Christmas angels, sets out from Via Mercato Vecchio, goes along the Bastioni and the Portici and finally arrives in Piazza Duomo, where he hands out his gifts to the little ones.
The event is on Sunday, December 6 from 4:30 to 7 pm and takes place outdoors, between the historic center and the Christmas Market; no registration is required. The tradition remembers Bishop Nicholas of Myra, known for his generosity. The day before, December 5, the city has the Krampus parade, which can frighten the little ones: the Saint Nicholas procession, on the other hand, is made for children. The afternoon of December 6 is convenient for families coming to Bressanone for the market, open the same day, and in the evening the center stays lively with the other Advent events.
Parent tip: Pick a spot along the route or wait in Piazza Duomo. The route starts at Via Mercato Vecchio.
- Host
- Bressanone Turismo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Centro storico e Mercatino di Natale, Piazza Duomo, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa Claus parade
San Nicola sulla Plose (Saint Nicholas on the Plose) (Bressanone)
- When: Sun, Dec 6, 11 am to 12 pm
- Where: Comprensorio sciistico Plose, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
The tradition of Saint Nicholas reaches all the way up the mountain. On Sunday, December 6, from 11 am to 12 pm, the saint children wait for most meets the young skiers right on the slopes of the Plose, the ski area that towers over Bressanone, in a special moment of snow, sport and Advent atmosphere.
No registration is needed; access to the slopes and lifts follows the area's normal rates. For families without skis, it is still a chance for a trip up high before heading down to the city, where in the afternoon, from 4:30 pm, the Saint Nicholas procession also starts in the historic center. Updated times, slope openings and rates are on the Plose website; the morning is a good window for small children.
Parent tip: Check the weather and whether the lifts are open before going up. Children need heavy clothes and gloves.
- Host
- Bressanone Turismo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Comprensorio sciistico Plose, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Story time with Santa
Kamishibai e laboratorio: «Il piccolo Babbo Natale fa il giro del mondo» (Kamishibai and Workshop: Little Santa Travels the World) (Bressanone)
- When: Fri, Dec 18, 4 to 5 pm
- Where: Biblioteca Civica, sale riunioni, 3° piano, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages 4 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Just before Christmas the unexpected happens: all the Santas get sick and someone has to save the holiday. The story is told with kamishibai, the small paper theater of Japanese origin, with a touch of suspense, plenty of imagination and, of course, a happy ending. The reading is bilingual, in Italian and German, and is made for children ages 4 and up. The session is held in the meeting room on the third floor of the Biblioteca Civica in Bressanone, on Friday, December 18 from 4 to 5 pm. Registration is required: you can call 0472 062190 or write to biblio@brixen.it. The afternoon time leaves room for a stroll among the Christmas Market stalls before or after the story, which you hear seated in the warmth of the library.
Parent tip: Registration required at 0472 062190 or biblio@brixen.it. The room is on the third floor of the library.
- Host
- Bressanone Turismo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Biblioteca Civica, sale riunioni, 3° piano, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas show
Teatro per bambini: «Der Tannenbaum» (Children's Theater: The Fir Tree) (Bressanone)
- When: Tue, Dec 29 (in German) and Wed, Dec 30 (in Italian), 4 to 5 pm
- Where: Biblioteca Civica, sale riunioni, 3° piano, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
The show takes its cue from the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and tells the story of a little fir tree impatient to grow up. It is a poetic story about wishes, waiting and the ability to recognize small moments of happiness, suited to the days between Christmas and New Year's.
There are two performances at the Biblioteca Civica in Bressanone, both from 4 to 5 pm: on Tuesday, December 29 the show is in German, on Wednesday, December 30 in Italian, so you can choose the date according to your children's preferred language, a convenience for bilingual families too. Registration is required, at 0472 062190 or by writing to biblio@brixen.it; the calendar does not list a price. The time between Christmas and New Year's is one of the quietest for going out with children.
Parent tip: Registration required. On December 29 the show is in German, on December 30 in Italian.
- Host
- Bressanone Turismo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Biblioteca Civica, sale riunioni, 3° piano, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa Claus parade
Befana a Bressanone (The Befana in Bressanone)
- When: Wed, Jan 6, 5 to 6:30 pm
- Where: Centro storico e Mercatino di Natale, Piazza Duomo, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Families
Expand to see the parent tip
Bressanone's Christmas season closes with one of its most anticipated events. The Befana arrives in Piazza Duomo accompanied by the Three Wise Kings and a parade of more than sixty costumed participants, one last moment to share before saying goodbye to Christmas.
The event is on Wednesday, January 6, 2027 from 5 to 6:30 pm in the historic center and at the Christmas Market, which closes that very day. No registration is needed. You will be outdoors in the middle of winter: bring hats and gloves and, if you can, arrive on foot or by train, because the station is a few minutes from the square. It is the last chance of the year to see Bressanone with its holiday atmosphere and to say goodbye to Christmas with the children.
Parent tip: Arrive early to see the parade well. Parking in the center is limited, and the station is close.
- Host
- Bressanone Turismo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Centro storico e Mercatino di Natale, Piazza Duomo, 39042 Bressanone (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Lagundo
Christmas story time
Lettura natalizia con Wolli Trolly a Lagundo (Christmas Reading with Wolli Trolly in Lagundo)
- When: Sun, Nov 29, 3 pm and 4 pm (30 minutes each)
- Where: Piazza Hans Gamper, 39022 Lagundo (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Families
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On Sunday, November 29, the first Sunday of Advent, Isabella Halbeisen offers an enchanting reading for the whole family in Piazza Hans Gamper in Lagundo. She tells the story of Wolli Trolly, in search of great Christmas happiness, in German, a funny tale full of surprises, perfect for immersing children in the magic of Advent.
There are two readings, each half an hour: the first at 3 pm and the second at 4 pm. No registration is needed. Since the story is in German, it is ideal for bilingual families or children who attend German-language schools; others can still enjoy the voice and the images of the story. In the following weeks the same village has other creative Christmas workshops.
Parent tip: The reading is in German. No registration needed.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Lagundo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Piazza Hans Gamper, 39022 Lagundo (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa Claus parade
Festa di San Nicolò a Lagundo (Saint Nicholas Festival in Lagundo)
- When: Sat, Dec 5, 4:30 to 6 pm
- Where: Piazza della chiesa, 39022 Lagundo (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
On Saturday, December 5, at 4:30 pm, the parish church of Lagundo holds the Saint Nicholas festival with a religious service. The children's and youth choir, the parish choir and the Steinach Algund company take part, staging the Saint Nicholas play 'I bambini di Myra' (The Children of Myra).
The day ends, as usual, at the Lagundo Christmas Market, where cookies, nuts, mandarins, roasted chestnuts and hot drinks are offered to children and adults. The festival lasts until 6 pm and needs no registration. The program notes that in the afternoon Saint Nicholas also visits the village's nursing home, with songs and small gifts. Part of the festival is a religious moment: keep that in mind if you are looking only for entertainment.
Parent tip: No registration. Remember that it starts in the parish church.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Lagundo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Piazza della chiesa, 39022 Lagundo (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas crafts
Laboratorio creativo con il vivaio Unterweger: la magia del Natale (Creative Workshop with the Unterweger Nursery: The Magic of Christmas) (Lagundo)
- When: Sat, Dec 19, 2 to 6 pm
- Where: Foyer, Casa della cultura Thalguter, Piazza della Chiesa, 39022 Lagundo (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Children and families
Expand to see the parent tip
In the foyer of the Casa della cultura Thalguter, in Piazza della Chiesa in Lagundo, the Unterweger nursery guides children in a workshop of Christmas decorations made from natural materials. Pine cones, moss and branches become small creations to take home, in an afternoon that combines creativity, joy and nature for the whole family. The event is on Saturday, December 19 from 2 to 6 pm. No registration is needed, so you can drop in whenever you like during the hours. The next day, in the same foyer, there is another creative Christmas workshop with Veronika Ladstätter, suited to those who want a second afternoon of crafts. The foyer of the Casa della cultura is indoors and heated, handy on the colder days. Lagundo is a few minutes from Merano and can also be reached by public transport.
Parent tip: No registration: you walk in during the hours. The workshop is indoors.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Lagundo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Foyer, Casa della cultura Thalguter, Piazza della Chiesa, 39022 Lagundo (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas crafts
Atelier creativo di Natale con Veronika (Creative Christmas Atelier with Veronika) (Lagundo)
- When: Sun, Dec 20 and Sat, Dec 26, 2 to 6 pm
- Where: Foyer, Casa della cultura Thalguter, Piazza della Chiesa, 39022 Lagundo (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
What is just scrap for many becomes a small treasure with Veronika Ladstätter. In her creative Christmas workshop, paper, cardboard and fabric get a new life and turn into handmade gifts and unique Christmas creations. Children paint with acrylic colors, learn bookbinding and discover the magic of handmade things.
The atelier is in the foyer of the Casa della cultura Thalguter in Lagundo, on Sunday, December 20 and Saturday, December 26 from 2 to 6 pm. No registration is needed. It is a colorful and sustainable activity, suited to the Christmas vacation days, when children feel like creating at a relaxed pace.
Parent tip: No registration. You can come in at any time between 2 and 6 pm.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Lagundo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Foyer, Casa della cultura Thalguter, Piazza della Chiesa, 39022 Lagundo (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Lana
Christmas market
Mercatino Polvere di Stelle: bambini in groppa a un pony (Stardust Market: Pony Rides for Children) (Lana)
- When: Fri 3 to 5:30 pm, Sat and Sun 1:30 to 5:30 pm, Nov 27 to Dec 20
- Where: Giardino dei Cappuccini, Via Andreas Hofer 2, 39011 Lana (opens in maps)
- Cost: €5 per child
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
In the Cappuccini garden in Lana, home of the Polvere di Stelle Christmas market, children can climb on a pony. The ride costs €5 per child and needs no registration.
The hours are Friday from 3 to 5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 5:30 pm. There are twelve dates on the calendar: November 27, 28 and 29; December 4, 6, 8, 11, 12 and 13; December 18, 19 and 20. The market also has a program of workshops and stories for children, so the pony can be combined with a reading or a workshop in the same afternoon. The garden is at Via Andreas Hofer 2, in the center of Lana.
Parent tip: Rides are only on the calendar dates, not every day. Dress in layers for being outdoors.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Lana e dintorni (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Giardino dei Cappuccini, Via Andreas Hofer 2, 39011 Lana (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Castelrotto
Santa Claus parade
Sfilata di San Nicolò a Castelrotto (Saint Nicholas Parade in Castelrotto)
- When: Sat, Dec 5, 4:45 to 6 pm
- Where: Piazza del paese, 39040 Castelrotto (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Children
Expand to see the parent tip
On Saturday, December 5, it is Saint Nicholas day in Castelrotto. The procession starts from the village kindergarten and crosses the square to the church. There Saint Nicholas tells the children a little story and then all the little ones get a surprise.
The event runs from 4:45 to 6 pm and takes place outdoors; no registration is needed. After 6 pm, in the square, the Castelrotto Krampus arrive: it is a louder moment that can frighten small children, in which case it is best to leave the square at the end of the ceremony. For details you can call the Castelrotto tourist office at 0471 706333. Castelrotto is a village on the Sciliar plateau, reachable from Bolzano in less than an hour. Near the Christmas market there is the ice rink, open every day, for those who want to round out the day.
Parent tip: The Krampus arrive after 6 pm: think about whether to stay with small children. Info at 0471 706333.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica di Castelrotto (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Piazza del paese, 39040 Castelrotto (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Merano
Christmas lights
LUMAGICA Merano
- When: Every evening, Thu, Nov 19 to Sun, Jan 10, 4:30 to 9:30 pm
- Where: Giardini di Castel Trauttmansdorff, Via San Valentino 51/a, 39012 Merano (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: The whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
From November 19, 2026 to January 10, 2027, the Gardens of Castel Trauttmansdorff turn for the third time into a world of lights and magic. LUMAGICA, the only light park of its kind in South Tyrol, has the theme 'Viaggio nel tempo' this year and offers an evening trail with spectacular light installations, interactive stations and light and sound shows.
It is open every evening from 4:30 to 9:30 pm (check the opening on December 24) and no registration is needed. The trail is outdoors, in the gardens above Merano, and is an experience to share with the whole family. From the city you can reach the gardens by city bus. Check the ticket price on the Gardens' website before you set out.
Parent tip: Bundle up: the trail is outdoors. Check the ticket price on the Gardens' website.
- Host
- Giardini di Castel Trauttmansdorff (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Giardini di Castel Trauttmansdorff, Via San Valentino 51/a, 39012 Merano (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Scena
Christmas crafts
Avvento al Castel Schenna (Advent at Castel Schenna) (Scena)
- When: Sat, Nov 28 and Sun, Nov 29, Sat, Dec 5 to Tue, Dec 8, 11 am to 7 pm
- Where: Castel Schenna, Via al castello 14, 39017 Scena (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Families with children
Expand to see the parent tip
On November 28 and 29 and from December 5 to 8, 2026, Castel Schenna turns into a meeting place for food lovers. Under the motto 'sapori di una volta' (flavors of long ago) there is a food stand with traditional dishes, exhibitors of regional products and the old art of crafts coming to life on the spot, with demonstrations to watch with curiosity.
For young guests there is a children's program planned down to the last detail, which makes Advent at Castel Schenna an experience for the whole family. Hours are 11 am to 7 pm and no registration is needed. To learn about the planned children's activities and the prices, contact the Scena tourist association at 0473 945669. Scena is a village above Merano, with parking near the castle. Bring clothing suited to the season, because part of the experience takes place outdoors, among the stalls.
Parent tip: To find out the day's children's activities, call the Scena tourist office at 0473 945669.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Scena (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Castel Schenna, Via al castello 14, 39017 Scena (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Tirolo
Christmas crafts
Avvento a Castel Tirolo (Advent at Castel Tirolo)
- When: Fri, Nov 27, Sat, Nov 28, Sun, Nov 29 and Sat, Dec 5 to Tue, Dec 8, 11 am to 6 pm
- Where: Castel Tirolo, Via del Castello 24, 39019 Tirolo (opens in maps)
- Cost: Price to be confirmed with the organizer
- Ages: Families with children
Expand to see the parent tip
Every year during Advent the walls of Castel Tirolo, above Merano, take on a special magic. While the Christmas market charms mom and dad with crafts and music, the activity program delights the little ones. If the weather allows, guests can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride from the church square to about 300 meters from the castle entrance.
It is open from 11 am to 6 pm on November 27, 28 and 29 and then on December 5, 6, 7 and 8; no registration is needed. Entry to the castle museum is separate; to find out which children's activities are planned each day, and the prices, contact the Tirolo tourist association at 0473 923314.
Parent tip: The children's program is not detailed online: ask the tourist office (0473 923314). The carriage ride depends on the weather.
- Host
- Associazione Turistica Tirolo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Castel Tirolo, Via del Castello 24, 39019 Tirolo (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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More Christmas events for kids in Italy
- Christmas events for kids in Rome
- Christmas events for kids in Bergamo
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- Christmas events for kids in Milan
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A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.it (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Bolzano: questions parents ask
What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Bolzano?
For 2026, we confirmed 25 Christmas events for kids in Bolzano, each on its host’s own page: Processione di San Nicola (Saint Nicholas Procession) (Bressanone), Mercatino Polvere di Stelle: Laboratorio degli Gnomi del Bosco (Stardust Market: Forest Gnomes Workshop) (Lana), Avvento al Castel Schenna (Advent at Castel Schenna) (Scena) and 22 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Bolzano?
Yes, 5 of the 25 events here are free: Mercatino Polvere di Stelle: Laboratorio degli Gnomi del Bosco (Stardust Market: Forest Gnomes Workshop) (Lana), Natale dei Bambini (Children's Christmas), Presepe vivente di Laives (Living Nativity Scene of Laives) and 2 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa this year in Bolzano?
Where to see Santa: Kamishibai e laboratorio: «Il piccolo Babbo Natale fa il giro del mondo» (Kamishibai and Workshop: Little Santa Travels the World) (Bressanone). Check the listings above for times and booking.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Bolzano?
Christmas story times on this page: Storie di Natale intorno al braciere all'aperto (Christmas Stories Around the Outdoor Fire Brazier) (Bressanone), Kamishibai e laboratorio: «Il piccolo Babbo Natale fa il giro del mondo» (Kamishibai and Workshop: Little Santa Travels the World) (Bressanone), Lettura e laboratorio «Da qualche parte nella neve» (Reading and Workshop: Somewhere in the Snow) (Bressanone) and 1 more. Library story times are usually free; ones with a meal or show are ticketed.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
The story of Christmas in Bolzano
Bolzano is where South Tyrol's Christmas markets began, in 1991, in Piazza Walther. Families come for the wooden huts, the 20-meter Wish Tree and Saint Nicholas with his little angels, and for a long list of kids' events in the towns around the city.
How Bolzano celebrates Christmas, and what a visiting family will notice
Bolzano opened the first Christmas market in South Tyrol in 1991, inspired by German markets, and it still goes by the German name Christkindlmarkt. The wooden huts stand in Piazza Walther, at the foot of the marble monument to the poet Walther von der Vogelweide, with the Gothic parish church behind. Everything sold has to be made or processed in South Tyrol: felt slippers, wool socks, apple juice and nativity figures.
For a visiting family this means an Alpine Christmas with a German flavor, even though you are in Italy. Bolzano is one of the five original South Tyrol markets, together with Merano, Brixen, Vipiteno and Brunico, and events around the region may be in German, in Italian or in both.
Saint Nicholas, the Krampus and other local traditions your kids will meet
On December 6 Saint Nicholas arrives at the market in Piazza Walther with his little angels and greets the children. In 2025 the Krampus paraded right after him. The Krampus are scary-looking figures from one of the oldest traditions in South Tyrol, and they usually appear around December 6 and 8. It helps to tell young children in advance that the parade is meant to be a little scary, in fun.
Other things kids will see include the Wish Tree, a fir about 20 meters tall in Piazza Walther that opens the market when it is lit, and the Trenatale, a Christmas market along the stops of the little Renon train, where the huts at Soprabolzano look like train cars. The town of Laives stages a living nativity, which is the Christmas scene played by real people instead of figurines.
Planning a Christmas visit to Bolzano with kids
The five original South Tyrol markets, Bolzano included, run from November 27, 2026 to January 6, 2027. The events on this page cover a wider area than the city itself, with 25 listings in Bolzano, Brixen, Merano, Lana, Lagundo, Laives and Castelrotto. They begin on November 13 and run until Epiphany, with the Merano light park LUMAGICA open until January 10, 2027.
Five of them are free: the daily Natale dei Bambini children's program at Parco Berloffa, two free storytelling and craft events at the Lana market, a donation-based puppet show and the living nativity in Laives. There are three Saint Nicholas events on December 6 alone: in Piazza Walther from about 3 to 5 pm, on the Plose slopes above Brixen at 11 am and in Brixen's old town from 4:30 pm. Many listings have no price yet, so check with the organizer.
Ötzi and a very busy market
The year 1991 was a double one for Bolzano. It was the year of the first Christmas market, and also the year Ötzi, the roughly 5,000-year-old mummy from the Similaun glacier, was found. Today he lives in the city's archaeological museum, which offers guided visits during the market.
The market is popular. In 2025 the city police counted 232 tourist coaches on the first weekend, and the tourist office estimated about one million visitors over the season.
Traditions today
- The Christkindlmarkt in Piazza Walther: Bolzano's Christmas market, born in 1991, with wooden huts selling only South Tyrolean products.
- The Wish Tree: A fir about 20 meters tall in Piazza Walther, lit the evening before the market opens. In 2025 its decorations were inspired by ceramics made by children in hospital.
- Saint Nicholas on December 6: The saint comes to Piazza Walther with his little angels and greets the children.
- The Krampus: Scary figures from South Tyrolean tradition who parade around Saint Nicholas Day and December 8.
- The Trenatale on the Renon: A Christmas market along the stops of the Renon train, with huts shaped like train cars at Soprabolzano.
- The charity market: Stalls in Piazza del Grano until December 23 in 2025, with proceeds going to local associations.
A fact for kids
Ötzi, the ice man who lived about 5,000 years ago, was found in 1991, the same year Bolzano opened its first Christmas market. Today he lives in the city's archaeological museum.
Questions about Christmas in Bolzano
Is Bolzano worth visiting at Christmas with kids?
Yes. Bolzano has the first Christmas market in South Tyrol, a 20-meter Wish Tree, Saint Nicholas on December 6 and a free daily children's program at Parco Berloffa. The events on this page also reach nearby towns, so you can combine the city with Brixen, Merano or Lana.
When does the Christmas market in Bolzano open in 2026?
The five original South Tyrol markets, including Bolzano's in Piazza Walther, are scheduled from November 27, 2026 to January 6, 2027. In 2025 the Wish Tree was lit on Thursday, November 27 at 5 pm and the huts opened the next day, Friday, November 28.
What is special about the Bolzano Christmas market?
It was the first Christmas market in South Tyrol, opened in 1991 in Piazza Walther, and everything sold must be made or processed in South Tyrol. Since 2014 it has followed sustainability rules written with the South Tyrol Ecoinstitute and is a certified Green Event.
Why is it called the Christkindlmarkt?
Because the market was modeled on German Christmas markets, where this is the name. Christkindl is German for the Christ Child, so the name means roughly the Christ Child market.
What is the Wish Tree in Piazza Walther?
It is the big Christmas tree of the Bolzano market. In 2025 it was about 20 meters tall with more than 1,300 lights, decorated with pieces inspired by ceramics made by children in hospital through the Lene Thun Foundation. Lighting it marks the start of the market.
When does Saint Nicholas visit Bolzano in 2026?
On Sunday, December 6, 2026, Saint Nicholas visits the Christmas market in Piazza Walther from about 3 to 5 pm. He comes with his little angels. In 2025 the Krampus paraded right after him, so with small children it may be best to stand near the front for the saint and step back when the masked figures come.
Where else can kids meet Saint Nicholas in South Tyrol?
Several towns hold their own events. Brixen has a Saint Nicholas procession through the old town on December 6 from 4:30 pm, with Christmas angels and gifts for children in Piazza Duomo, and he meets young skiers on the Plose at 11 am. Lagundo and Castelrotto celebrate on December 5.
Who are the Krampus, and are they scary for small children?
The Krampus are scary-looking figures who parade around Saint Nicholas Day, one of the oldest traditions in South Tyrol. In Bolzano they usually appear around December 6 and 8. You can tell children they are scary in a playful way, since in 2025 they paraded right after the kind saint.
Where can kids meet Santa Claus in Bolzano?
The events listed here feature Saint Nicholas, on December 6, rather than Santa Claus. In Brixen the Befana arrives on January 6 in Piazza Duomo with the Three Kings and more than sixty costumed participants, and one library story in Brixen is about all the Santas falling ill before Christmas.
Are there free Christmas events in Bolzano?
Yes, five on this page. The Natale dei Bambini children's program at Parco Berloffa is free every day from November 27, 2026 to January 6, 2027. The others are in nearby towns: two Lana market events, a donation-based puppet show in Lana and the living nativity in Laives.
What is the Natale dei Bambini at Parco Berloffa?
It is a free daily children's program in a heated Stube, a traditional wood-paneled room, during the Bolzano Christmas market. It offers stories, magic shows, shadow theater and craft workshops, every day from November 27, 2026 to January 6, 2027.
Can kids go ice skating in Bolzano at Christmas?
In 2025 an ice rink at Parco Berloffa opened on December 2, so it is worth checking whether it returns in 2026. The park is also home to the daily children's program.
What does Ötzi have to do with Christmas in Bolzano?
Ötzi, the Similaun mummy of about 5,000 years ago, was found in the glaciers in 1991, the same year as the first Bolzano market. He is now shown in the city's archaeological museum, which offers guided visits during the market days, a good indoor stop between outdoor strolls.
What is the Trenatale on the Renon?
It is a Christmas market on the Renon plateau, in the mountains near Bolzano, set along the stops of the little train. At Soprabolzano the huts look like train cars next to the old station, and at Collalbo they look like Christmas trees. The cable car from Bolzano takes about 12 minutes.
How old is the Renon train?
It has been running since 1907 and is the last narrow-gauge railway left in South Tyrol. It now links Soprabolzano and Collalbo, 6.8 km in about 18 minutes, and at Christmas some runs use the original historic cars.
Can we get to the Bolzano Christmas market by train?
Yes. The Bolzano station is about two minutes on foot from Piazza Walther, according to the organizers. In 2025 Trenitalia ran a decorated train every day between Milano Garibaldi and the Brenner, with stops along the way.
What is the Bolzano charity Christmas market?
It is a section of the market in Piazza del Grano where proceeds go to local social associations. In 2025 it was in its 21st edition and was open from December 3 to 23, from 10 am to 7 pm.
What can kids eat at the Bolzano Christmas market?
Children usually go for fritters, pretzels, strudel and fruit skewers covered in chocolate, with hot apple juice or tea. Adults can find speck, cured meats and mulled wine. Check each stall for what is on offer on the day.
Is there a living nativity near Bolzano?
Yes. The living nativity in Laives, next to the parish church, takes place on December 12, 13, 19, 20 and 24, 2026, from 3 to 6 pm, and it is free with voluntary donations for children with cancer. A living nativity is the Christmas scene played by real people, which is easy for young children to understand.
What is LUMAGICA in Merano?
LUMAGICA is a light park in the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano, with a time-travel theme, interactive stations and light and sound shows. It is open every evening from November 19, 2026 to January 10, 2027, from 4:30 to 9:30 pm.
What is there for kids at the Christmas market in Lana?
The Stardust market in the Capuchin garden has pony rides for 5 euros per child on selected afternoons from November 27 to December 20. There is also free storytelling on December 6 and 13 at 11 am, where each child gets a small gift, and a free craft workshop on November 28.
Which castles hold Advent events for families?
Tyrol Castle near Merano is open on November 27 to 29 and December 5 to 8 from 11 am to 6 pm, with a Christmas market and children's activities. Schenna Castle is open on six days, from November 28 to December 8, from 11 am to 7 pm, with crafts and a children's program.
Are Christmas events in Bolzano in English?
Most events are in Italian or German, and some are bilingual, like the Brixen library workshops. The Der Tannenbaum children's theater is in German on December 29 and in Italian on December 30. Check with the host about language before you go, and note that many events are craft or visual ones that younger children can enjoy anyway.
Sources
- Mercatini di Natale di Bolzano, Italia.it (ENIT)
- Bolzano, il mercatino di Natale più antico d'Italia, Italianismo
- Original Südtiroler Christkindlmärkte, IDM Südtirol (suedtirol.info)
- Mercatino di Natale di Bolzano, un successo da un milione di visitatori, il Dolomiti
- Mercatini di Natale: tutto sul Christkindlmarkt di Bolzano, il primo in Italia, Quotidiano.net
- Mercatini di Natale 2025 a Bolzano, Quotidiano.net
- Mercatino di Natale a Bolzano, centinaia di pullman giunti in città per il primo fine settimana, il Dolomiti
- Il Trenino del Renon, Dolomiti.it
- In Alto Adige per visitare questo mercatino di Natale devi salire a bordo di un trenino storico del 1907, greenMe