Bressanone welcomes visitors every year with its Christmas Market set in the splendid setting of Cathedral Square, framed by the cathedral, the Church of St. Michael and the Town Hall. Although intimate in size, it is considered one of the most beautiful and atmospheric South Tyrolean Christmas Markets: the finely decorated wooden stalls showcase local handicrafts, while the food stands offer typical specialties from the Eisack Valley.
The atmosphere is enriched by a full program of events: from the much-awaited light and color show that illuminates the Hofburg of Bressanone every year with breathtaking multimedia projections, to concerts, exhibitions and guided tours through the old town. Children can enjoy magical moments such as carriage rides, the ice-skating rink in Piazza Vescovado and the historic steam carousel.
The Bressanone Christmas Market is one of the 5 Original Christmas Markets of South Tyrol, together with Bolzano, Merano, Vipiteno and Brunico, and is certified as a Green Event, promoting sustainability, regionality and authenticity.
Visiting Bressanone during the Advent period means enjoying a weekend of snow, tradition and relaxation. Thanks to its proximity to the Plose ski area, you can combine a day on the slopes with a visit to the market, discover local artisans, taste traditional South Tyrolean dishes and immerse yourself in the magical Christmas atmosphere that lights up every corner of the city.
During your stay, it is also worth visiting the nearby Novacella Abbey, one of the most fascinating monastic complexes in the Alpine region, renowned for its Baroque architecture and its historic winery, where some of the finest wines of the Eisack Valley are produced.
Bressanone and the Nativity Scene Tradition
The Bishop’s Palace, or Hofburg, is the former residence of the prince-bishops of Bressanone, located in the heart of the historic center. Today it houses the Diocesan Museum and an extraordinary collection of Nativity scenes, considered one of the most important in the world.
Among the most remarkable pieces is the Nativity created by Prince-Bishop Karl Franz von Lodron, featuring nearly 5,000 figurines, along with the large Nativity scene displayed in the palace church. The collection is further enriched with Nativity scenes from Bressanone, Tyrol, Naples and Sicily, as well as the private liturgical Nativity sets of artist Martin Rainer.
How to get here
Bressanone is located in the Isarco Valley 40 kilometers from Bolzano, 35 kilometers from Brunico, and 30 kilometers from Vipiteno.
- Cars and campers: A22 highway, recommended exit Chiusa - Val Gardena (south). Take the state road for approximately 15 km north. Three parking lots available: Parking Autosilo in via Dante, 5 minutes walk from the town center, open 24 hours; Parking Acquarena in via Brennero (no motorhomes) entrance from the north, 5 minutes walk to the town center; Parking Bressanone Sud on the state road, 20 minutes walk to the town center;
- Train: all intercity and eurocity trains on the Bologna - Brennero line stop at Bressanone station. Once at the station, a bus service, running every hour or several times a day, leads to the various surrounding destinations;
- Airplane: nearest airports, Verona Villafranca (190 km) and Innsbruck (85 km). Bergamo, Verona, Treviso and Venice airports are connected by a shuttle service to South Tyrol.
