Every year, from late November to early January, Merano hosts one of the most beloved Christmas markets in Italy: the Merano Christmas Market, an event that celebrates traditional craftsmanship, local gastronomy, and the authentic atmosphere of Alpine and Central European festivities. Certified as a Green Event, it is one of the largest in South Tyrol, together with the Bolzano Christmas Market.
An elegant setting along the Passirio River
The market stretches through the heart of the city, along the Passirio River, surrounded by wooden chalets, lights, and festive decorations. The location is one of the most charming in South Tyrol: on one side the Art Nouveau architecture of the spa town, on the other the snow-covered peaks that frame the scene. Here, tradition and style blend perfectly. Merano retains the elegance of its Austro-Hungarian past, enriched with a modern touch that makes the Christmas market even more welcoming.
Local craftsmanship and unique products
The wooden stalls host artisans from South Tyrol and various Alpine regions. Among the most appreciated products are wooden sculptures and decorations, blown-glass items, handcrafted ceramics, traditional textiles, boiled wool, and felt. Each object tells a story and reflects skills handed down through generations.
Strolling through the Merano Christmas Market is also a journey into local flavours. Visitors can taste mulled wine and spiced hot drinks, zelten with dried fruit and spices, strauben (traditional fried pastries), dumplings, goulash, typical South Tyrolean dishes, as well as local cheeses, speck, and farm products. An irresistible mix that warms the atmosphere and delights the palate.
Events, music, and activities for all ages
The Merano Christmas Market is not just about shopping: every day, the programme offers activities for all ages, including Christmas concerts and Alpine choirs, creative workshops for children, live demonstrations by artisans, light shows, and a special Christmas Village for families.
A city that lives and breathes Christmas
Beyond the market, Merano offers many opportunities for those looking for a complete winter getaway:
- relaxing at the Merano Thermal Baths or in the spas of local hotels
- walking along the Sissi Promenade and the Tappeinerweg, beautiful even in winter
- visiting Merano’s museums
- skiing in the Merano 2000 ski area
The Christmas market becomes the perfect starting point to discover a romantic, welcoming, and experience-rich Merano.
How to get to the Merano Christmas Market
By car:
from the south: Brenner Motorway A22, Bolzano South exit (Merano–Bolzano expressway)
from the west: via Resia Pass SS40
from the east: via Monte Croce Pass SS49; via Val di Landro SS49
By train:
Main connections:
Milan – Verona – Bolzano – Brenner
Venice – Verona – Bolzano – Brenner
Rome – Bologna – Verona – Bolzano – Brenner
From Bolzano, local trains to Merano run every 30 minutes.
By plane:
The nearest airports are Verona (177 km), Brescia (211 km), Venice (298 km), Treviso (216 km), Milan (347 km), Bergamo (261 km), and Bologna (302 km).
By bus:
The designated parking area for tourist buses is in Via Palade, near the Meranarena ice stadium. For drop-off and pick-up, buses may stop for 15 minutes in Via Piave near the Thermal Baths, accessible via Via Roma and Viale delle Terme or Via Piave.
