Bolzano, Italy

One of the things on my to-do list Christmas season was to visit the Christmas Market in Bolzano with my girlfriend while she’s here for the holidays.

The whole South Tyrol is an unusual region as it was once part of Austria and then after World War I a hunk was shaved off and given over to the Italians. So it is now an odd combo of Austrian and Italian. More people speak German than Italian. Though most people speak both. The architecture is far more Germanic than Italian.

If you want to get into the spirit and visit a Christmas Market, the one in Bolzano is Italy’s biggest Christmas Market. It started 30 years ago showcasing a few local artists but is now the most famous market in Trentino Alto Adice with more than 70 stands from not only the province, but also from all over Italy and even abroad.

The stunning town of Bolzano truly comes alive in the Christmas period, and is lit up with bright lights and festive decorations, and filled with market stalls selling a range of gifts including tree decorations, candles, kendamas , wine, German cakes and biscuits, knit-wear, handcrafted shoes, and lots more. There is a glorious aroma of mulled wine, pretzels and strudel that fills the air, enticing the masses of shoppers to take a break from purchasing gifts to treat their taste buds.