Enchanting Vipiteno: Discover the Magic of South Tyrol’s Christmas Market
Vipiteno (Sterzing) is one of the classic Christmas market towns in South Tyrol. The historic center of Vipiteno (Sterzing) exudes a medieval charm, with its typical architecture and urban structure shaped by the mining activity of ancient Vipiteno. This has earned it the reputation of being one of the most beautiful villages in Trentino-Alto Adige, creating a captivating atmosphere.
The Vipiteno Christmas Market takes place this year from November 23, 2023, to January 6, 2024.
During Advent, the fir trees and pines, symbols of life and peace, become the protagonists of the city streets, full of the most traditional decorations, such as the typical gingerbread biscuits, the splendid wooden decorations, and the characteristic decorations made with apples and walnuts.
The large Tower of the Twelve, the undisputed symbol of Vipiteno, overlooks the main square and dedicates a place to this show. The tower now has a new carillon with 25 bells that ring every day at 5 p.m.
All year round, the sound of bells pervades the town, whether they are from the church or from animals, but they always have something to tell us. This is why Christmas 2023 has the theme of “Christmas Bells”.
The stands of the Christmas market offer a wide range of South Tyrolean culinary specialties, but also opportunities for children and families, who can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride in the historic center.
Together with the markets of Bressanone, Brunico, Bolzano, and Merano, the one in Vipiteno is considered one of the five original markets in Alto Adige.
Information, dates, and times of the Christmas markets
Name: Vipiteno Christmas Market, Weihnachtsmarkt Sterzing
Where: Piazza Città in Vipiteno/Stadtplatz Sterzing (province of Bolzano/Bozen).
Dates: from November 23, 2023, to January 6, 2024.
Opening hours: Every day, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- November 23 (inauguration), 5 p.m.–7 p.m.1st December, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
- 5 December, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. (devils’ day);
- 24 December, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- 25th December, closed; 31st December, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- 1 January, 12 p.m. More information is available on the official website.
How to get there
Follow the A22 motorway northwards until the Vipiteno exit to reach Vipiteno by camper and car. From here, follow the signs for car parks and special car parks for campers.
Vipiteno station connects major Italian cities, with connections in Bologna and Verona. By plane, there are daily flights to and from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa with arrival at Bolzano airport, or you land in Verona Villafranca, from where to continue to Vipiteno by train.