Bozen Christmas Market

from 27 November to 23 December 2008
Christmas Market in the traditional trade town of Bozen: lights, fragrances and sounds enchant the Waltherplatz and the historic centre with its romantic porticos and picturesque streets with a touching atmosphere.

Sarntal Alpine Advent

on 28/29 November, 6 to 8, 13/14 and 20/21 December 2008
At the week-ends, the Sarn Alpine Advent in the mountain village of Sarnthein, only 18 km from Bozen, brings you back to the pre-Christmas times of old: with traditional crafts from the Sarntal, home-made dwarf pine products and gastronomic specialities.

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Advent customs in the Sarntal: Ringing of the Bells

on 4, 11 and 18 december 2008
When spine-chilling tones, bells and noise are heard in the quiet winter nights, the Sarner people know what this means: It's time for the ringing of the bells! The bell ringers move from house to house and sing their songs according to ancient melodies. The old custom originally derives from a German fertility rite: just before the nearing winter solstice, the way must be prepared for the fertility god Donar. According to the custom, the bells must only be rung on the first three Thursdays of advent, but not in the Saint Thomas night!

Crib Exhibition in St. Pauls/Eppan

from 29 November to 6 January 2009
From the beginning of December to the beginning of January, the wine village of St. Pauls/Eppan in South Tyrol displays its large crib exhibition. When darkness closes in, the lights are switched on in St. Pauls: more than 100 illuminated cribs show the great tradition of the Tyrolean Christmas and the craft skills of the last decades. Great Christmas pleasure for all the family!