Christmas Market for kids

Bolzano (Bozen) isn't just a cycle-friendly city; it's also very family-friendly. This is especially evident at the Bolzano Christmas Market, where festive sounds and enticing aromas welcome visitors. Children's eyes will light up when they approach the cathedral, as the house opposite transforms its windows into Advent calendar doors – one opening each day. The tour then continues to the Piazza Walther Square, where a children's programme with puppet theatre, storyteller and handicrafts, as well as some horses are waiting.

Jung visitors can enjoy a pony ride around the Christmas market, or the whole family can explore Bolzano and its old town by horse-drawn carriage. The clip-clop of hooves on the cobblestones is as much a part of the six weeks between late November and early January as the market stalls and hot apple juice. A miniature railway and a nostalgic, beautifully painted carousel are further highlights. Even if your children are too grown-up for a ride on the swan or tiger, they're sure to enjoy watching the carousel’s gentle turning.

The fun continues at the adjacent Piazza del Grano (Kornplatz), with its various stalls and occasional small playground. There's also something to discover in the Town Hall Square: a small ice rink for a few twirls on the ice! A baby corner for nappy changing and breastfeeding is also available, located either in the information office or in a dedicated wooden hut in the Walther Square, depending on the Christmas market’s layout for the year. And this year, for the first time, there's an extensive programme of events for young Christmas market visitors stretching from the Via Isarco street to the Capuchin Park.