A classic holiday tradition – Christmas markets in South Tyrol

Starting from the end of November and continuing until early January, Christmas markets enrich the lively cultural scene in South Tyrol. Boasting a long history, dating back to Medieval Germany – Dresden’s one-day Christmas market taking place in 1434! – visiting them will not simply provide you with countless choices of pretty ornaments, appetizing delicacies and fairy lights. It’s a combination of sights, scents and music, along with a stark festive mood, that make them so unique.

Looking at their history across the centuries, Christmas markets adapted to social and cultural changes, such as the Industrial Revolution and the two World Wars, always offering a special atmosphere. Adapting also means keeping ahead of times, which is why such markets are also champions of sustainability, a keyword for modern times. Stalls are in fact always made of wood and sell products made locally, mostly by hand, employing wood or renewable sources, continuing on-going traditions and fostering the local economy.  It doesn’t get greener than that!

Val Gardena – the Christmas Valley

Val Gardena is home to a very special handicraft tradition – walking through its many pretty villages, you will see many wooden statues and shops selling all sorts of shapes and images. At Christmas, two towns thrive with an extra special atmosphere, one of which is  Nadel da Mont, the Christmas market in Selva di Val Gardena. A superb location for skiing, part of the Sellaronda circuit, this market sees nine bright wooden huts and thirteen small wooden gondolas dotting the village and bringing on a festive cheer.

Add a snow sculpture contest and historical photos adorning the streets: there’s magic in the air. Nadel Urtijeii in Ortisei is sublime: the capital of Val Gardena is a supremely quaint town, its brightly coloured houses showcasing the splendid local architecture. The magic of the place reaches its zenith in the holidays with a proper Christmas village. Lodenlounges, the cozy wooden huts, are your invitation to try a delicious delicacy or admire a wooden sculpture, while listening to local groups playing music. Walk along the pretty streets and kiss under the mistletoe, under the watchful eye of towering Dolomites. This is pure fairytale!

Enjoy Christmas biscuits

Bring the magic home with you with this simple South Tyrol recipe! Hazelnut squares

To make the dough, place the flour on a working surface and mix with baking powder. Knead the butter, sugar, egg, lemon zest and salt until the dough is smooth. Wrap in cling film or a canvas and place in the fridge for about one hour. Afterwards, place the dough on a surface and roll it out to reach a 5mm thickness.  In the meantime, gently warm the butter, sugar, vanilla and water. Stir the chopped hazelnuts in the mixture and let it cool. Spread the topping evenly on the dough and bake in the oven (180 º for about 10 minutes).

Let it cool and cut in small squares. Melt some chocolate in a saucepan and dip half of the squares in the melted chocolate, place on a baking tray and bake for about 30 minutes.

Serves 6 - Ingredients

• 150 g flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 65 g butter
• 65 g sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 grated lemon zest
• a pinch of salt
• 100 g butter
• 100 g sugar
• 10 g vanilla sugar
• 2 tbsp. water
• 100 g hazelnuts, chopped
• apricot jam, to spread over squares
• dark chocolate to dip the squares in