Trento and Innsbruck: two cities full of Christmas spirit. Here are the Christmas markets and family events to fully immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere!
The atmosphere that reigns in the Christmas period is magical: while each of us thinks about what to give to loved ones or to be given, the color of the tree decorations - total white, silver, blue, or the more classic red and gold - we we suggest where to go for experience the magic of Christmas, buy typical local artisan products or simply spend a weekend before or after the upcoming holidays. With the post, we accompany you to discover the tradition of the Christmas markets from Trento to Innsbruck.
Christmas appointments in Trento
Let's start with Trento. The Christmas Market generally takes place from November until Christmas Eve. For the occasion, sixty-eight small houses are set up in Piazza Fiera and twenty-five in Piazza Cesare Battisti, with local handicraft products (food, wooden and gift items, clothing), coming from all over Trentino.
What to do with children in Trento
For the little ones, the Children's Village will be set up in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, with workshops, games and surprises. In addition, the Christmas train will cross the streets of the historic center.
In addition to providing a relaxing atmosphere, the key word of this market becomes: green. In fact, to cope with respect for nature, the shopper bags are made of fruit paper, that is recycled paper from the tetrapak containers. The maps show the Eco Points for separate collection. The catalogs and flyers are also made of eco-certified paper. The use of plastic in the food and wine sector has also been reduced with the use of also edible dishes, such as bread dishes.
A deeply rooted tradition
Behind the enormous organizational machine, however, there is a deep tradition, which has its roots in the Germany of the 1400s, when the Christmas market it was called Striezelmarkt, and it took place in Dresden, which is still the oldest Christmas market in Germany, now in its five hundred and eighty-three edition.
During the Protestant reform it took the name of Christkindmarkt. During Lutheranism it was traditional to deliver gifts to children on December 6, which is the day of the feast of St. Nicholas. It is said that Martin Luther began to deliver gifts to the family on Christmas Eve and that slowly this tradition spread among all Lutheran families.
Christmas dates in Innsbruck
Crossing the Brenner, we are in Innsbruck, where the Christmas markets generally take place from mid-November to early January
Several stages are planned. Starting from the historic center, where visitors will be able to buy tree decorations, works of artistic craftsmanship and wool products, you reach Maria Theresien StraBe to admire the Christmas lights show.
What to do with children in Innsbruck
For the little ones there is the Vicolo delle Fiabe, with the characters of fairy tales observing passers-by from the top of the facades, in Kiebachgasse, a street parallel to Erzheborg Friedrich StraBe. Also on the Marktplatz there is entertainment for children with the crystal Christmas tree. It is here that the Jaufenthal nativity scene is set up, a mechanical nativity scene open all afternoon with performances lasting twenty-five minutes, with 28 moving characters, a waterfall and church bells ringing.
To enjoy the magic of Christmas from above, it is recommended a trip on the Nordkettenbahn until you reach the viewpoint. On the InnstraBe, there will be celebrations dedicated to St. Nicholas, with traditional Christmas music and biscuits. Finally at Wiltenerplatz another small Christmas market.
Il Christkindbahn is a historic train that everyone should try at least once! Perfectly preserved and free - it will accompany you around the city. Believe me, touring the city during the holidays, aboard this suggestive vehicle, is a unique emotion. The ideal way to fully immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere.
