Christmas Markets in Val di Fassa: Decorations, Carols, Traditional Sweets and Local Crafts

MOENA

The Christmas Markets of the “Fairy of the Dolomites” are held at Piaz de Ramon, Piaz de Sotegrava and in the small Perla Alpina square. Visitors can stroll among 17 traditional wooden huts, where they can buy handcrafted items or sample local products. It is also a festive occasion for children, who can play and ride the railway train and the carousel alongside the woodland elves, as well as enjoy entertaining shows. You can also experience the magic of accompanying Santa Claus and his elves in a horse-drawn carriage through the characteristic Turchia district.

Market opening days and hours:

• Friday, 5 December, from 15:00 to 18:30
• Saturday, 6 December, Sunday, 7 December and Monday, 8 December, from 11:00 to 18:30
• Friday, 12 December, from 15:00 to 18:30
• Saturday, 13 December and Sunday, 14 December, from 11:00 to 18:30
• Friday, 19 December, from 15:00 to 18:30
• From Saturday, 20 December to Monday, 5 January, from 11:00 to 18:30 (closed on Christmas Day)

Photo credit: ApT Val di Fassa

Alongside the markets, there will also be Christmas-themed events. On 5 December, as tradition dictates, all the children leave their homes with their cowbells to announce to the village that Saint Nicholas is on his way. The streets fill with jingling bells, laughter and small groups who stop in front of shops to recite nursery rhymes and poems in Italian and Ladin. Saint Nicholas will first arrive in the hamlet of Sorte, escorted by two angels and a little donkey that will help him carry the presents. During the night, he will then visit the houses one by one.
On 6 December at 17:00, the Enrosadira Choir of Moena gathers in a corner of Piaz de Ramon for the Advent concert. You can listen to mountain, traditional and Christmas songs, some of them also performed in Ladin.
On 13 December at 17:00, there will be the Christmas parade, a procession starting from Piaz de Ramon and ending in Piaz de Sotegrava, featuring groups and sports associations from Moena and the nearby valleys, accompanied by music from the Moena Municipal Band.
On 29 December at 21:00, the Canticum Novum choir’s Christmas Concert will be held in the church of San Vigilio, while on 5 January children can wait for La Befana, who will arrive in Piaz de Sotegrava at 17:00 with lots of special gifts.

Photo credit: ApT Val di Fassa

VIGO DI FASSA

It is one of the most beautiful markets in the Dolomites. The wooden huts offer handmade products and original gift ideas, including Christmas decorations made from natural materials, paintings, frames, textiles, embroidery, handicrafts and household items. At the stalls, you can warm up with tea and mulled wine, nibble roasted chestnuts from a paper cone and, every Friday afternoon, try delicious apple fritters sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar.
Children, meanwhile, can post their letter to Santa Claus in the special mailbox, attaching a fun photo taken at one of the Christmas Selfie Points.

Market opening days and hours:

• 5 and 6 December, from 15:30 to 18:30
• 7 December, from 10:00 to 12:00
• 12 and 13 December, from 15:30 to 18:30
• 14 December, from 10:00 to 12:00
• From 20 December to 5 January, from 15:30 to 18:30 (closed on 25 December and 1 January)

From 5 December to 6 January, you can also stroll among the handcrafted nativity scenes created through the dedication and creativity of local residents, sculptors and associations. Tourist offices have a map of the nativity scenes, and you can have fun discovering the hidden objects in the Nativity representations. Once you have completed your map, you will receive a sweet gift.

 Photo credit: ApT Val di Fassa

CAMPITELLO DI FASSA

The Campitello di Fassa Christmas Markets, with the enchanting Sassolungo in the background, offer handicrafts, typical culinary delights, and artistic and traditional products from the Dolomites. The characteristic wooden huts are located along a pleasant pedestrian route leading from Piaz de Ciampedel to Piaz Veie. There is music, a carousel, the decorative setting, lights, the majestic tree and the ice fountain. There is also hot mulled wine to enjoy with a tasty pretzel topped with speck and "Chèr de Fascia" cheese or delicious "fortaes".

Market opening days and hours:

The market is open on 6, 7 and 8 December and from 20 December to 5 January, from 15:00 to 19:00.

Photo credit: Apt Val di Fassa

On 24 December, children can wait in the square for Santa Claus to arrive on a horse-drawn sleigh, bringing them some sweet little gifts.
On 4 January, the Three Kings arrive in Campitello, guided by the Star of Bethlehem and singing songs in Italian and Ladin. The Three Kings proceed from house to house carrying a large illuminated star, mounted on a pole and made of wood and coloured paper, which slowly rotates as if guiding their journey. At 17:00, in front of the nativity scene set up in Piaz de Ciampedel, the group from Pozza will announce the birth of Jesus the Saviour with a repertoire of songs in Italian and Ladin.

CANAZEI

The Canazei Christmas Market, called Maitin, is a new addition this winter. It will be set up in the public park, just a short distance from the town centre, where the natural setting itself creates a special atmosphere. The name Maitin refers to the Christmas night Mass, the moment when children await the arrival of Santa Claus and his gifts.
Canazei, too, will offer a Christmas atmosphere, the scent of mulled wine, sweets and handmade products. There will also be concerts and activities for adults and children, wooden games and music.

 Market opening days and hours:

• From Friday, 5 to Monday, 8 December, from 11:00 to 19:00
• From Friday, 12 to Sunday, 14 December, from 11:00 to 19:00
• Every day from 19 December to 4 January, from 11:00 to 19:00

Events not to be missed include the Mùsega Auta Fascia parade on 7 December at 17:30. From the square, the musicians will parade along Strèda Roma to the park, where the procession will end with an evocative Christmas concert among the market huts.

Photo credit: ApT Val di Fassa

For more information about the Christmas Markets in Val di Fassa, click here