The month of December ushers in the winter season in the Dolomites of Northern Italy.
If you visit the Dolomites in December, you can partake in advent festivities including Christmas Markets and Krampus Runs. For a jubilant winter holiday, we recommend concentrating your time in South Tyrol.
The Dolomites ski season usually commences at the very end of November, or in early December. We think that December (before the Christmas holiday) is one of the best times to ski across the Dolomites Superski network, the largest ski area in the world.
Kati and I have visited the Dolomites several times. During our first visit, we skied in Val Gardena, tackled the Sellaronda ski circuit, visited the Christmas Markets in Val Pusteria, watched the Krampus Run in Toblach, and went on a few winter hikes. During our second December visit, we visited the Klausen and Brixen advent markets and skied in Alta Badia.
- Christmas Markets: San Candido-Innichen, Dobbiaco-Toblach, Brunico-Bruneck, Bressanone-Brixen, Chiusa-Klausen, Castelrotto-Kastelruth, and Bolzano-Bozen
- Krampus Runs: Sesto, Dobbiaco, Castelrotto (every 2 years), Nova Levante, and Pozza di Fassa
- Ski Season Opening: Late November or early December, depending on snow conditions
- Where to Stay: Ski-in Ski-out Hotels Dolomites
Skiing in the Dolomites in December
Dolomites Superski is a network of 12 ski resorts across the Dolomites. It’s the largest ski area in the world with 1200 km of slopes and 450 lifts.
When skiing in the Dolomites, you can purchase ski passes for single resorts, or a Dolomites Superski pass, which covers all 12 ski areas. You need the Dolomites Superski Pass to ski the Sella Ronda ski circuit, which crosses four ski resorts in a single day.
Dolomites Ski Areas:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Plan de Corones (aka Kronplatz)
- Alta Badia
- Val Gardena / Seiser Alm
- Val di Fassa / Carezza
- Arabba / Marmolada
- 3 Zinnen Dolomites
- Val di Fiemme / Obereggen
- San Martino di Castrozza / Passo Rolle
- Gitschberg Jochtal – Brixen
- Alpe Lusia / San Pellegrino
- Civetta
The ski season in the Dolomites commences in December and continues until end of March, or early April.
We skied in Val Gardena and Gitschberg-Jochtal in early December at the start of the ski season. Ski conditions were excellent thanks to natural snowfall in late November and early December as well as artificial snow. We can also wholeheartedly recommend the 3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort in Sexten and the Alta Badia Ski Resort. If you love long runs and you don’t mind gondolas, check out Kronplatz Ski Resort.
Opening Times | dolomitisuperski.com
Webcam | Dolomites ski area webcams
Christmas Markets in the Dolomites and South Tyrol
Most Christmas Markets in South Tyrol are open between late November and late December, or early January. Many of these markets are only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, especially in early December.
On December 24th (Christmas Eve), most markets have reduced hours. And, on December 25th (Christmas Day), all markets are closed. On December 26th (Second Christmas Day) and January 1st (New Year’s Day), markets may also have reduced hours.
Our favorite advent market in the Dolomites is Mercatini di Natale San Candido in Val Pusteria.
Chiusa / Klausen Christmas Market (aka Klausner Gassladvent)
Located in Eisacktal Valley, south of Brixen, you’ll find the medieval village of Klausen (Chiusa in Italian). Its Old Town transforms into a storybook advent market, scattered with stalls selling South Tyrolean speck, Bergkäse, handmade ceramics, honey, herbal teas, and cozy wool slippers and gloves. And of course, there’s plenty of Glühwein and sweet and savory Krapfen.
This special market takes place during the four weekends of Advent. On Sundays, the night watchman lights hundreds of candles in the Old Town. I think this is the most atmospheric and charming Christmas Market bordering the Dolomites; don’t miss it!
After wandering the cobblestone lanes of the Altstadt, I recommend taking a short walk up to the Dürerstein viewpoint, named after the German artist Albrecht Dürer, who sketched the town of Klausen from this very vantage point in 1494. From here, you’ll get a picture-perfect view of riverside Klausen, with Castle Branzoll and the mountaintop Säben Abbey perched above.
Dates | Late November – late December. Fridays – Sundays only.
Opening Times | 10 am – 7 pm. December 24th: 10 am – 12 pm
Location | Klausen Altstadt (Old Town)
Where to Stay in Klausen | Walther von der Vogelweide (midrange)
San Candido / Innichen Christmas Market
San Candido (Innichen in German) is an attractive town in Alta Pusteria (Hochpustertal) in South Tyrol, very close to the Austrian border. Set at the foot of the Northern Sexten Dolomites, it’s also a great base for skiing in the 3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort.
Starting in late November, the town hosts an annual Christmas Market, called the Mercatini di Natale San Candido, with 15 timber huts that sell local handicrafts and culinary specialities.
Here’s what you can eat at the seasonal market:
- Minestra d’orzo / Gerstensuppe (Barley Soup)
- Gulasch di manzo / Rindsgulasch (Beef Goulash)
- Würstel con pane / Würstel mit Brot (Sausage with Bread)
- Canederli pressati con crauti / Pressknödel mit Kraut (Pressed Dumplings with Sauerkraut)
- Strauben con marmellata / Strauben mit Preiselbeermarmelade (Tyrolean Funnel Cake with Jam)
- Frittelle di mele / Apfelküchlein (Apple Fritters)
- Brezen (Pretzel)
Dates | Late November – Early January. From late November until mid December, the market is only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Starting in mid-December, the market is open daily with the exception of December 25th.
Opening Times | 10:30 am – 7 pm
Location | Pedestrian town center of San Candido
Where to Stay in San Candido | See our Where to Stay in San Candido guide for the best accommodation options: Residence Silvia (budget), Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio (luxury), ATTO Suites – Appartements (luxury), or Naturhotel Leitlhof (luxury, read our Naturhotel Leitlhof Review).
Dobbiaco / Toblach Christmas Market (aka Drei Zinnen Christmas Market)
Dobbiaco (Toblach in German) is a town in Upper Val Pusteria, 5 km west of San Candido. Like San Candido, it lies within the 3 Zinnen Dolomites resort.
Dobbiaco hosts a gastronomic Christmas Market with 10 huts selling mulled wine, Strauben (funnel cake), and Gerstensuppe (barley soup) in the town center.
Dates | Late November – early January
Opening Times | Confirm opening times with tourist office.
Location | St John the Baptist Church Square
Where to Stay in Toblach | Hotel Rosengarten (midrange-luxury), Hotel Laurin (midrange-luxury), or Romantik Hotel Santer (luxury)
Brunico / Bruneck Christmas Market
Brunico (Bruneck in German) is the largest town in Puster Valley, located where the the Tauferer Ahrntal side valley branches to the north and the Val Badia side valley branches to the south. Like San Vigilio-St. Vigil, Bruneck is part of the Plan de Corones-Kronplatz ski region.
Each year, Bruneck hosts an annual Christmas Market with 35 wooden huts selling ornaments, wooden toys, ceramics, mulled wine, pastries, and local dishes. The market is set up on the Graben (Via Bastioni), Paul-Tschurtschenthaler-Platz, and in the Oberstadt (Ragen di Sopra).
Don’t miss the Stadtgasse, Bruneck’s main shopping street, which is lined with picturesque buildings housing shops, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants.
Dates | Late November – Early January
Opening Times | The Bruneck Christmas Market is open daily, except on December 25th.
Location | Graben and Oberstadt
Where to Stay in Bruneck Town Center | Garni B&B Am Schloss (budget-midrange), or Hotel Wochtla Buam (midrange-luxury)
Where to Stay in Bruneck Kronplatz Ski Area | Garni Volgger (midrange), Hotel Rudolf (luxury), Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz (luxury), or Hotel Winkler Sport & Spa Resort (luxury)
Bressanone / Brixen Christmas Market
The South Tyrolean town of Brixen (Bressanone in Italian) is located in Eisack Valley, just north of the Dolomites. There are direct trains that link Bolzano/Bozen, Brunico/Bruneck, and Innsbruck to Brixen.
From late November until early January, you can visit the famous Brixen Christmas Market, located at the Cathedral Square. The market is open daily.
The Brixen Christmas Market is made up of traditional wooden stalls, which sell primarily South Tyrolean products as well as mulled wines, Knödel (dumplings), and Krapfen (donut-like pastries).
Additionally, Brixen hosts a ticketed light and music show, located in the Hofburg Brixen. Two performances take place each evening at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. There’s an additional performance at 7:30 pm on Saturdays.
Dates | Late November – Early January
Opening Times | See opening times.
Location | Cathedral Square (Domplatz)
Where to Stay in Brixen Town Center | Adler Historic Guesthouse (luxury), or fink Restaurant & Suites (luxury)
Where to Stay on Plose (mountainside hotels above Brixen) | My Arbor – Plose Wellness Hotel (adults-only luxury. Read our My Arbor Hotel Review), Santre – dolomythic home (luxury), or Forestis Dolomites (adults-only luxury)
Ortisei / St. Ulrich Christmas Market
Ortisei (St. Ulrich) is the largest town in Val Gardena (Gröden), one of the most popular destinations in the Dolomites. Ortisei is located within the Ski resort Val Gardena / Alpe di Siusi.
During the Advent season, Ortisei hosts a Christmas Village in its charming pedestrian center. Huts sell regional products and culinary delicacies.
Dates | Early December – early January
Opening Times | The Ortisei Christmas Market is open between 4 pm and 7 pm on weekdays and between 11 am and 7 pm on weekends.
Location | Ortisei Pedestrian Area
Where to Stay in Ortisei Town Center | Casa al Sole (B&B. Read our Casa al Sole Review), Hotel Grones (midrange), or Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof (luxury)
Ski-to-door Hotels in Ortisei | Pra Palmer The Green B&B (midrange) or Alpenhotel Rainell (luxury)
Selva / Wolkenstein Christmas Market (Mountain Christmas)
Selva (Wolkenstein) is a village in Val Gardena famous for its ski-in ski-out hotels. It’s located in the heart of the Dolomites, at the base of the Sella Group. Selva is one of the gateways to the Sellaronda ski carousel.
The Selva Christmas Market (Nadel da Mont) features 9 wooden huts and 13 wooden gondolas.
Dates and Opening Times | November 30, 2025 – January 4, 2026. This market is not open daily. See exact dates.
Location | Nives Square
Ski-to-door Hotels in Selva | Garni Hotel Bel Vert (B&B), Mountain Design Hotel Eden Selva (midrange-luxury), Hotel Freina (midrange-luxury), Savoy Dolomites Luxury & Spa Hotel (luxury), and Hotel Alpenroyal (luxury)
Castelrotto Mountain Christmas / Kastelruther Bergweihnacht
Castelrotto (Kastelruth) is a town in South Tyrol, situated at the foot of the Alpe di Siusi plateau.
This charming town in the Dolomites hosts a mountain Christmas market with local handicrafts, mulled wine, gingerbread, and other local specialities.
In December, there’s also a St. Nicholas parade, a Krampus Run (every 2 years), and a Kastelruther Spatzen Christmas concert.
Dates | Fridays-Sundays only. See exact dates.
Opening Times | 10 am – 7 pm
Location | Historic town center of Castelrotto
Where to Stay in Castelrotto | Schgaguler Hotel (luxury), or Hotel Lamm (luxury)
Where to Stay in Siusi | La Paula Apartments & Suites (midrange), Floris Green Suites by Parc Hotel Florian (luxury), or Sensoria Dolomites (all-inclusive luxury)
More Winter Markets in the Dolomites and South Tyrol
In Alta Badia, the village of Corvara hosts a small festive market called Marcé da Nadé.
Outside the Dolomites, the Sterzing Christmas Market (Mercatini di Natale di Vipiteno) and Bolzano Christmas Market are both worth visiting.
Krampus Runs in the Dolomites
A krampus is a horned, demonic figure in alpine folklore. Though the krampus figure likely predates Christianity, the tradition is now tied to the Advent season.
Historically, the purpose of the Krampus was to scare and punish bad-behaved children. The Krampus served as the foil character of Saint Nicholas, who rewarded well-behaved children.
The Krampus tradition lives on in mountain towns in the Eastern Alps in the form of Krampuslauf (krampus run, or krampus parade) events. In such processions, people (mostly young men) dress up in extravagant furry costumes and don Krampus masks.
They parade through towns with clamoring bells and chains with the objective of scaring spectators. Krampus participants also wield smoke and fire as well to create a hellish atmosphere.
Krampus Runs are not for everyone and they can be very frightening for children. Usually there’s a barrier between the Krampus and the spectators, but it can still be unnerving.
In the Dolomites, there are a few notable Krampus runs that take place in early December.
Dobbiaco / Toblach Krampus Parade
The oldest Krampuslauf in South Tyrol takes place in Toblach in Upper Puster Valley (Alta Pusteria).
Six hundred krampus, hailing from South Tyrol, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, march from St. Johannesstrasse to the village center.
Donning heavy fur costumes and carved masks, the Krampus put on a scary and fiery show with colorful “Bengalos” (Bengal flames and fires). The effect of the all the smoke and fire was dazzling in a nightmarish kind of way.
My biggest critique about the Toblach krampus run was the layout and lack of speakers and lighting along the whole run. The only good place to watch the event unfold was at Piazza Municipio in front of Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista church, because of the atmosphere, music, lighting, fire, and speakers.
If you watched the parade further away, it’s not as exciting, because you can’t hear the music and the announcer.
We arrived 90 minutes before the event. Parking was easy, well-organized, and cheap (5 EUR cash only). Authorities directed drivers in an orderly fashion to a large meadow. With your parking ticket, you can redeem a free Glühwein at the “Parking” stall at the Krampus Run.
Toblach advertises that there is a Krampus-free-zone, which is somewhat misleading, since there is no designated zone to watch the parade without interaction. In this context, Krampus-free-zone simply means that there is a barrier separating Krampus from spectators. If you want to safely observe the procession, without direct interaction, stand on the church steps.
Date | TBD
Time | 6 pm – 10 pm
Where to Stay in Toblach | Hotel Rosengarten (midrange-luxury), Hotel Laurin (midrange-luxury), or Romantik Hotel Santer (luxury)
Sesto / Sexten Krampus Run
Around 36 groups (600 total Krampus) participate in the Krampus & Perchten Run in Sexten. The parade starts at 6 pm and is hosted by Bergtoifl Sexten.
Date | TBD
Time | 6 pm
Location | Sexten/Moos
Where to Stay in Sesto | B&B Grüne Laterne – Lanterna Verde (budget), Hotel Royal (midrange), Hotel Schoenblick (midrange), or Hotel Monika (luxury)
Castelrotto / Kastelruth Krampus Run
Every two years, around 50 groups from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy (1000 total Krampus, Perchten, and Witches) participate in the Kastelruther Tuifl.
The Krampus parade from the bus station through the village center to the Dolomitenstrasse and back.
The run is followed by a Krampus Party, where there’s a heated tent with a DJ.
Date | The Kastelruth Krampus Run takes place every two years. The next one will take place in 2027.
Time | 5 pm. It’s best to double-check the date and time on their Facebook page.
Location | Castelrotto Village Center
Where to Stay in Castelrotto | Schgaguler Hotel (luxury), or Hotel Lamm (luxury)
Where to Stay in Siusi | La Paula Apartments & Suites (midrange), Floris Green Suites by Parc Hotel Florian (luxury), or Sensoria Dolomites (all-inclusive luxury)
More Krampus Runs in the Dolomites
Trentino | In early December, there are several small Krampus Runs in Primero Valley, Val di Fassa including the Pozza di Fassa Krampus Run, and Val di Fiemme. Reach out to the local tourist offices for exact dates and times.
Val d’Ega – Eggental | The Nova Levante – Welschnofen Krampus Run usually takes place in early November.
Val Casies – Gsiesertal | The Krampusumzug der “Höllischen Pichl/Gsies” im Gsiesertal usually takes place in late November.
Where to Stay in the Dolomites in December
If you want to combine atmospheric Christmas markets and advent festivities with outdoor adventuring, we recommend staying in Alta Pusteria (San Candido, Dobbiaco, or Sexten), or Val Gardena (Ortisei, Santa Christina, or Selva di Val Gardena).
For skiing, I recommend Alta Badia (Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano), Alta Pusteria (Sexten), Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena (Selva), and Kronplatz (San Vigilio).
Related | Best Ski-in Ski-out Hotels in the Dolomites
Alta Pusteria (Upper Puster Valley)
The Upper Puster Valley is the gateway to the Braies/Prags and Sesto/Sexten Dolomites and the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort.
The best base for skiing is the village of Sexten: 3-star Hotel Royal, 4-star Alpenwellness Hotel St. Veit, 4-star Berghtoel Sexten, 4-star Hotel Alpenblick, thermal spa hotel Bad Moos, and Aparthotel Gamz (located across the street from the Helmjet ski lift). For a ski-in-ski out experience, book Rotwandwiesen Chalets located on Rotwandwiesen near the Rotwand gondola mountain station.
If you’re interested in snowshoeing, there are snowshoe hikes to Croda Rossa, Innerfeldtal/Val Campo di Dentro, Monte Elmo, and Drei Zinnen/Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Winter hikers also have plenty of options, including hikes to Malga Nemes, Fondo Valle Hut, Sesto to San Candido, Klammbach Alp, Innerfeld Valley, and more.
If there’s sufficient snow, you can also go cross country-skiing in Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal Valley.
For general sightseeing and Christmas Markets, San Candido is the most atmospheric base. In the town center, check out Post Hotel (adults only), ATTO Suites & Cuisine (aparthotel), and Residence Kugler (apartments). Outside the town center, Naturhotel Leitlhof offers the most in terms of facilities and guest services. More helpful info in my Naturhotel Leitlhof Hotel Review and guide to Where to Stay in San Candido.
Sexten Accommodations
Budget | B&B Grüne Laterne – Lanterna Verde is a traditional, alpine guesthouse in Sesto with an on-site restaurant.
Midrange | Hotel Schoenblick is a lovely 3-star hotel in Sesto with sparkling clean rooms and apartments facing the Sesto Sundial. Breakfast is included and half board is optional.
Midrange | Hotel Royal is a 3-star-superior ski-to-door hotel with alpine-modern rooms and apartments. Stay here for the hospitality, dreamy mountain views, and fantastic breakfast buffet.
Luxury | Hotel Alpenblick is an exceptional ski-to-door hotel with a standout gourmet kitchen, committed to sustainability. Ingredients are sourced regionally and from their very own Alpenblick farm. Breakfast, a 5-course dinner, and an afternoon snack (3 pm – 5 pm) are included in the room rate. Beyond the culinary appeal, Hotel Alpenblick is a super friendly and welcoming accommodation with a spa and pool.
5-star Luxury | Hotel Monika enjoys a splendid setting on the edge of a meadow with views of the Sexten Dolomites. The hotel spa dazzles with its sky infinity outdoor pool, indoor pool, five saunas, and relaxation zones. You can schedule massages and other treatments as well. Guests can take advantage of the free hotel shuttle to the Helmjet ski lift.
Look for accommodation in Sesto.
Val Gardena
Val Gardena stretches between Eisack Valley and Passo Gardena and Passo Sella.
With 181 km of slopes and 79 lifts, the Val Gardena Ski Area is the largest ski resort in the Dolomiti Superski network. Extending across both sides of the valley, this majestic Dolomites ski resort is made-up of many interlinked areas including Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, Dantercepies and Pass Gardena (Cir Group), Plan de Gralba, Saslong-Ciampinoi, Mont de Sëura-Monte Pana, and Passo Sella (Sassolungo Group).
In addition to downhill skiing, visitors can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and tobogganing.
The village of Selva is the most popular base for skiing, because it lies directly on the 44-km Sellaronda ski carousel.
If you visit Val Gardena in December, check out the Christmas Markets in nearby Castelrotto (Kastelruth), Chiusa (Klausen), Bolzano (Bozen), and Bressanone (Brixen).
Read our Val Gardena Hotel Guide for a summary of the best hotels and accommodations in Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina.
Ortisei Accommodations
Midrange | Pra Palmer The Green B&B is a 3-star ski-to-door hotel with raving reviews in Ortisei. 3-4 nights minimum stay.
Midrange | Hotel Grones is a top-rated, family-run hotel, which excels in its friendly atmosphere, excellent local and Mediterranean cuisine, traditional, yet lovely rooms. The hotel spa area comprises a swimming pool, hot tub, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and steam bath.
Luxury | Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Ortisei, home to the Michelin star Ann Stuben gourmet restaurant. This wellness hotel offers unparalleled spa facilities, flawless service, guided hikes and mountain bike tours, and a weekly fitness program. Guests are treated to a welcome cocktail, generous breakfast buffet, and afternoon cakes and snacks (3 – 5 pm).
Luxury | Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti is a stunning property surrounded by private grounds, advantageously located in the pedestrian zone of Ortisei. This 5-star hotel offers outstanding service, first-rate spa complex, beautiful rooms, and an on-site restaurant (half board available). 3-7 nights minimum stay.
Luxury | Alpenhotel Rainell is a ski-to-door hotel in Ortisei with direct access to the Alpe di Siusi gondola. Standing above the village, this 4-star hotel enjoys panoramic views of Seceda and Val Gardena. Guests have access to a spa area and outdoor heated pool. 3-5 night minimum stay.
Look for accommodation in Ortisei.
Selva Accommodations
Midrange | Garni Hotel Bel Vert is a ski-to-door B&B in Selva, located on the Biancavieve Slope, outside the town center. Rooms are beautiful and spacious. There’s even a small spa. 3 nights minimum stay.
Midrange-Luxury | Mountain Design Hotel Eden Selva is an alpine hotel with a sleek, contemporary design in Selva, located on the Sella Ronda slopes. Half board available. Guests love the attentive staff, location, and spotless rooms with natural wood. 4 nights minimum stay.
Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Freina is a ski-to-door hotel in Selva, located on the Ciampinoi ski slopes (Sella Ronda ski area). This family-run hotel is adored for their warm customer service, excellent organic breakfast, and outstanding on-site restaurant, serving vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Guests have access to a spa with multiple saunas (Finnish, steam, salinair, and infrared), hot tub, and waterbeds. Free garage parking.
Luxury | Savoy Dolomites Luxury & Spa Hotel is a lovely Tyrolean-style hotel in Selva with an on-site restaurant (half board available), bar, and wellness area. The hotel’s ski room is directly connected to the ski slopes via an elevator.
Luxury | Hotel Alpenroyal – The Leading Hotels of the World is a 5-star, ski-to-door resort in Selva di Val Gardena with an on-site ski rental shop. Half board available.
More Ski-to-door hotels in Selva | Hotel Plan De Gralba (3 star), Hotel Jägerheim 3S (3 star), and Hotel Somont (4 star).
Look for accommodation in Selva di Val Gardena.
More Dolomites and Winter Travel Guides
Dolomites Winter Travel:
Dolomites Travel:
Winter Travel:
Ski Resorts in the Alps:
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Hi– for non-skiers, can you get to the Seceda ridgeline via cable car in December? Are any of the cable cars open to non-skiers from Ortisei? Thanks!
Hi Sonja,
Non-skiers can always ride the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableways. When you reach the cable car mountain station, it’s a short walk to the Seceda summit. Wear snow boots, or robust hiking boots, as there will be snow.
All the best,
Sabrina