Christmas in Alto Adige always seems to have a particularly magical feel, and no more so than in the town of Brunico. From late November to mid January, the pretty medieval town transforms into a fabulous Christmas Market, its streets brimming with stalls selling every possible kind of Christmas decoration and gift. Other famous Christmas Markets which are often included in organized seasonal shopping sprees in South Tyrol, are those held in Bolzano and Bressanone. An enticing scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and the other spices used in classic Christmas bakery and confectionary, mixed with the perfume of mulled wine, envelops visitors as they stroll through the picturesque streets of the historic center of Brunico. The surrounding landscape adds further to the enchanting atmosphere: Brunico is, in fact, located in the heart of the Val Pusteria, at the foot of the Plan de Corones mountain, widely considered Europe's no. 1 ski district. In recent years, an important musical event has been held here to celebrate the opening of the skiing season.
At Brunico, surrounded by the Natural Parks of Vedrette di Ries Aurina, Puez-Odle, and Fanes-Sennes e Braies, the skiing season commences in early December when the many kilometers of slopes are already covered by a thick blanket of snow. Winter sports are not the only attraction as the area is home to a number of luxury hotels and spas, romantic alpine chalets, and traditional dairies where Alto Adige's excellent cheeses''' are produced.
For those wanting to try something a little different, at the nearby Anterselva Lake visitors can ice skate and rent toboggans. For walkers, there are many trails, of various difficulties, through the woods. The whole of Upper Pusteria, from the Plan de Corones to Monte Elmo and the Sesto Dolomites, is a paradise for skiers. There are cross-country skiing rings at Prato Piazza, Val Fiscalina, and Braies.
Just beyond the town and castle of Monguelfo, on the road to Cortina d'Ampezzo, we come to Dobbiaco. Like Brunico, Dobbiaco is famous for its Christmas Market, the high light of which is the procession of Krampus, horrendous looking creatures who terrorize spectators as they trail behind St Nicklaus who, oblivious to his unsightly escorts, liberally distributes sweets to the crowds.
Not far away, near Lake Landro'', it is Tre Cime di Lavaredo which dominate the horizon. During the First World War, these mountains were transformed into a high altitude battle ground, reminders of which still litter the mountain slopes in the form of trenches, tunnels and barricades. Today the Tre Cime are a confirmed favorite among mountaineers'''.
San Candido, situated 1100 meters above sea level, and close to the Austrian border, is one of the area's most-loved art towns. The historic center of San Candido is surrounded by soaring mountains and impressive rock formations which enclose marshy lakes. Like the town of Sesto a few kilometers away, San Candido is part of the Alta Pusteria ski area. Here is a paradise for snow boarders and snowboard carving fans, which, because of the number of safe slopes reserved for beginners, is equally popular with families with young children.
