The Christmas valley of the Dolomites: Magical Advent in Val Gardena
When the first snowflakes gently cover the peaks of the Dolomites and the air becomes clear and cold, one of the most beautiful valleys in South Tyrol is transformed into a true winter dream. As your Italy expert, today I am taking you to Val Gardena, which is rightly known as the „Christmas Valley“ (Valle di Natale) in the run-up to Christmas. In the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, travelers can expect not only slopes and powder snow, but also two very special Christmas markets that couldn't be more different: the elegant „Paese di Natale“ (Christmas Village) in Ortisei (Ortisei) and the alpine „Mountain Christmas“ in Selva (Selva). Come with us on an atmospheric journey into the heart of South Tyrolean Advent.
Ortisei: The elegant Christmas village full of tradition
The main town in the valley, Ortisei, is known for its elegance and long tradition of wood carving. It is precisely this atmosphere that the „Paese di Natale“ captures perfectly. From November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, the picturesque town center will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Imagine strolling through alleyways lined with quaint wooden huts designed like small barns in the traditional style. The scent of cinnamon and mulled wine wafts through the air.
This Christmas village combines the historical traditions of Val Gardena with exclusive and original products. In the huts you will find artistic, handmade wood carvings for which the valley is world-famous - especially the filigree nativity figures. Unique Christmas tree decorations, cuddly children's clothing, fine liqueurs and the best South Tyrolean wines also invite you to browse. The so-called „Lodenlounges“ provide for the physical well-being. These cozy gastronomic huts are the ideal place to sample local products and hearty South Tyrolean specialties in a romantic atmosphere. The whole thing is accompanied by local music groups that create an authentic, festive atmosphere.
An important note for your travel planning: The market in Ortisei has special opening hours. After the opening weekend, it will be closed from December 1 to 5 before reopening on December 6. From then on, different times apply for weekdays (usually in the afternoon) and weekends (all day), with the food stalls often being open an hour longer than the stores.
Selva Gardena: Alpine Christmas magic at the foot of the slopes
If you drive deeper into the valley, you reach Selva Gardena. While Ortisei stands for elegance, Selva Gardena is the undisputed „capital“ of alpine sports and the direct access point to the world-famous Sellaronda. The „Mountain Christmas“ Christmas market is a perfect match. From November 30, 2025 to January 4, 2026, this market is entirely dedicated to the surrounding mountains.
The absolute highlight and an unforgettable photo motif is the 350-metre-long chain of lights that runs through the center. Hanging from it are dozens of small, handmade wooden cabins that are modeled on the gondola lifts. You virtually walk under a sparkling sky of miniature cable cars - a symbol of the town's deep connection with skiing. Here, too, wooden huts invite you to buy presents and try typical dishes, while contemplative Christmas melodies ring through the village. The opening hours here are also specific, mostly concentrated in the afternoon hours, so check the calendar before your visit.
Activities and sights in the Christmas Valley
Val Gardena during Advent is much more than „just“ Christmas markets. In Ortisei, you should definitely take a stroll through the pedestrian zone and visit the parish church of Ortisei and the church of St. Anthony. A visit to one of the many Val Gardena woodcarving studios or the Gherdëina Museum to admire the world-famous nativity scenes and sculptures is a must.
In Selva Gardena, everything revolves around winter sports. Even if you're not a skier, the atmosphere at the gateway to the Sellaronda and the Dolomiti Superski area is intoxicating. For non-skiers, there are fantastic winter hikes, romantic torchlight walks or challenging snowshoe hikes in the untouched nature of the Sassolungo or the Puez-Odle Nature Park.
You can't miss a very special spectacle on December 5. On this evening, St. Nicholas (San Nicolò) parades through the streets to give presents to well-behaved children. But he doesn't come alone. Only in Ortisei is he accompanied by the terrifying „Krampus“. According to legend, these wild, devilish figures represent demons that were defeated by St. Nicholas and made his servants. They scare the naughty children with loud noises and screams - an unforgettable and deeply rooted cultural experience!
Culinary delights and perfect photo spots
What would a visit to a Christmas market be without the culinary delights? Warm up with a hot mulled wine (often known as „Glühmix“ in South Tyrol) or an apple punch. Be sure to try the traditional South Tyrolean Christmas tents, a heavy fruit bread with nuts, figs and spices. For the hearty appetite, there are classics such as pressed dumplings with cabbage or a hearty „Marende“ with South Tyrolean bacon, Kaminwurzen sausages and Schüttelbrot in the loden lounges.
For the perfect souvenir photo, I recommend the loden huts around the St. Antonius church and the larger-than-life nativity scene in Ortisei. In Selva Gardena, the undisputed top spot is the 350-metre-long chain of lights with the hanging miniature gondolas, especially at dusk when the lights shine against the blue evening sky.
Accommodation and arrival: Sustainable into the valley
Val Gardena offers accommodation for every taste. From luxurious 5-star wellness hotels with views of the Dolomites to traditional, family-run hotels and cozy garni (bed and breakfasts) to flexible vacation apartments, everything is on offer. A special tip: look out for establishments that offer the Val Gardena Guest Pass. With this card, which you receive from participating hosts, you can use public transport throughout South Tyrol free of charge - perfect for commuting between locations.
It is best to travel to the Christmas Valley in a sustainable way. We recommend traveling ecologically and safely by train and bus. There are excellent direct train connections from Munich, Vienna, Rome, Milan and many other cities. During the first four Advent weekends, Trenitalia will even offer a special Christmas train that connects Lombardy directly with South Tyrol. The nearest train stations are Bolzano, Ponte Gardena or Chiusa. From there, you can travel the last few kilometers comfortably by bus (with the Guest Pass), local cabs or the shared transfer „Südtirol Transfer“ directly to your accommodation.
Our conclusion: two markets, one valley, unforgettable magic
Val Gardena in Advent is an experience that goes far beyond a normal Christmas market visit. It is the combination of two unique market concepts - the elegant, traditional Ortisei and the sporty, alpine Selva Gardena - set against the most dramatic mountain backdrop in Europe. The „Valle di Natale“ is a place where traditions such as the Krampus run are alive, craftsmanship is celebrated and hospitality is palpable in the cozy parlors and loden lounges. A trip here is a true escape to a winter wonderland.
Map: Val Gardena
FAQ - Christmas markets in Val Gardena
What is the main difference between the Christmas market in Ortisei and the one in Selva Gardena?
The two Christmas markets in Val Gardena offer very different experiences that reflect the character of the respective villages. The "Paese di Natale", the Christmas village in Ortisei, is characterized by elegance and the long Val Gardena tradition of wood carving. Here, visitors will find artistic nativity figures, fine products and can linger in the cozy "Loden Lounges". In contrast to this is "Mountain Christmas" in Selva Gardena, which has a more sporty character as a center of alpine sports. The unmistakable highlight there is the 350-metre-long chain of lights with small, hanging wooden gondolas, which creates a direct visual link to skiing and the nearby Sellaronda.
When exactly are the markets open and are there any days off?
The markets in Val Gardena/Gröden are planned for the 2025/2026 season. The Christmas Village in Ortisei opens on November 29, 2025 and runs until January 4, 2026, but has an important special feature: after the opening weekend, it will be completely closed from December 1 to 5 and will only reopen regularly on December 6. "Mountain Christmas" in Selva opens on November 30, 2025 and also runs until January 4, 2026. Both markets have specific opening hours, which vary between weekdays (often only in the afternoon) and weekends (usually all day).
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What can you experience in Val Gardena during Advent if you don't ski?
Val Gardena is also a winter wonderland away from the slopes during Advent. In Ortisei, you can stroll through the elegant pedestrian zone and admire the world-famous wood carvings in studios or in the Gherdëina Museum. An unforgettable cultural experience is the traditional Krampus run, which only takes place in Ortisei on December 5th, when St. Nicholas is accompanied by the terrifying figures. Selva Gardena offers fantastic winter hikes or snowshoe tours at the foot of the Sassolungo. The tourist associations also often organize guided torchlight walks in the snow-covered landscape.
What is the best way to get to Val Gardena/Gröden and how do you move between the villages?
A sustainable journey to the Christmas Valley by train and bus is recommended, as there are good international connections to South Tyrol, for example to the train stations of Bolzano or Ponte Gardena. A car is often not necessary to get around between Ortisei and Selva. Many hosts in the valley offer their guests the "Val Gardena Guest Pass" free of charge. With this card, all public buses in the valley and throughout South Tyrol can be used free of charge, making transfers between the two Christmas markets very easy, stress-free and environmentally friendly.
Video: "Mountain Christmas" in Selva Gardena
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