It's Christmas Time in the Dolomites

The aroma of mulled wine, lebkuchen and cinnamon lies in the air: it's Christmas time at the foot of the Sciliar mountain. Off the beaten track, the villages Castelrotto and Siusi allo Sciliar get into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas market of Castelrotto is bound to the tradition: Sarentino cardigans, socks and jackets from the knitting Paul line up next to wood and crib figures, candles, crochet and felted works. For those snacky moments farmers from Castelrotto serve traditional specialities of the South Tyrolean cuisine. With its little stands the Christmas market is the place for a cosy get together with mulled wine, punch or hot apple juice.

For the first time, a Krampus procession will take place in Castelrotto this year: approx. 500 Krampuses from the entire Alpine region fill the streets around Castelrotto. Instead of Christmas tones loud cowbells ring in the streets, for the Krampus, the uncanny companion of Nicholas, announces his coming from far away with his cowbell.

It get's more contemplative on December 16 and 17 when the well-known folk group, the Kastelruther Spatzen, gets us in the mood for the feast of love. The folk group will sing Christmas carols such as "Stille Nacht" ("Silent Night"), but also some of their own songs about life and love.

Also Siusi allo Sciliar offers something special for the Christmas time. December 9 and 10 are all about "Siusi on Ice": a cosy get-together will take place at the ice rink in the village centre. Traditionally, mulled wine and punch are served, while the young and the young at heart glide across the ice.