CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 26.11. Angels’ Parade A festive parade of angels, drummers and musicians winds through the cobbled streets of the old town to Cathedral Square. A magical moment that sets the scene for the official opening of the Christmas Market. 16.30 Old Town
Opening Ceremony of the Christmas Market Christmas officially begins in the heart of Brixen. In Cathedral Square, the mayor and organisers welcome visitors, accompanied by brass musicians, the children’s choir Liberarmonia and the traditional cutting of the gingerbread. This marks the opening of the 35th edition of the Brixen Christmas Market – and with it, a season of encounters, traditions, scents and special moments to enjoy throughout the old town. 17.00 Cathedral Square
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 26.11.-30.12. & 2.-6.1. Living Museum by the Fire This year, the fire area at the Christmas Market becomes a small living museum, where traditional crafts and time-honoured skills are not only demonstrated, but can also be tried out first-hand. Short open workshops are offered throughout opening hours. Children can make simple woollen crafts, such as a Christmas tree decoration, following the artisans’ guidance step by step and taking their creation home afterwards. Adults are also invited to discover the different stages of wool processing, observe the techniques used and try out some of the traditional skills themselves with the help of experts. A place to pause, watch skilled hands at work and discover how much knowledge is woven into a simple, natural material such as wool.
Show Cooking by the Fire The fire is also a place of flavour. During the show cooking sessions, visitors can watch different specialities being prepared up close, discover the ingredients and techniques, join in and, of course, taste what has been cooked. An experience for all the senses, between the warmth of the fire and the aromas of the kitchen. Monday–Friday: 15.00–20.00 Saturday and Sunday: 11.00–20.00
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 27.11. Creating Christmas Cards with Calligraphy A handwritten Christmas greeting has a very special value. During the workshop, children and young people can create their own Christmas cards, experiment with the art of calligraphy and turn a few words into a personal little gift. 18.00 - 21.00 City Library, 3rd floor Booking: 0472 062190; biblio@brixen.it For primary and secondary school pupils.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 27.11., 4., 11., 18.12. & 1.1 Evening Tour of the White Tower At 72 metres high, the White Tower is one of Brixen’s landmarks. The evening tour leads up around 200 steps to the intricate mechanism of the carillon with its 43 bells. A special opportunity to delve into the city’s history and discover one of its most recognisable monuments up close. 21.00 - 22.30 Meeting point: in front of the White Tower Booking: 0472 275252 – info@brixen.org Price: €10 adults, €5 for ages 12–17; free with the Brixen Südtirol Guestpass English-language tours can be arranged on request.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 28.11. Traditional Crafts Small works of art created through patient craftsmanship and techniques passed down through generations: in the foyer of the City Library, visitors can admire delicate wax figures of the Christ Child, fine monastery handicrafts and traditional Christmas nativity scenes. 18.00 - 21.00 City Library, foyer
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 29.11., 6., 13. & 20.12. Advent Guided Tour How was Christmas celebrated in the past? Which customs have survived and which stories lie behind Advent traditions? This guided tour leads through the old town and the Christmas Market, revealing the more authentic side of this special season. The walk ends on a convivial note over a cup of mulled wine. 15.00 - 16.30 Meeting point: Tourist Information Booking: 0472 275252 – info@brixen.org Price: €12 adults, €7 for ages 12–17 English-language tours can be arranged on request.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME Mondays and Wednesdays 30.11., 2., 7., 9., 14., 16., 21., 23., 28. 30.12; & 4.1. Christmas Stories by the Fire When the fire crackles, it is time for stories. Leni Leitgeb and Christopher Göpfert take young and old into the world of fairy tales and Christmas stories. A simple, intimate moment to enjoy together around the fire.
16.00 - 17.00 Fire area at the Christmas Market
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 4.12. St Barbara’s Branches – OEW According to an old tradition, branches are cut on St Barbara’s Day, 4 December. Placed in water, they are said to blossom by Christmas Eve. At the Christmas Market, the branches are handed out in return for a donation supporting an OEW partner school project. 16.00 - 18.00 Christmas Market
Reading and Workshop “Somewhere in the Snow” A winter story filled with snow, anticipation and small Christmas miracles, followed by a creative activity to enjoy together. 16.00 - 17.30 City Library, 3rd floor Booking: 0472 062190 – biblio@brixen.it for children aged 4 and over. Bilingual (German and Italian)
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 5.12. Christmas Decorations from Recycled Materials Scraps of fabric and paper, threads and seemingly simple materials are transformed into Christmas decorations to hang up, give away or take home. A workshop devoted to creativity and the joy of giving things a new life. 10.00 - 13.00 City Library, 3rd floor For children aged 6 and over and anyone interested. With Brigitte Clara Ferdigg, Ruth Oberhauser and Christine Rungger.
Krampus Parade Horns, furs, bells and birch switches: with the arrival of the Krampus, the old town shows its wildest side. According to tradition, these fearsome figures accompany the period around St Nicholas Day and go in search of naughty children. A parade suspended between fear, fascination and ancient Alpine customs. Please take care of your clothing. No liability is accepted for any damage. 17.00 Old Town
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 5., 12., 19., 29.12. & 5.1. “Maid Clara and the Emperor’s Elephant” Brixen’s history leaves the pages of the books and returns to the streets. During this original historical theatre tour, costumed actors bring figures and episodes from the past back to life, turning the old town into a small open-air stage. 10.30 (DEU) & 11.00 (ITA) Meeting point: Tourist Information Booking: 0472 275252 – info@brixen.org Price: €12 adults, €5 for children aged 6–11, €20 family ticket (1– 2 adults + up to 3 children); discount with the Brixen Südtirol Guestpass English-language tours can be arranged on request.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 6.12. St Nicholas on the Plose The tradition of St Nicholas reaches all the way up the mountain. In the morning, the saint eagerly awaited by children meets young skiers directly on the slopes of the Plose, creating a special moment of snow, winter sports and Advent atmosphere. 11.00 - 12.00 Plose ski area
St Nicholas Parade 6 December is one of the dates children look forward to most. Accompanied by Brixen’s Christmas angels, St Nicholas makes his way through the old town from the Old Market, along the Bastions and through the arcades, before reaching Cathedral Square, where he hands out gifts to the children. The tradition recalls Bishop Nicholas of Myra, known for his generosity and for helping people in need. 16.30 Old Town and Christmas Market
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 7.12. Apple Fritters for a Good Cause Crispy on the outside, soft and fragrant on the inside: apple fritters are part of South Tyrol’s rural culinary tradition. At the Christmas Market, they are prepared by Kiwanis Club Brixen and offered for a good cause. Proceeds support families in need in the Eisack Valley. 10.00 - 18.00 Christmas Market stage
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 11.12. Homemade Bird Feeders Birds need a little extra help during the colder months too. During the workshop, participants make bird food to hang outdoors and learn how to feed birds properly in winter. 16.00 - 18.00 City Library, 3rd floor For children aged 6 and over and anyone interested. With Andreas Declara.
Pub Quiz – Christmas Special with Niklas & Jakob Tricky questions, busy brains and a generous dose of Christmas spirit. Teams of up to five people compete in three rounds plus a bonus round, all centred around Christmas. The quiz takes place in German and Italian.
19.00 - 22.00 City Library, foyer German and Italian
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 12.12. Macramé Christmas Gifts A piece of thread, a few knots and a little patience: during the macramé workshop, small keyrings and dreamcatchers are created and transformed into handmade Christmas gifts. 10.00 - 13.00 City Library, 3rd floor For children aged 6 and over and anyone interested. With Ingrid Bodner.
Decorate Your Gingerbread The scent of gingerbread is one of the unmistakable flavours of Christmas. With icing and colourful details, children and adults can decorate these traditional Christmas treats and turn them into little creations to enjoy – or take home. 15.00 - 17.00 City Library, 3rd floor
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 18.12. Kamishibai and Workshop – “The Little Father Christmas Travels Around the World” Just before Christmas, something unexpected happens: all the Father Christmases fall ill. Who will save Christmas now? A festive story told through Kamishibai, with a touch of suspense, imagination and, of course, a happy ending. 16.00 - 17.00 City Library, 3rd floor Booking: 0472 062190; biblio@brixen.it for children aged 4 and over. Bilingual (German and Italian) reading
Gospel Concert – David Gulley & The Cleveland Chorale Powerful voices, rhythm and a universal message of hope, love and inclusion. Led by David Gulley – an artist who has also performed for US Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama – the ensemble brings the energy and intensity of gospel music to Brixen. 20.30 Don Bosco Theatre
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 19.12. Baking Fair-Trade Christmas Biscuits – OEW Bake Christmas biscuits together while discovering that the choice of ingredients can make a difference too. The workshop uses fair-trade and sustainable products. 14.00 - 16.00 & 16.00 - 18.00 City Library, 3rd floor Booking: 0472 062190; biblio@brixen.it For children aged 6 and over.
Silent Disco – Christmas Special One dance floor, three DJ sets and no speakers: at the Silent Disco, the music comes straight through your headphones. Choose your own channel and your own rhythm for a Christmas evening that is anything but ordinary. 19.00 - 23.00 City Library, foyer Organised by BeYoung BZ.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 28.12. Chocolate Suitcase – OEW Where does the chocolate we eat really come from? This interactive workshop follows the long journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, while also exploring the less sweet side of chocolate production. At the end, theory turns into practice as participants make their own chocolate.
16.00 - 18.00 City Library, 3rd floor Booking: 0472 062190; biblio@brixen.it Workshop in German.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 29.12. Children’s Theatre – “Der Tannenbaum” Inspired by the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, the play tells the story of a little fir tree that cannot wait to grow up. A poetic story about wishes, waiting and the ability to recognise life’s small moments of happiness.
16.00 - 17.00 City Library, 3rd floor Booking: 0472 062190; biblio@brixen.it Performance in German.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 30.12. Children’s Theatre – “Un abete alto così” A little fir tree dreams of growing up quickly and discovering what the future has in store. Inspired by the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, the play invites children and adults alike to reflect on wishes, waiting and the value of living in the present. 16.00 - 17.00 City Library, 3rd floor Booking: 0472 062190; biblio@brixen.it Performance in Italian.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 31.12. Good-Luck Charms from the Chimney Sweeps – VKE Chimney sweeps have long been considered symbols of good luck. On the final day of the year, children dressed as little chimney sweeps make their way through the old town and the Christmas Market, handing out good-luck charms in return for a donation. 10.00 - 13.00 Christmas Market and Old Town
31.12.-1.1 New Year’s Eve in the City Brixen welcomes the new year without fireworks, but with music, light effects and a live show. Cathedral Square becomes the heart of an evening for different generations: from a warm-up for families to the special moment at midnight and an energetic live performance. From 21:00, DJ ENA accompanies the crowd into the new year, while the Christmas Market stalls continue serving their culinary specialities until 2 am. 21.00 - 02.00 Cathedral Square and Christmas Market
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 2.1. Fair Brunch to Start the New Year – OEW and World Shop Start the new year gathered around a table. The Fair Brunch features vegan specialities and products from the World Shop, while also offering the chance to learn more about where they come from. Voluntary donations support the OEW partner project “Vida y esperanza” in Bolivia. 10.00 - 12.00 City Library, 3rd floor
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 2., 4., 5.1. Clothes Swap A piece of clothing you no longer wear could become someone else’s new favourite. Organised by WiaNui, Textilmente and OEW, the clothes swap invites visitors to discover beautiful second-hand clothing and give it a new life. Voluntary donations in support of an OEW partner project are welcome. 16.00 - 18.00 City Library, 3rd floor
CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME 6.1. Befana Parade Brixen’s Christmas season comes to an end with one of its most eagerly awaited events. The Befana arrives in Cathedral Square accompanied by the Three Wise Men and a parade of more than sixty costumed performers. One final moment to share before saying goodbye to Christmas for another year. 17.00 Old Town and Christmas Market