| The Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy lies | | | | place for Christmas markets that sell beautiful local |
| on the border of both Switzerland and Austria. Its | | | | handicrafts and plenty of kitsch. At night the markets |
| tourist attractions include the Dolomite Mountains, | | | | are well lit and often provide other festivities. Some |
| which the famous architect Le Corbusier called "The | | | | of the best Christmas markets are found in Trento |
| most beautiful work of architecture even seen," | | | | and Bolzano. The former hosts a large Nativity Scene |
| glacier lakes, and Alpine forests. Needless to say, | | | | in its lovely Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). |
| skiing and other winter sports are a major attraction | | | | You'll enjoy the Nativity Scene in Tesero. Cortina |
| here, but you can't really count on the snow until late | | | | d'Ampezzo, "the Pearl of the Dolomites" celebrates |
| February. | | | | Christmas Eve with a skiers' torchlight parade; at |
| This region is composed of two parts, Trentino in the | | | | midnight hundreds of people ski down the mountain |
| south and the heavily German speaking Alto Adige in | | | | carrying torches. |
| the north. Alto Adige, sometimes known as South | | | | Castelrotto (Kastelruth in German) is quite Germanic, |
| Tyrol, really seems like part of Austria. Its second | | | | complete with strudel, dumplings, and oom-pah-pah |
| largest city, Merano (Meran in German), hosts an | | | | music. It hosts several special events every January. |
| International Wine and Culinara during the second | | | | First comes the Trial of the Witches, Castelrotto was |
| weekend of November. There is quite a focus on | | | | said to be full of them. Then enjoy the Dobbiaco |
| biodynamic and organic wine as well as Asian food. | | | | Balloon Festival. On the third Sunday the town |
| Talk about multiculturalism, Asian food in a Germanic | | | | reenacts a traditional peasant wedding; about twenty |
| speaking part of Italy. | | | | sleds transport the traditionally dressed wedding |
| The first Saturday in December Passo dello Stelvio, | | | | party to the church. |
| the highest paved mountain pass in the eastern Alps, | | | | The towns of San Candido and San Vigilio hold a |
| holds its Festa dei Klosen dedicated to Santa Claus. | | | | great Ice Sculpture Festival in mid January. If you are |
| Costumed locals wander the streets until the church | | | | driving there, make sure to bring along snow chains, a |
| bells are rung and everyone unites in prayer. Given its | | | | reflective vest and a warning triangle. Winter driving |
| proximity to Germany, Trentino-Alto Adige is a great | | | | in the mountains is serious stuff. |