Advent im Hof Betlehem / Hof-Advent in Tramin

An Advent in the courtyards of the Betlehem district

Every year on December 8th, the oldest district of Tramin an der Weinstraße, in the province of Bolzano, transforms into one of the most evocative Christmas markets in South Tyrol. The neighborhood is called Betlehem—Bethlehem—and local legend has it that about 150 years ago, a group of travelers including a pregnant woman passed through the village and she gave birth right here, giving the district its name. Building on this memory, the Hof-Advent (Advent in the courtyards) tradition was established in 2013.

Courtyards opening for a day

The unique feature of this market is that, for just one day, the owners of ancient farmhouses open their private courtyards, the "Höfe", which are usually closed to the public. Strolling through narrow alleys and historic farmsteads, visitors discover hidden corners, frescoed rooms—such as the 16th-century frescoed room at Haus Sinner—and the small chapel of Rynnhof with its sacred art. Around thirty artisan exhibitors offer farm products, handicrafts, jewelry, ceramics, decorations, and homemade Christmas sweets.

The living nativity and Tyrolean flavors

The most anticipated moment is the living nativity scene set up in the Langenmantel courtyard, where Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and animals bring an authentic representation of the Nativity to life in the afternoon. All around, the scents of mountain cuisine fill the air: traditional Traminer Plent (Tramin polenta), hot barley soup, mulled wine, punch, and a rich buffet of sweets and coffee accompany the visit, while Christmas melodies warm the atmosphere.

A program designed for families

Hof-Advent is also a celebration for the little ones: creative workshops, bread baked over an open fire, a wood-carving workshop, and horse-drawn carriage rides make this day a favorite for families. The initiative, coordinated by Standortentwicklung Tramin together with the Tramin Tourist Association, is a collective village project that, as president Ludwig Kaneppele recalls, "unites Advent, craftsmanship, and the history of the village."

In the heart of the Wine Road

The market is part of the broader Advent period in Tramin, one of the iconic villages of the South Tyrolean Wine Road (Südtiroler Weinstraße), known worldwide for its Gewürztraminer grape variety. A visit to Hof-Advent can be combined with exploring the festively decorated historic center and events from previous days, such as the Krampus run (December 5th) and the visit of Saint Nicholas (December 6th).