Liechtr'zeit (Christmas Market)
The season of light in the heart of the Passeier Valley
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Liechtr'zeit
Liechtr'zeit: The season of light in the Passeier Valley
The Liechtr'zeit—literally the "time of lights" in the local South Tyrolean dialect—is the Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkt) of San Leonardo in Passiria / St. Leonhard in Passeier, the village that gives its name to the Passeier Valley in the heart of South Tyrol. This is not your typical crowded city fair; here, the Advent season is experienced in an intimate and authentic way, with a program that speaks of warmth, light, and community, bringing tradition into the 21st century.
The festive Raiffeisenplatz
The heart of the event is Raiffeisenplatz (Raikaplatz), the town's central square, where the Stoodl-Markt—a collection of wooden huts and stalls—is set up. Amidst the Christmas lights, you will find handmade goods, artisanal gift ideas, and typical products from the valley. Local associations take turns managing the Zommstien am Raiffeisenplatz refreshment point, where visitors can enjoy hot drinks and traditional Passeier dishes.
A program of music, theater, and tradition
Liechtr'zeit is more than just a market: throughout the Advent period, there are events for all ages. The calendar alternates between concerts, cabaret, puppet theater, musical moments, and readings, with a special focus on children and families.
- Stoodl-Markt with craft stalls and local products on Raiffeisenplatz
- Concerts and choirs, including the traditional church concert by the male choir (Männerchor)
- Puppet theater and shows designed for the little ones
- The arrival of Saint Nicholas (Nikolaus) with sweets for children
- Cabaret evenings and convivial Advent-Huangort gatherings
- Opening of the village nativity scene and Christmas torchlight procession
Why it's worth the trip
Visiting San Leonardo in Passiria during the Liechtr'zeit means experiencing a South Tyrolean Christmas away from the crowds, immersed in an alpine landscape and a community that keeps its customs alive. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the Passeier Valley—the home of the Tyrolean hero Andreas Hofer—by combining the market with a stroll through the village, winter hikes, and local gastronomy.
Liechtr'zeit — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Liechtr'zeit in San Leonardo in Passiria does not yet have officially confirmed dates. Following the custom of previous years, the Christmas market on Raiffeisenplatz will presumably be held during Advent, featuring the Stoodl-Markt, concerts, children's theater, and the arrival of Saint Nicholas. The full calendar will be available on passeirer-weihnachten.it as soon as it is released by the organizers.
Practical information — Liechtr'zeit
How to get there
San Leonardo in Passiria is located about 20 km north of Merano, along the Passeier Valley road (SS44). By car: take the A22 motorway exit at Bolzano Sud, then follow signs for Merano and the Passeier Valley. By train to Merano, then take the SAD bus line towards the Passeier Valley.
Admission
Access to the market on Raiffeisenplatz is free; some concerts or shows may require a contribution or reservation.
Information
Passeier Valley Tourist Office — tel. +39 0473 656188, e-mail [email protected]. Full program available at passeirer-weihnachten.it.
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Where does it take place — Liechtr'zeit
Raiffeisenplatz
Raiffeisenplatz, 39015 San Leonardo in Passiria/St. Leonhard in Passeier