Martiner Sternstundn (Advent and Christmas Market of San Martino in Passiria)

A village Advent in the heart of the Passeier Valley

The Martiner Sternstundn — literally the "starry hours" of San Martino — is the Christmas soul of San Martino in Passiria (St. Martin in Passeier), a municipality in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in Trentino-Alto Adige. In the upper reaches of the Passeier Valley, nestled among the farms and mountains of South Tyrol, the village transforms for weeks into a small world of lights, scents, and Advent music. It is not the large city market of Bolzano or Merano, but a widespread, intimate event deeply rooted in the valley's rural traditions.

The Christmas market on the Dorfplatz

The heart of the event is the small Christmas market set up on the Dorfplatz (village square), open during the weekends of Advent. The stalls offer handmade crafts, decorations, local gastronomic specialties, and traditional hot winter drinks from South Tyrol. The atmosphere is that of rural South Tyrolean markets: sparkling lights, the scent of mulled wine and cookies, and the warm hospitality of local exhibitors who present their creations with care.

Nativity scenes, traditions, and family program

Alongside the market, the Martiner Sternstundn hosts a rich nativity scene exhibition (Krippenausstellung), featuring historical nativity scenes and handmade works that showcase the variety of South Tyrolean nativity art. The Advent calendar includes Advent concerts and carols with local choirs, the evocative parade of St. Nicholas and the angels, puppet theater performances, readings, workshops for children (such as the felt workshop), and the typical Goaslschnöller, the valley's whip crackers. The program traditionally concludes in early January with the unusual Christmas tree throwing competition (Christbaumweitwurf).

A piece of Christmas in the Passeier Valley

The Martiner Sternstundn is part of the broader "Passeirer Weihnachten" circuit — the Christmas of the Passeier Valley — which lights up the villages of the valley (San Leonardo, San Martino, Moso, Plata) during Advent with markets, concerts, and events. Organized by the Tourismusverein Passeiertal together with the Bildungsausschuss of San Martino, it is an authentic opportunity to experience a South Tyrolean Christmas away from the most crowded destinations, immersed in the winter landscape of Andreas Hofer's valley.