Unterirdischer Weihnachtsmarkt – DoloMythos (Underground Christmas Market)

A Christmas market beneath the Dolomites

The Unterirdischer Weihnachtsmarkt, or Underground Christmas Market, is one of the most original festive experiences in South Tyrol. It takes place in San Candido/Innichen, in the province of Bolzano, within the DoloMythos Museum, the largest and most significant museum dedicated to the Dolomites. During Advent, the exhibition space transforms into the largest underground Christmas market in the Alps.

Inside the museum labyrinth

What makes this market unique is its setting: the stalls and booths are not outdoors, but nestled within the museum's underground tunnels and galleries. As you wander through the winding halls, you can soak in a traditional, historic, and fairy-tale atmosphere, wrapped in the warmth of the caves. It is no coincidence that the event's slogan claims this is "the market where no one freezes": sheltered from the biting cold of the Dolomites, visitors stroll among the lights and the scents of strudel and gingerbread.

Handicrafts, sweets, and mulled wine

Along the path, you will find numerous stalls offering local handicrafts, gift ideas, delicacies, and regional gastronomic specialties. There are also cozy corners where you can stop to enjoy mulled wine, homemade punch, and traditional South Tyrolean Christmas sweets. The selection combines the authenticity of mountain products with the charm of an extraordinary environment.

The DoloMythos Museum

The market is intertwined with a visit to the DoloMythos Museum, which tells the geological and natural history of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Amidst minerals, fossils, prehistoric artifacts, and stories of ancient Dolomite legends, visitors discover the origins of these mountains while immersing themselves in the Christmas spirit. It is a rare blend of culture, nature, and festive tradition.

Free admission in the heart of the Alta Pusteria

Admission to the market is completely free, making it an ideal stop for families and visitors vacationing in the Alta Pusteria during the Advent season. San Candido, one of the most characteristic villages in the Alta Pusteria region of South Tyrol, offers an unusual and fascinating Christmas proposal, open daily for nearly two months, from mid-November until Epiphany.