December 5, 2026 15:00
Wooden stalls, Ladin specialities, braziers and little outdoor seating areas: in Campitello, the market takes you from afternoon to sunset, when the Enrosadira gives way to the Christmas lights
In Campitello, the market gathers in the heart of the village. From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, wooden stalls line the pedestrian route connecting Piaz de Ciampedel and Piaz Veie squares, alongside the large Christmas tree and decorations that stand out each year for their care and originality. The best part is arriving in the afternoon light and staying to watch it change: the sun sinks behind the mountains, the Enrosadira - the Dolomites' alpenglow - blooms and, one by one, the Christmas lights and braziers are lit.
In the stream that flows down from Val Duron, the ice fountain also takes shape, sculpted by the cold and the water. Just look up: above the lights stands the church, higher still are the houses of Pian and, framing the scene, the silhouette of the Sassolungo.
The real pleasure is simply stopping for a while. Benches and little outdoor seating areas become the perfect place to sit beside the crackling braziers, warm your hands and look around. Stroll from one stall to the next, then perhaps sit down for a little longer. There's really no need to rush here.
On the stalls you'll find arts and crafts from the Dolomites, textiles, homeware, woollen socks, hats and plenty of gift ideas. Christmas, however, is also a time to indulge in a few treats: mulled wine, hot chocolate and bombardino, a hot Italian drink made with egg liqueur, a warm pretzel with speck and Chèr de Fascia cheese, or the quintessential Ladin festive sweets, fortaes and sones, whose aroma follows you as you stroll. Who knows, that last-minute present might catch your eye while you're waiting for your turn.
Then there are days when the market changes its tune. Live music moves through the square, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes; Father Christmas arrives at his hut and, later in the festive season, the Three Wise Men make their appearance.
Once darkness falls, Campitello is all lights, fire and glowing windows, and the little market becomes somewhere to linger a little longer before dinner.
