Christmas in the Dolomites: A holiday to remember
Spending Christmas in the Dolomites was like stepping into a winter postcard, complete with snow-capped mountains, cozy villages, and twinkling Christmas markets. This trip was extra special because it was Brooke’s first Christmas in Italy, and Brandy and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the season than by joining her for the holidays.
Our base for the week was an Airbnb in Oberbozen, a charming little spot perched above Bolzano, offering views that seemed almost too perfect to be real. The drive up the mountains was an adventure in itself, winding roads revealing more of the Dolomites’ beauty at every turn. When we arrived, our Airbnb felt like a scene from a storybook—warm, rustic, and decked out for Christmas. Just perfect.
Discovering the Christmas Markets
One of our favorite holiday traditions is exploring Christmas markets, and the ones in Italy did not disappoint. Each market we visited had its own character, but all of them had that magical glow that only comes from lights strung up on centuries-old buildings. Bolzano’s Christmas market was a short trip down from Oberbozen, and it felt like the perfect mix of Italian and Austrian traditions, with mulled wine, handcrafted ornaments, and enough local delicacies to keep us sampling all day.
One of my favorite moments was watching Brandy and Brooke go booth to booth, wrapped up in scarves and gloves, sipping vin brulé (Italy’s version of mulled wine) and admiring the intricate woodwork and ornaments. You could see that Brooke was soaking it all in, her eyes wide as she experienced these festive sights and sounds for the first time.
Christmas Day in Oberbozen
On Christmas Day, we decided to keep things cozy and stay close to the Airbnb. Snow had fallen overnight, dusting everything in a fresh layer of white, and we took a slow walk through the town, enjoying the quiet of the holiday. The small chapel nearby was open, and we stopped in to light a candle and take a moment together. There was something about being in such a beautiful, peaceful place with family that made it feel even more like Christmas. Back at the Airbnb, we cooked a meal together and shared stories and laughs, exchanging gifts as the snow fell outside. Spending the holiday together like this, away from the usual hustle and bustle, felt almost like we’d traveled back in time to a simpler Christmas, where the joy came from just being with each other.
Exploring the Dolomites
Of course, you can’t visit the Dolomites without soaking in some of that incredible mountain scenery. We took a cable car up to a higher point one day, getting a panoramic view of the mountains stretching in every direction. The air was crisp, the skies a clear blue, and the snow was untouched and glistening. It was a reminder of just how small we are compared to nature’s grandeur.
This Christmas wasn’t about rushing around or filling the days with busy activities. It was about sharing moments—laughing over mugs of hot chocolate, marveling at the beauty of the mountains, and simply being present with Brooke and Brandy. Italy has a way of slowing things down, of letting you savor each moment, and this trip was a reminder of how special the simple things are.
A Holiday to Cherish
Looking back, Brandy and I have said our time in the Dolomites felt like a gift. Spending Christmas with Brooke as she celebrated her first holiday in Italy, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, enjoying a white Christmas, was unforgettable. The only thing we lacked was having Tyler and Anna, our son and our daughter-in-law, with us. If we could have spent the time with all of us together, then it would have been the perfect Christmas. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt we’ll be talking about this Christmas for years to come, remembering the laughter, the warmth, and the quiet magic of the Dolomites.