The season of lights begins several days before the start of Advent. Traditionally, on the Thursday before the first Sunday of Advent, the five original South Tyorlean Christmas markets are openend: Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico and Vipiteno.
On the four Sundays of Advent, people in South Tyrol light the candles on their Advent wreaths, read stories, and sing songs. Around December 5th and 6th, St. Nicholas and Krampus parades take place. Christmas cookies are also an essential part of the celebration and have a long history. In Pre-Christian times, so called "Opferbrote" were baked on the winter solstice, December 25th, to ward off demons. When this celebration was integrated into the Christian Christmas holiday, it evolved into the Christrollen. However, as not everyone could afford expensive ingredients like dried fruits, farmers began baking Christmas cookies from flour, sugar, and butter instead.
A festively decorated Christmas tree and a Nativity scene are also essential elements of Christmas. Val Gardena is renowned for its impressive wood carvings, especially the Nativity figures. There are even Nativity museums in the area. The Nativity scene depicts the birth of Jesus in the stable and helps children pass the time while waiting for the Christ Child, who secretly brings the gifts of the evening of December 24, Christmas Eve.
After Christmas, incense is traditionally burned on one of the 12 "Rauhnächte" to drive away evil from the home. These "Rauhnächte" end on Epiphany, January 6. On this day, the "Sternsinger" (children dressed as the three kings) go from house to house. They write the iscription "C+M+B" in chalk on the door to bless the home once again and offer gifts of chalk and incense.