A Christmas holiday in the Dolomites with children is the kind of holiday that turns into lifelong memories. Snow on the peaks, twinkling market lights, the scent of freshly baked biscuits, a sled racing through the forest — for little ones, all of this feels like pure magic. For parents, it is a chance to slow down, disconnect from screens, and experience Christmas the way it used to be.
San Vigilio di Marebbe is the perfect base for a family Christmas holiday. Small enough to feel welcoming, close enough to everything that you never need to drive for hours. Here is our day-by-day programme for an unforgettable week.
Day 1: Arrival and Bruneck Christmas Market
Arrive in the afternoon, settle into your hotel and let the children acclimatise. In the late afternoon, head to the Bruneck Christmas market, just 20 minutes away. The warm lights of the Stadtgasse, the scent of Gluhwein (for the adults) and warm apple juice (for the little ones), the wooden toy stalls — the Christmas atmosphere envelops you immediately.
Dinner at a restaurant in the old town with dumplings and Kaiserschmarren for the children — the shredded sweet pancake that no child can resist.
Day 2: First Day on the Snow
Morning dedicated to skiing or sledding. Plan de Corones offers slopes for all levels and an exceptional children's area with magic carpets and specialised instructors. For those who prefer sledding, the Maranza toboggan run is 3 km long and descends gently through the forest — guaranteed thrills without danger.
Afternoon free to play in the snow outside the hotel, build snowmen and drink hot chocolate.
The Guest Card provided by local hotels includes free public transport, access to swimming pools and museums, and discounts on ski lifts. Ask for it at check-in: it will save you considerably during the week.
Day 3: Swimming Pool and Relaxation
After two intense days, a relaxation day. The indoor pools in the area — such as the Cron4 aquatic centre in Bruneck — offer slides, children's pools, wave machines and spa areas for parents. Children can play for hours while mum and dad relax in the sauna with mountain views.
In the afternoon, an easy walk along San Vigilio's paths — routes suitable even for pushchairs with spectacular valley views.
Day 4: Santa Visit
The magical moment for little ones. Many venues in the area organise special Santa Claus visits during the Christmas period, with small gifts, letters and souvenir photos. Ask at the tourist office for the week's schedule.
In the afternoon, a Christmas cookie baking workshop: Vanillekipferl, Lebkuchen and cinnamon stars. Children knead, decorate and take home their own biscuits — a memory worth more than any souvenir.
Book the cookie workshop at least a week in advance — places are limited and fill up quickly, especially between 20 and 26 December. Some hotels organise in-house sessions for their guests.
Day 5: Snow Adventure
A day dedicated to adventure. For families with children over 6, an easy snowshoe hike through the forest is a magical experience: searching for animal tracks in the snow, listening to mountain silence, discovering Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park in its winter guise.
For families with older children (from age 10), the Dolomites zipline is the adventure nobody forgets. Flying above the valley with snowy mountains all around — an experiential Christmas gift worth more than any object under the tree.
Day 6: Christmas Eve
Morning for a final walk in the snow or a last toboggan run. In the afternoon, the village prepares for the evening: bells ring, candles are lit, the air fills with anticipation.
Christmas Eve dinner at a local restaurant is a special experience: traditional South Tyrolean menu with fish dishes and Christmas sweets. Many hotels organise gala dinners with live music. After dinner, Midnight Mass in the village church — even for non-believers, the atmosphere is deeply moving.
Day 7: Christmas in the Dolomites
Christmas morning in the Dolomites has a different flavour. Children unwrap presents with snowy mountains outside the window. A long, relaxed breakfast, then a walk in the fresh snow. On Christmas Day everything slows: shops are closed, slopes are empty, the world seems to pause.
Christmas lunch at an open mountain hut is a wonderful option: take the cable car up, lunch with summit views, descend at sunset.
New Year in the Dolomites
If you extend your holiday to New Year's Eve, San Vigilio and Bruneck offer square parties with music, fireworks and the traditional midnight toast. For families, it is a different New Year: no urban chaos, just mountains, snow and the start of a new year in a magical place.
The Gift Voucher as a Christmas Morning Surprise
Looking for a Christmas morning idea? An adventure voucher for the zipline or other activities is the gift children (and adults) will remember forever. Buy online in 2 minutes, receive by email, print and place under the tree. Valid for 12 months.
Discover Adventure PricesKid-Friendly Restaurants in the Area
- Restaurants in San Vigilio are generally very welcoming to children
- Alpine farms offer spacious settings and wholesome food
- In Bruneck, several venues have play areas and children's menus
Read Also
- Things to Do in San Vigilio with Kids — All family-friendly activities in the area.
- Christmas Markets in the Dolomites: 2026 Guide — Dates, what to buy and what to eat.
- How to Get to San Vigilio di Marebbe — All transport options.
