The site, www.taxfreephilly.com , includes travel deals and shopping details translated for Philadelphia’s top visiting international travelers from the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil and the Netherlands.

All versions of the site contain news and facts about shopping in the Philadelphia region, as well as travel packages.

These packages, which consumers can click and purchase directly from the site, list hotel and airline deals from each country’s major tour operators. In addition, “hot deals” show information including cost comparisons on name brand items and enter-to-win shopping vouchers.

Visitors to the site can also use the interactive map to plot out where they will shop from the list of 200-plus boutiques, specialty-stores, and brand name and department stores. PCVB’s main website includes information about dining, attractions, accommodations, nightlife and other travel-related topics.

Greater Fort Lauderdale is taking the “Defrost Your Swimsuit” campaign to Toronto, NYC and London.

In November 2011, ten ice blocks with bikinis and board shorts made an appearance in Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square during the Santa Claus Parade. And in January 2012 to NYC’s Times Square and London’s financial district. Television, radio, billboards, retail promotions and street teams handing out ice scrapers, with opportunities to win beach getaways to Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Greater “Fork” LAUDERDALE

Casually sophisticated new additions to Las Olas Boulevard include Las Olas Wine Bar with 40 wines by the glass and live music, as well as Cheese Culture, a whey of life.

M Bar Global Tapas features “master cocktailians” and small plates. The coolest restaurant to hit the scene, Tundra, serves crystal clear “chilling spheres” in drinks and “Tundratizer” small plate options with ice flatware.

Pl8, a new restaurant in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District features small “plates.” The latest addition to Fort Lauderdale beach is East End Brasserie, a new traditional French bistro from NYC Chef Steve Zobel, at The Atlantic Resort.

For the love of art

“Offering of the Angels: Old Master Paintings and Tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery” from Florence, Italy, makes its American debut at The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, November 19, 2011-April 8, 2012. Broadway Across America returns to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with Beauty and the Beast (Nov.), Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Dec.) Jersey Boys (Jan.), Billy Elliot The Musical (Feb./Mar.), South Pacific (Apr.), and La Cage Aux Folles (June). Alice Cooper and Paul Simon appear at Hard Rock Live in December. BankAtlantic Center welcomes back Andrea Bocelli (Feb. 14) and Roger Waters (June 15).

Kid Lauderdale

The EcoDiscovery Center debuted at the Museum of Discovery and Science on 11/11/11 with an exciting outdoor otter habitat, simulated Everglades airboat ride and interactive prehistoric dig pit, highlighting the fragile Florida environment.

In Spring 2012, Young At Art Museum unveils its new $26.5 million, 57,000 sq. ft. gold-LEED certified facility with galleries including CultureScapes, GreenScapes WonderScapes and ArtScapes. For the adventurous kid at heart, the new Wonderdome indoor, activity-based, family fun center fuses modern play technology and kid-friendly fun.

FIT LAUDERDALE

Get, feel and stay fit on your Greater Fort Lauderdale getaway. With Blue Wave beaches as your outdoor fitness center, it is easy to keep that New Year’s resolution and get swimsuit ready in Fit Lauderdale.

Yoga-board on the Atlantic.

Bike by the beach.

Workout at a Lauderdale Luxe spa.

Run February’s A1A marathon.

Paddleboard or surf, golf or salsa dance and savor healthy fare.

Broward’s new B Cycle bike sharing program, lets riders from Hallandale Beach to Pompano Beach access public bicycles for short trips around town.

VERY ACCOMMODATING

From luxury beach resorts to Superior Small Lodgings, Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts 34,000 hotel rooms from Hallandale Beach to Deerfield Beach. Book online at sunny.org or on Facebook.com/VisitLauderdale and receive a FREE “Beach Starter Kit,” including a beach towel, beach ball and flip flops.

New hotels and recent renovations include:

Coming soon to Hollywood Beach, a new $130 million, 349-room, Margaritaville Resort along the Broadwalk at Johnson Street. Opening in 2014, it will include a 15,000 sq. ft. Margaritaville Café, rooftop pool as well as pools at beach level, meeting space of 35,000 sq. ft. that can accommodate 800 people, a 1,000 car parking garage, boat dock and more. A revamp of the Broadwalk’s famed Bandshell amphitheater and a new lawn for events and concerts are planned.

The newly renamed Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel is an iconic, oceanside retreat undergoing an enhancement program of its 296 guest rooms and suites and signature 8,200 sq. ft. Commodore Ballroom.

Renovated rooms will feature a light and airy décor with floor-to-ceiling water views and splashes of citrus color accents.

WE LOVE CRUISERS

Cruise passengers can stretch their vacations and their budgets with Greater Fort Lauderdale’s cruise and play deals.

Discover complimentary transfers from hotels, hotel deals, and special prices on excursions to the Everglades.

Sawgrass Mills launched a premier bag storage and shipping program, allowing shoppers to drop off their purchases at one of three convenient locations throughout the mall to either send their bags directly to the airport or have them shipped home. A new pre-post cruise video is available to see why Greater “Port” Lauderdale is your first port of call. www.sunny.org/cruiseandplay

FREE E-BOOKS FOR VISITORS

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport has paired with Broward County Libraries to offer travelers free access to 15,000+ downloadable e-books for smart phones or e-readers, with a scan of a Quick Response (QR) code displayed on screens in baggage claim areas. The e-books are a gift and never expire. Happy reading!

JUST FOR GROUPS: LAUDERDALE CONVENTION COLLECTION

Book any of the six hotels of the Lauderdale Convention Collection, and enjoy the attention of Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB’s Sunsational Service Team to coordinate transportation, marketing and beyond. Hotels include: Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale, Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades, Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Visit sunny.org/lcc for sunny savings when booking June 15-Oct 15, 2012-2014.

Added benefits: Free event space at the Convention Center; one-hour welcome reception at Convention Center; one-hour Board of Directors reception; 10% discount off services such as F & B, electric, a/v, internet and security staffing; advance marketing assistance at the previous year’s event.

GET SOCIAL WITH US

Put Greater Fort Lauderdale in the palm of your hand with the new Sunny.org mobi site. Find hotel and dining deals, maps and virtual Vacation Playbook and Meeting Planners Guide for iPad. Like us on Facebook.com/VisitLauderdale or follow our tweets on Twitter.com/Visitlauderdale and find tips on Foursquare.com/VisitLauderdale  to stay in the know.

Shopping opportunities include the designer shops on Calles Serrano and Goya, fashions at Zara and Mango, leather goods at Loewe and El Caballo, Majorca pearls, Lladro Porcelain and a wide variety of things at El Corte Ingles.

It’s also fun to shop at the Rastro, Madrid’s antiques flea market, or at the Mercado de San Miguel, one of the city’s oldest covered markets, now renovated, which offers a great variety of the best food products in a magnificent setting.

The package is priced $485 from Jan. 2 to 31 and $675 from Feb. 1 to March 31.

For more information, call 800-482-5995.

Year-round access to Aruba has now become easier for UK visitors, with the introduction of new KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ flights. Launched earlier this month, KLM’s service to Aruba increases from 2 to 5 times per week.

UK travellers planning to connect to Aruba can catch flights to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from 15 UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

Offering the option of travelling in economy or business class and allowing plenty of time for connecting flights to/from the UK, the flights will depart from Amsterdam on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 12:35 hours and will arrive in Aruba at 17.50 hours on the same day. The return flight will depart from Aruba on the same days at 19:10 hours, arriving in Amsterdam the next day at 11:10 hours.

New Authentic Farmers’ Market With A Traditional Touch

A new authentic farmers’ market has been introduced in Aruba earlier this summer, offering top quality produce at affordable prices.

Supporting local farmers’ efforts, the market introduces local producers to the community and provides the venue for traditional products to be showcased and sold. Increasingly popular with locals and visitors alike, they can find a variety of Aruba’s fruit, vegetables, meat, fresh pork and fish.

At the moment the farmers’ market takes place once a month, however following an initial pilot period Santa Rosa plans to increase the frequency so that it takes place every week.

Further projects in the area include the creation of agricultural tours of local farms.

Walk This (Brand New) Way In Aruba

Work is well underway in Aruba to create the longest linear park in the Caribbean, with the first phase of the project completed last month. The park welcomes visitors to Aruba with a fully landscaped corridor along the coastline, which includes green zones, walking and bike paths and supreme ocean vistas.

The first phase extends from the Las Americas traffic circle near the airport to Wilhelmina Park, with the second – and final – phase scheduled to continue later this autumn.

Upon completion, Aruba’s linear park will be the largest in the Caribbean, stretching for 10 miles from Queen Beatrix International Airport along the resorts of Eagle Beach, concluding at the end of the high-rise hotel corridor on Palm Beach.

New Personalised Stamps by Post Aruba
Whether you are looking for that special extra touch for your wish-you-were-here postcards or just for a unique souvenir from your holiday, Post Aruba has now launched a new personalised service.

The new Personalised Stamps series consists of a souvenir sheet with a design of Aruba’s map and distinctive objects of the island, such as its history culture and nature. Each souvenir sheet contains 6 decorated stamps with a blank space where you can place your picture (you can bring your own digital photograph or you can have it taken at the post office for free).

The Personalised Stamps service is available only at the Postal Office located at Palm Beach Plaza Mall.

www.postaruba.com

COMING SOON

Thomson Adds New Aruba Properties For 2012 Season

The 2012 Summer Season will see Thomson adding two new properties to its growing portfolio in Aruba. With the addition of the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa and The Mill Resort and Suites, Thomson is now offering more hotels than ever before.

Manchebo Beach Resort is one of Aruba’s most intimate beach resorts and is located on Eagle Beach, the island’s widest stretch of beach. The two-storey hotel is a luxury boutique style resort, featuring just 71 newly refurbished rooms with contemporary décor and top-range amenities.

The Mill Resort is conveniently located just steps across the famous white sand strip of Palm Beach. A cosy compact low rise resort, The Mill offers spacious, comfortable, fully equipped rooms with easy access to the facilities, beautiful free form swimming pools and friendly staff.

In addition to the two new properties, Thomson’s Aruba portfolio already includes: Tamarijn Aruba on Druif Beach; Bucuti Beach Resort and Divi Aruba All Inclusive on Eagle Beach; Occidental Grand, Riu Palace and Westin Resort on Palm Beach; and Renaissance Aruba in Oranjestad.

www.thomson.co.uk
www.manchebo.com
www.millresort.com

Contemporary Art Biennial Encounter Comes To Aruba

The Caribbean contemporary artistic scene will experience a new and vibrant impulse through a series of events of the ‘Prome Encuentro Bienal Arte Contemporaneo di Caribe, Aruba 2011-2012′.

The biennial encounter is a platform to integrate communities in the Caribbean through contemporary art and enrich cultural identities.

A series of activities will run over several months, with more than 30 local and Caribbean contemporary artists scheduled to exhibit new artworks in July 2012.

The new event aims to bring together critics, curators and art historians from all over the world and will feature exhibitions on specific themes, as well as educational projects and workshops that will involve the local public.

www.encuentroartaruba.org

HOTEL UPDATE

More Upgrades For Hyatt Regency Aruba
Located on the white sand of Palm Beach, the five star Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino will soon be unveiling its latest overhaul.

The upgrades include a series of improvements, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year. These include the hotel’s tennis courts, the Balashi Bar, the Shoco Market and an extensive spa renovation.

The current upgrades are an extension of the hotel’s multi-million dollar renovation that was completed in 2008.

www.aruba.hyatt.com

Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club Undergoes A Face Lift

Situated opposite Surfside Beach and just a few minutes’ walk from Oranjestad, the intimate Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club has just completed a major renovation of its facilities and guest rooms.

The superior rooms, painted with warm colours, now feature new mattresses, sofas and chairs, as well as 32-inch flat screen television screens and new air conditioning system. Wireless Internet access at the hotel is now free of charge.

The lobby and the bar areas of the hotel also have new furniture, including comfortable sun loungers placed around the pool area.

www.tottaruba.com

Bucuti Beach Resort Expands Adults-Only Policy

In keeping with its goal of providing a tranquil environment for all guests, Bucuti Beach Resort has now upheld its adults-only policy for diners at its restaurant.

Serving fresh local ingredients and a fusion of delicious flavours, Bucuti’s dining terrace boasts a unique beachfront setting.

The menu encompasses an extensive American buffet breakfast as well as à-la-carte options for lunch, while in the evenings diners can expect from fresh seafood to juicy prime steaks, complemented by an eclectic wine list.

Bucuti’s peaceful atmosphere and location set it apart from Aruba’s larger resorts, which are more family orientated. Already popular with couples from the UK and recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10 most romantic resorts in the world, the hotel introduced an adults-only policy at the end of 2010.

www.bucuti.com

AIR NEWS

Aruba shortlisted in world’s most stunning airports
Aruba’s Queen Beatrix Airport has been shortlisted by private jet charter marketplace PrivateFly as one of the most stunning airport approaches in the world.

PrivateFly chose airport locations that offer passengers a truly inspirational view on the approach – whether it be over a world-famous cityscape, stunning coastline or beautiful mountain views. Planes to Aruba hover low just above the sparkling blue sea before landing to the airport, with beautiful views of the lush green Renaissance Island.

Queen Beatrix Airport is just a five-minute drive from Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, and facilities include a terminal for private aircraft and US Border Pre-clearance facilities.

www.privatefly.com

More options for day trips to Bonaire and Curaçao
Visitors to Aruba now have more options for day trips to Bonaire and Curaçao with local airline Tiara Air.

Also part of the Dutch Caribbean, Bonaire is quainter and less developed than Aruba and is known for its world-class scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkelling and nature. Curaçao is the largest and most populous of the three ABC islands and home of the sweet blue liqueur of the same name.

The trips operate twice a week (Monday and Wednesday to Bonaire, Tuesday and Thursday to Curaçao) and prices start $270 (£168) per person.

www.tiaradaytrips.com

LATEST OPENINGS

Española Way
Palm Beach 17, Noord

Located in a rustic 70-year-old house, Española Way is a cozy al fresco eatery on Palm Beach Road that features authentic Spanish cuisine, including Serrano ham and chorizo, fruity sangria and the restaurant’s steaming signature paella.

Yalla Yalla
South Beach Mall, Palm Beach

Specialising in tasty and exotic Middle Eastern food, the just opened Yalla Yalla offers ample servings of beef shish kebab, shrimp kebab, lamb shoarma and chicken shoarma, as well as tabouleh and hummus served with freshly made pita bread.

Spanglish
Renaissance Marketplace, Oranjestad

The recently opened Spanglish restaurant offers a menu true to the Caribbean-Latin culinary traditions of the owners.

The creative fusion menu features authentic dishes, with the parrillada for two being the highlight, served tableside on a mini charcoal grill.

Sky Lounge
J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 186, Oranjestad

Ringing around the heart of Paseo Herencia, Sky Lounge is Aruba’s latest cocktail bar: a relaxing outdoor venue, here guests can enjoy a drink at the sparkling blue bar, in their own canopy lounge or at a comfortable chair on the open-air terrace.

Carambola
J.E.Irausquin Boulevard 64, Eagle Beach

Opened earlier this year, the chic Carambola Restaurant located at Paradise Beach Villas specialises in seafood and international cuisine. The chef’s signature dish is the freshly made Peanut Soup, which is served in a mashed plantain bowl.

Segafredo
South Beach Mall, Palm Beach

Segafredo, an Italian franchise known for its great coffee, now presents a diverse tempting menu of Italian specialties. Prepared by its award-winning chef, it includes antipasti, panini and thin-crust pizzas, as well as imported Italian beers and after-dinner liqueurs.

Cuba’s Cookin’
Renaissance Marketplace, Oranjestad

Marking its 12th year, Cuba’s Cookin’ has now relocated to Renaissance Marketplace. Still serving up the best mojitos and Cuban food outside Cuba, the restaurant is a new Havana circa 1960 Resto/Bar with a new splash of nostalgia.

For general information on visiting Aruba please go to www.aruba.com

Coinciding with the start of the Spring Summer 2012 season The athenaeum Hotel is delighted to introduce an exclusive VIP shopping service for their apartment guests in partnership with leading luxury fashion destination, Harvey Nichols.

The five star experience begins with a chauffeur driven car from The athenaeum Hotel to Harvey Nichols – a one-stop shop for the world’s most exclusive brands in fashion only half a mile away. Fashionistas will be offered a glass of Harvey Nichols champagne on arrival and led to a private consultation room where a personal shopping consultant will be waiting with a carefully selected edit from the new Spring Summer 2012 collections.

Flying the flag for British designers the team of experts will introduce guests to new collections from Meadham Kirchhoff, Mary Katranzou, Marios Schwab and many more. Accessories from leading labels will also be presented to deliver a complete wardrobe solution. A complimentary hem and cuff alteration service is offered to ensure each item fits perfectly too.

The VIP shopping package enables visitors to London, currently the world’s leading shopping destination, to update their Spring Summer wardrobes in one easy stop. Ideal for both shopaholics and shopa-phobics the stress-free experience can include day and evening, work and weekend wear. At the end of the day the athenaeum will organise for the return of all purchases to the guests apartment.

Back at the apartments at The athenaeum, there is plenty of room to admire new purchases. The apartments have large master bedrooms, kitchen and dining areas with separate sitting rooms and the option of second bedrooms and dressing rooms too. They are perfect for shopping breaks in the capital with all the five star delights and support of the hotel next door, including a twice-daily maid service, 24-hour room service and in-room spa treatments.

A new $12 million straw market will open to vendors, tourists and residents in Nassau, Bahamas, on Friday, Dec. 16, following 10 years at a temporary site, said Charles Maynard, minister of youth, sports and culture. The new facility will be operated by the Bahamas government.

Vendors had been working at the temporary facility, located under a tent on downtown’s Bay Street, since the original market was destroyed in a 2001 fire. The temporary site was itself damaged in August by Hurricane Irene, leading vendors to set up shop under hastily built tents on Prince George Wharf. The straw market, which will now house up to 500 vendors, has long been a popular attraction for Nassau visitors and residents.

DUBAI, UAE– The 2012 Dubai Shopping Festival will get underway on Thursday January 5th, giving visitors a chance to enjoy major discounts at many of the emirate’s top stores.

Now in its 17th year, the 32-day event attracts shoppers from around the world and traditionally kicks off with a spectacular firework and light show over Dubai Creek.

According to the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), which organises the festival, the 2012 edition will feature the slogan ‘Dubai at its best’.

As well as the promise of huge discounts at more than 6,000 retail outlets, there will be regular competitions offering prizes such as luxury cars, gold jewellery and cash.

The DEPE said prizes worth 1.4 billion dirhams (GBP242 million) have been given away in Dubai since the inaugural edition in 1996.

Other aspects of the festival include family activities, live entertainment and fashion shows.

“Dubai Shopping Festival is renowned as a global event that attracts visitors from across the world, making Dubai a meeting point for diverse cultures,” the organisation said in a statement.

LateRooms.com recommends a wide range of Dubai hotels that could appeal to visitors seeking some retail therapy, including the Golden Sands Hotel Apartments.

For more information on this event, visit http://www.dubaievents.ae/en

Magical Xmas mini-breaks on a budget

The Ramada Encore Belfast is a vibrant and upbeat city centre hotel with a range of modern, ensuite bedrooms. During December, guests at the hotel can enjoy a magical Christmas getaway that won’t break the bank with an overnight stay, a bottle of wine, full cooked breakfast and 15 percent off food and beverage, all from just £69 per room. For an extra £15, guests can sample the VIP lifestyle in one of the hotel’s executive bedrooms.

Last minute Christmas parties

The hotel’s stylish SQ Bar and Grill restaurant is also a great choice for Christmas celebrations, with a classic set menu that will appeal to all. Mains include mouth-watering honey and clove roast ham and turkey breast with chestnut stuffing, and succulent sirloin of beef with Yorkshire pudding. Prices start at £14.95 for a three course lunch with tea, coffee and mince pies and dinner from £19.95. Upgrade to an overnight stay with a cooked breakfast included for just £45 per room.

The perfect location

The Ramada Encore Belfast is located on St Anne’s Square, close to the Christmas Market at Belfast City Hall. Kids will love the merry-go-round and Santa’s grotto while adults can indulge in the fruits of the Continent including warming gluhwein, Bratwurst sausages and indulgent Belgian waffles. The market also boasts a great selection of gifts and crafts, from leather handbags and wallets from France to natural carved Kenyan furniture and figurines.

Ramada Encore hotels are designed for the connected traveller, offering a friendly service, contemporary rooms and a dynamic environment in which to work, eat and play. To find out more about all of packages on offer at Ramada Encore Belfast, please visit www.encorebelfast.co.uk

ALTO ADIGE (South Tyrol/ Süd Tirol)

Bolzano/Bozen: Alpine – Mediterranean Christmas
Savour the magic of Christmas in the traditional mercantile town of Bolzano, at the meeting point of north and south, where the cultures and traditions of central Europe and the Mediterranean meld. Bright lights, scents and sounds steeped in tradition pervade the medieval centre, with its romantic arcaded streets and picturesque lanes emanating their nostalgic atmosphere. Emotions are heightened by the backdrop of the Rosengarten Dolomites!
Venue Piazza Walther/Waltherplatz
Open from 25.11. to 23.12.2011

Merano: Sensual Delights and Relaxation
Relish contemplative moments while rejuvenating body and soul. Discover traditional handicrafts at the Christmas market and savour local sweetmeats. A wealth of attractions for children! A festival for the senses and leisure, enveloped in the magical pre-Christmas atmosphere of Merano.
Venue Passeggiata Lungo Passirio/Passerpromenade
Open from Nov 25, 2011 to Jan 7, 2012
Closed: 25th December all day

Bressanone/Brixen: Art and history
The venerable Cathedral with its 800 year-old Gothic cloister lends a unique aura to the Christmas market, taking place in the Cathedral square. You will be fascinated by the bustle of activity and the myriad colours, seasonal aromas and music, or by the crib exhibition in the Episcopal Palace (Hofburg) emanating tradition and history.
Venue Piazza Duomo/Domplatz (Cathedral Square)
Open from Nov 25, 2011 to Jan 6, 2012
25th December and 1st January: closed

Brunico/Bruneck: handicrafts and tradition
Discover traditional handicrafts and seductive delicacies ensconced between the four main gates of the medieval town walls. Should you wish to combine a visit to the Christmas market with winter sports, then the superb slopes in the Kron-Platz ski resort are just outside the town.
Venue Beside the Moat (Via Bastioni/Am Graben) and Town Hall Square (Nuovo Piazza Municipio/Neuer Rathausplatz)
Open from Nov 25, 2011 to Jan 6, 2012
25th Dec: closed

VIPITENO/STERZING: LIVING TRADITIONS
The impressive “Zwölfer-Turm” tower built in 1486 watches over the Christmas market in this medieval mining town, itself at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres. It also features a special exhibition related to the history of mining in the nearby high mountains. The atmosphere is enhanced by the quaint town buildings with their characteristic bay windows.
Venue Piazza città/Stadtplatz (Town Square)
Opening times
Open from Nov 25, 2011 to Jan 06, 2012
25th December: closed

For other Christmas Markets please visit: www.suedtirol.info

TRENTINO

RANGO, BLEGGIO SUPERIORE
Rango, a charming rural hamlet carved in the mountain, not far from the Comano Spa, is one of the most enchanting towns in Italy. Among these ancient rural houses tangled in a picturesque maze, connected each other by arcades, lobbies and inner courtyards, with broad portals and long porticoes, Christmas time brings its sparkling lights to spread its warmth under the vaults and in the hamlet’s little places. Lights, colours and fragrances will guide you through the old alleys, among the food and wine stands abounding in local delicacies and traditional handicrafts. In this convivial atmosphere full of music from bagpipe and accordion players, gourmets will have the chance to taste typical local dishes and traditional specialities, cakes cooked in the old-fashioned way, barley coffee and mulled wine.
Open 04-08-09-10-11-17-18 December 2011

SIROR
In a characteristic festive atmosphere, an occasion to look for Christmas ornaments, handcrafted goods, gourmet specialities…
There is a particularly evocative atmosphere in the town centre of Siror at the Christmas Street market that is being set up from December 4th to December 18th.
Christmas ornaments decorate the town centre while typical wooden houses have gourmet food and local crafts on display.
The sweet smell of mulled wine and Christmas pastries mix with the sound of Christmas music in a unique concert performed by local folklore groups, mountain choirs and Christmas carollers.
Open 04-08-10-11-18 December 2011

ARCO, LAKE GARDA
A magical atmosphere and characteristic wooden huts, offering high quality crafts at Christmas Markets, where you can find original gift ideas: candles, lanterns, decorations, local products, toys and much more. Additional features are Christmas carols and entertainment, Alì the camel, Christmas mini-train rides and an Advent Calendar projected on the buildings in the town centre.
8 December: a magical night with a wonderful firework display at Castello d’Arco, open until 21.30.
Open 18/11/2011-23/12/2011Friday, Saturday, Sundays and public holidays

ROVERETO
In the charming setting of Corso Rosmini, Piazza Erbe, Piazza S.Marco, Piazza Malfatti, Piazza Loreto and Via Garibaldi, the Rovereto Christmas Market, with its 56 wooden huts, offers gourmet delicacies and the best local and national crafts, as well as original gift ideas, candles, decorations, local products and much more.
Inauguration: Friday 25 November – Piazza del Mercatino, Corso Rosmini
www.natalearovereto.it

TRENTO
Now at its 18th edition, the Trento Christmas Market, with its 70 wooden huts, has made the town of Trento one of the top destinations for holidaymakers looking for a Christmas atmosphere.
The last edition, held between the medieval walls of the town, was attended by 530,000 visitors. Wooden huts sell traditional decorations for Christmas trees and nativity scenes, crafts, cakes, local products, original gift ideas, and gourmet specialities in a special food section.
In keeping with tradition, at the middle of the main square, a gourmet section will be dedicated to the specialities of Trentino. There will be 16 wooden huts hosting the “Flavours of the Christmas Market”, where you can taste apple strudel, “treccia mochèna” (plaited pastry cake), “polenta brustolada” (grilled polenta), traditional recipes (sweet and savoury) from the Trentino and the Tyrol regions and local dishes such as “cevap” (kebab), a speciality of Val dei Mòcheni, and “tortel di patate” (potato cake). There are many more mouth-watering treats including organic cheese and goat cheese, “goulash zuppe” (goulash soup), “speck” (smoked ham), “canederli” (dumplings) and filled pasta, as well as sweets, pastries and hot chocolate. Drinks include the very popular “vin brulè”(mulled wine) of Trentino and “parampampoli” (hot toddy).
Open 20/11/2011-30/12/2011 (closed on 25th December)
www.mercatinodinatale.tn.it

LEVICO TERME
Gourmet specialities and crafts at Parco degli Asburgo.
You will experience a festive atmosphere in the heart of the legendary Parco degli Asburgo in Levico Terme during the Advent period, with soft lighting that illuminates the majestic plants of the age-old arboretum and characteristic wooden huts. In this charming setting, adults and children can explore the Christmas Market and the most genuine Trentino-Tyrolean popular traditions, with street shows and games, sweets and delicacies, the Elves’ House, creative workshops, a pet farm, mini-train and horse-drawn carriage.
19 November 2011 – 6 January 2012
Closed 25 December 2011

ANDALO
From the ski trails… to the Christmas Trails … through the Nativity scenes exhibition.
The Christmas Market of Andalo, set against the exclusive backdrop of the Dolomites and the Paganella, offers the magic fragrances of the typical products, the local handicrafts of this enchanting location that in the last 50 years has been the venue for ski and winter lovers from every part of the world. A ski exhibition will illustrate the progress made in this beloved winter sport through the evolution of skis, ski boots and skiwear.And after a shopping spree in the street market’s wooden houses, you must not miss the permanent exhibition of the World Nativity scenes by Gino Simoni or the Wellness Centre “AcquaIN” in Andalo.
03/12/2011-26/12/2011
For other Christmas Markets please visit: www.visitrentino.it

NB: Info taken from official websites www.suedtirol.info  and www.visittrentino.it