Auronzo di Cadore
AURONZO DI CADORE
Auronzo and the must-see events in every season of the year.
In winter, the Christmas markets bring the heart of the town to life. During the holiday season, Auronzo’s center hosts a rich calendar of events: wooden stalls filled with local crafts and regional specialties, an ice-skating rink set up in the main square, and even Santa Claus arriving beneath the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The atmosphere is warm, festive, and perfect for families.
Summer is a celebration of energy and color, thanks to the international canoe competitions held on Lake Santa Caterina. The lakeside streets in the heart of Auronzo become lively and vibrant. Flags from many nations wave in every corner, new languages blend with the local dialect, and the entire town seems to shine with fresh sounds and bright colors.
Spring, the most delicate season in the mountains, offers the quiet wonder of the thaw. Day by day, you can witness the transformation of the lakes as the ice melts and nature awakens. Buds appear on the trees, alpine meadows bloom once more, and the landscape shifts from muted winter tones to vivid, luminous greens. If spring symbolizes rebirth, its beauty feels even more powerful among the majestic peaks of the Dolomites.
And in autumn? Beyond the magic of foliage — which paints woods and forests in countless shades of ochre and red — there is the traditional “Desmonteada.” As the warm season draws to a close, cattle are guided down from the high alpine pastures to the valley barns. Their arrival in town becomes a true celebration, marked by a festive parade of decorated animals and floats. This cherished event takes place every year, honoring local traditions and mountain life.
Winter
During the Christmas holidays, Auronzo sparkles with lights and festive decorations. Stroll through the charming market stalls, glide across the ice rink in the heart of town, and soak up the atmosphere of events and live music, while the scent of mulled wine fills the air. Precious moments that turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience.
The pleasure of seeing the magic of Christmas, strolling through the little houses of the Auronzo Christmas Market. A wide selection of local crafts and handmade creations — perfect as gifts or keepsakes, so you can always carry a small piece of Dolomite wonder with you. Then there’s the simple pleasure of a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, enjoyed just steps from the glowing Christmas tree and the ice-skating rink. In your eyes, the snow-covered Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the nearby Lago di Santa Caterina; in your heart, the peaceful feeling only the mountains can give.
The facade of the Palazzo Corte Metto Museum is dressed up for the holidays. Its windows and doors become a giant Advent calendar, decorated with vibrant colors and traditional Christmas symbols. Each day reveals a new surprise to discover, counting down to Christmas Eve.
Experience the magic of ice skating in the heart of Auronzo, with the Tre Cime di Lavaredo visible from the town center. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the impressive Lago di Santa Caterina, the Christmas market, the large illuminated tree, and a rich program of events that bring the entire holiday season to life. Check out the updated hours in the events section!
Spring
During the thaw in Auronzo and across the Dolomiti UNESCO World Heritage, nature comes back to life.
Meadows quickly shed their blanket of snow, revealing the brightest shades of spring green. As the ice melts, snowdrops give way to a colorful burst of blossoms that lifts the spirit. Bees move busily from bud to bud, while birds fill the air with songs that sound like a hymn to beauty.
In spring, water begins to “play” again — gurgling through mountain streams, rushing confidently along brooks, and flowing gently into the lakes, whose surfaces regain their deep reflections. Light reaches every corner of the Dolomites and the forests of Auronzo. And as the days grow longer and temperatures soften, spring finally blooms here in all its fullness.
Summer
Summer in Auronzo is defined by the perfect pairing of the Dolomites and its lakes — reaching the height of their beauty just as the heat begins to weigh on the plains below. In that moment, the image of a wide stretch of water embraced by forests feels like a vision of pure well-being. And this is exactly what Lake Santa Caterina offers, right in the heart of Auronzo.
Add the excitement of an international canoe competition, and there’s no excuse not to visit the town of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The town dresses up for the occasion: streets come alive with flags from many nations, while athletes and their families fill every corner with energy. The atmosphere buzzes with anticipation for the canoe races and joy among spectators. Stories of champions’ achievements mingle with the laughter of children playing in the park and along the lakeside path.
The gentle lapping of the water has something deeply soothing about it. Letting your gaze wander from the lake to the forests and up to the Dolomites feels like learning to breathe fully again. Unmissable.
Autumn
The Desmonteada in Auronzo usually takes place on the first weekend of October.
It is a true celebration of tradition, marking the return of livestock from the high alpine pastures to the village barns. The highlight is a festive parade featuring cows, donkeys, horses, sheep, and goats, accompanied by decorated carts and tractors. Stalls showcasing local products and handmade crafts fill the heart of Auronzo with color and flavor. And to make the celebration even more enjoyable, you can sit down to a hearty plate of gnocchi and join in the cheerful atmosphere.
Now well beyond its tenth edition, the event has become a beloved tradition for both adults and children. Truly not to be missed!
