Lake Garda

Christmas on Lake Garda: 7 not-to-be-missed markets in Trentino and by the lake

Stunning in summer, magical and fascinating in winter: Lake Garda is just full of surprises, in every season. At Christmas time, villages around the lake come alive with sparkling lights and colors, allowing locals and tourists to rediscover the authentic flavors of our tradition.

Let’s see some of the initiatives organized during Christmas time.

1 – Arco Christmas Market

One of the most famous Christmas markets in Trentino is organized every year in Arco’s main square. Every year between November and January, Arco turns into a real “Christmas City”, for its inhabitants and the many tourists who visit the town. The houses in Piazza Tre Novembre offer culinary delicacies, but also locally-made handicrafts. This year, the Arco market opens on November 19th. You can find out more about events organized in the city on the Arco Christmas Markets website.

2 – Santa’s House

If Arco is the City of Christmas, Riva del Garda, with Santa’s House, is a true paradise for the little ones. The home of the famous old man with a white beard can be found inside the Rocca di Riva, the beautiful manor house overlooking the lake. Assisted by the elves, Santa Claus welcomes girls and boys with creative workshops, play areas and sweets for everyone. For more information and to contact Santa Claus, just go to www.casadibabbonataleriva.it.

3 – Villaggio del Gusto in Riva

Once the children are happy, we must also think about the grown-ups! Every year from November to January, you’ll find Villaggio del Gusto in Piazza Garibaldi in Riva del Garda. right in front of the Rocca. Villaggio del Gusto is a culinary exhibition where it is possible to sample the best wines of the area and taste local delicacies. A true feast of flavors, to make your holiday on the lake even more unforgettable.

4 – Christmas Markets in Canale di Tenno and Rango in Bleggio

Let’s now move to two of the “most beautiful villages in Italy”, Canale di Tenno and Rango in Bleggio Superiore. Between November and December, both villages organize unique Christmas markets. What makes the Canale di Tenno market one of a kind is its location: the medieval buildings that make up the village. On the other hand, the Rango market takes place in the old peasant houses: you’ll find stalls with local products in cellars, stables and arcades.

5 – Trento Christmas Markets

A little more than half an hour drive from the Centro Vela Residence you’ll find Trento, the provincial capital. A large market takes place there every year, with dozens of stalls spread between Piazza Fiera, the traditional location of the event, and the streets and squares of the historic center. Exhibitors come from all over Italy, so it is possible to find not only local products, but also products and crafts from other regions. Find out more on the official website – www.mercatinodinatale.tn.it.

6 – Levico Christmas Markets

Another famous Christmas market takes place in Levico Terme, Valsugana. Its peculiar location is the Hapsburg Secular Park, the most important historical garden of the Grandi Giardini Italiani (Great Italian Gardens network). The setting and the historical re-enactments organized during the opening weeks, give the Levico market the feel of an ancient fairy tale, a romantic journey for everyone.

7 – On the lake and in Verona

Towards the end of our journey through the Christmas markets, we also explored a little beyond the lake. However, there many more markets all over Lake Garda: there is a market in Bardolino, with wooden houses and an ice skating rink, one in Lazise, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and on the lakefront, and another in San Martino della Battaglia, with a floating artistic nativity scene in Porto Vecchio. And if you can’t stay away from the city, Verona, with its large comet from Piazza Bra up to the Arena, is the right place for you.