Lake Garda, with its timeless beauty, transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the festive season. The charming villages come alive with the colors and scents of Christmas markets. Imagine strolling along the shores of Lake Garda, enveloped in a magical atmosphere. The twinkling lights of the Christmas markets reflect on the water, creating an enchanting scene. The aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon mingles with the scent of burning wood from the braziers, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Offering an unforgettable experience for both adults and children, join us on this tour to discover the most enchanting Christmas markets of Lake Garda.
Day 1: history and tradition
Let’s begin our journey in Verona, the city of love. From November 15th to December 26th, the stunning setting of Via Pallone becomes home to the Nuremberg Christkindlmarkt. Among the over 100 wooden huts, you’ll find local crafts, Christmas decorations, and traditional treats like pandoro (born in Verona in 1894), a soft and fragrant cake, or a glass of Amarone, a rich and full-bodied red wine.
Leaving Verona behind, we’ll head to Lazise and Bardolino. From November 24th to January 6th, the picturesque squares and lakesides will come alive with markets, offering a wide selection of handcrafted products, decorations, and local gastronomic specialties. In Garda, also from November 24th to January 6th, you can admire a life-size nativity scene and enjoy musical and theatrical performances.
For opening days and times, click here.
Day 2: discovering the most charming villages of the upper Garda
On the second day, we’ll discover the most characteristic villages of Lake Garda. In Rango, from November 16th to December 31st, you can immerse yourself in an authentic atmosphere, surrounded by agricultural tools, wooden toys, and local crafts. In Canale di Tenno, the charming medieval village, from November 23rd to January 6th, you’ll find an enchanting market among the narrow streets and stone houses. The stalls, hidden among the cellars and courtyards, create an intimate and suggestive atmosphere, almost a secret to be discovered.
For opening days and times, click here.
Arco and Riva del Garda await you with their atmospheric markets. In Arco, from November 15th to January 6th, you can stroll among the stalls, savor local specialties, and admire the Christmas decorations that illuminate the streets of the historic center, breathing in the typical Habsburg atmosphere of this lakeside town. In Riva del Garda, from November 15th to January 6th, the historic center will be transformed into a real food village, where you can taste typical Trentino products and the flavors of Lake Garda, such as Carne Salada, canederli, and lake fish in its various forms.
For opening days and times, click here.
Day 3: history and culture
The last day of our tour will take us to Rovereto and Trento. In Rovereto, from November 22nd to January 6th, you can stroll among the stalls in Piazza delle Erbe, admiring the elegant lights and listening to Christmas carols. In Trento, from November 22nd to January 6th, over 300 wooden huts await you, divided between Piazza Fiera and Piazza Mostra, where you will find local crafts, Christmas decorations, and all kinds of delicacies. In Piazza Fiera, there will be many food stalls where you can taste and buy local products. The two squares are not adjacent, allowing you to visit the city and discover its secrets.
For opening days and times, click here.
Useful Tips:
- Dress in layers: temperatures can be cool, so bring a warm sweater and hat.
- Taste the local specialties: don’t miss the opportunity to try mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, canederli, and other typical dishes.
- Bring your camera: capture the most magical moments of this trip.
- Book your accommodation in advance: especially during peak season, it is advisable to book in advance.
An unforgettable experience
A Christmas market tour on Lake Garda is a unique experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas. Be enchanted by the enchanting landscapes, the enveloping scents, and the festive atmosphere.
Extra Christmas market
If you are traveling back home on the A22 Brenner motorway, exit at Avio and you can visit a truly unique market within the walls of the FAI – Castello di Avio! Exhibitors from the world of food and wine and local crafts from Vallagarina and the upper Verona area will animate the Baronial Palace and its large courtyard with a suggestive market.
What are you waiting for? Book your trip now and come experience a dream Christmas!
