The magical Christmas in Garda Trentino

In Garda Trentino, between Lake Garda and the Brenta Dolomites, Christmas turns into a real fairy tale: the Christmas lights are reflected on the waters of the lake, while the air is filled with the scents of cinnamon, chocolate and mulled wine, creating a warm and magical atmosphere. This period is made even more special by various activities for the whole family, such as Christmas markets where you can savor local specialties, meetings with Santa Claus and even with his green "rival", the Grinch.

 

 

The markets animate the colorful villages of Garda Trentino between mid-November and early January, bringing joy and celebrations to the alleys, stairways and picturesque squares. Among the stalls you can find culinary specialties and local crafts, in places such as the markets of Canale di Tenno and Rango, considered among the most beautiful villages in Italy, with exhibitions of agricultural utensils, wooden toys and delights of the peasant tradition.

 

 

This year the Rango Christmas Market presents unmissable novelties in the nearby towns. In Balbido, the town of murals, some Christmas stands are hosted at the foot of the "Stria", the tallest bamboo and wood witch in the world with its 10.77 meters. The evocative atmosphere of the murals envelops visitors, while children can take a pony ride. A short distance away, Cavrasto becomes a living nativity scene, with scenes of the Nativity curated by the inhabitants of the village. For those who want to explore these places, guided treks and tastings of local specialties are available, offering an immersive experience of art, nature and flavors.

 

 

Arco is also tinged with celebration: from mid-November to Epiphany, stalls and wooden houses surround the church, enlivening the streets with gift ideas and culinary specialties such as Bohemian gnocchi, strauben with blueberry jam and mulled wine. The atmosphere is enriched by street performances, concerts, nativity scenes, workshops and a petting zoo.

 

 

In Riva del Garda, the "Di Gusto in Gusto" market is transformed into a small gastronomic village where you can discover authentic local flavours: wines, cheeses and cured meats delight the palate, while children will have fun in Santa's House, set up in the Rocca. Here they receive an elven kit with hat and passport to participate in creative workshops and stamp their "Creative Elf Passport". When you book a stay at participating properties, you will receive a promotional code for free access.

 

 

But Santa Claus is not the only protagonist: from 6 December to 6 January, the Bastion of Riva del Garda will once again host the Grinch's house, with an installation that can be reached by a panoramic lift accessible with the Garda Guest Card. Between shows and interactive treasure hunts, young and old will experience moments of pure fun. By booking at the approximately 50 participating facilities, you will receive gifts such as the XmasPack, a voucher booklet to enjoy the delights of the local markets.

 

 

Santa Massenza celebrates the authentic Christmas spirit with the "Night of the Lit Stills", a path dedicated to the historic art of grappa distillation, while Calavino, on 4 and 5 January, stages the oldest living nativity scene in Trentino with over one hundred figures who bring the traditions of the village back to life.

 

From November 30th to December 22nd, the Castle of Drena dresses up in magic for Advent, hosting handcrafted nativity scenes and animating its walls with dances, music and traditional crafts. For those looking for unique adventures, the "Winter Experience" program offers activities ranging from excursions through the olive groves with EVO oil tastings, to the Foiling Experience on Lake Garda, up to cooking classes to discover local specialties.

 

 

► Canale di Tenno Market (23 November - 15 December 2024): medieval atmospheres and handicrafts color this enchanted village. Between the scents of mulled wine and Christmas cookies, the market comes alive every Advent weekend.

 ► Christmas Market in Rango (16 November - 31 December 2024): the village of Rango is transformed into an evocative living nativity scene with artisans and farmers who animate ancient alleys and arcades, offering a timeless experience.

 ► Christmas Market in Arco (15 November 2024 - 6 January 2025): Stands full of gift ideas and gastronomic specialties, shows, concerts and activities for young and old.

 ► Market "From Taste to Taste" in Riva del Garda (15 November 2024 - 6 January 2025): The center of Riva del Garda becomes a gastronomic village where you can savor the excellence of the territory and participate in memorable events.

 

 

Garda Trentino is the northern shore of Lake Garda which includes the areas of Riva del Garda, Arco, Val di Gresta, Nago-Torbole sul Garda, Dro, Drena, Tenno, Valle di Ledro, Comano and Valle dei Laghi all in the province of Trento.

 

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