you travel enthusiasts, get ready for a fairytale Christmas experience. Lake Garda, with its shores and surroundings, transforms into a stage of lights, scents, and unique atmospheres. If Christmas is synonymous with markets, you’ll find an enchanted world here, where the wooden stalls and stands brimming with artisan products will make you feel the magic of the holidays. Here at Garda Outdoors, we invite you on a journey into the heart of winter, to discover the traditions, flavours, and cheer that animate every corner of the region.
Please note: This article is being updated. The dates for the 2025/2026 Christmas markets are subject to official confirmation.
North Garda: the charm of an Alpine Christmas
In the north of Lake Garda, the Christmas atmosphere blends with the majesty of the mountains, creating a unique setting.
- Trento: The Mercatino di Natale di Trento, in Piazza Fiera and Piazza Mostra, offers an unforgettable experience, with wooden stalls, local crafts, and Trentino gastronomic specialities. The market is open from 21st November 2025 to 6th January 2026.
- Rovereto: Known as the “City of Peace,” at Christmas, Rovereto lights up with lights, music, and colours, with a market that celebrates the values of humanity and brotherhood. It’s an opportunity to experience Christmas in an evocative and meaningful atmosphere. The market is open from 21st November 2025 to 6th January 2026.
- Rango: Hidden among the mountains, Rango is one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.” During the holidays, its streets come alive with a market that winds through ancient cellars and illuminated doorways. A unique atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale. The opening dates are:
- November 2025: 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30.
- December 2025: 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
- Canale di Tenno: The charming medieval village of Canale di Tenno becomes even more magical at Christmas. The doors of courtyards and cellars open for a market of extraordinary beauty, an experience that combines history with the festive atmosphere. The opening dates are:
- November 2025: 22, 23, 29, 30.
- December 2025: 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 20, 21.
- Arco: With its twinkling lights and intoxicating scents, Arco awaits you with a Christmas market in a fairytale atmosphere. The streets of its historic centre fill with stalls offering gastronomic delights and local crafts. The market is open from 14th November 2025 to 6th January 2026.
- Avio (Castle and village): If you want to have a truly unique experience, don’t miss the Christmas market inside the walls of the FAI – Castello di Avio. The market takes place on various weekends. The opening dates are:
- November 2025: 22, 23, 29, 30.
- December 2025: 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 20, 21. The village of Sabbionara d’Avio also comes alive with cultural entertainment, concerts, and nativity scenes, from 5th December 2025 to 6th January 2026.
- Ala (city of velvet): The “Natale nei palazzi barocchi” (Christmas in the Baroque Palaces) in Ala offers an evocative and elegant experience. The city’s most prestigious palaces host markets of artisans and artists, with travelling shows and guided tours. The opening dates are:
- November 2025: 29, 30.
- December 2025: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21.
South Garda: the magic on the lakeshore
The southern shore of Lake Garda also dresses up for the holidays, offering markets and attractions that draw visitors from all over Europe.
- Gargnano: In Gargnano, Christmas is synonymous with a unique experience, among the ancient lemon groves. You can take part in guided tours and tastings of local products, while a quality market awaits you in the Chiostro di San Francesco. The opening dates are:
- November 2025: 30.
- December 2025: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22.
- January 2026: 4, 5, 6.
- Riva del Garda: Christmas in Riva del Garda is coloured by typically Trentino flavours and scents with “Di Gusto in Gusto” (From Taste to Taste), a trail that will lead you to discover the region’s excellent produce. Father Christmas also awaits you in his house, set up inside the ancient Rocca, to meet children. The events take place from 14th November 2025 to 6th January 2026.
- Bardolino: The lakeside promenade and historic centre welcome thousands of visitors to experience the magical Christmas atmosphere. The market also extends to Parco Carrara Bottagisio, with events and attractions dedicated to children and families. The market is open from 22nd November 2025 to 6th January 2026.
- Lazise: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the Lungolago Marconi in Lazise host a Christmas market with a wide selection of products and delights. Throughout the holiday period, you can also have fun on the ice rink set up at Parco Prà del Principe. The market takes place on several weekends and then every day from 26th December 2025 to 6th January 2026. The opening dates are:
- November 2025: 23, 24, 30.
- December 2025: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
- January 2026: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Garda: The magic of Christmas also comes to Garda, with a market set up on the Lungolago Regina Adelaide and in the historic centre. A life-sized nativity scene, musical shows, and an ice-skating rink will make you experience the enchantment of Christmas. The event takes place from 28th November 2025 to 6th January 2026.
- Verona: Piazza dei Signori in Verona hosts traditional Christmas markets in collaboration with the “Christkindlmarkt” from Nuremberg. Here you can experience the Christmas atmosphere among wooden stalls, lights, and typical scents of Northern Europe. The markets are open from 14th November to 26th December 2025.
- Mantova: Mantua also dresses up for the holidays, with a Christmas market in Piazza Virgiliana. It’s an opportunity to discover local crafts, taste gastronomic delights, and enjoy the magic of Christmas in the heart of a historic city. The opening dates are:
- November 2025: 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30.
- December 2025: 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26.
A winter of magic, flavour, and discoveries
Winter on Lake Garda is a magical period. Besides the markets, the region offers an endless number of events and activities to enjoy the cold season. You can take advantage of the lake’s mild climate for relaxing walks, discover the rich local food and wine in welcoming trattorias, and immerse yourself in the culture and history of the villages.
To discover the complete offerings and plan your trip, visit the dedicated sections of our magazine: Where to eat on Lake Garda and Where to sleep on Lake Garda.
