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Christmas markets on Lake Garda – 2024 Edition
The days have grown shorter, the temperatures have dropped, and we’ve brought out sweaters, scarves, and hats. Winter has arrived, and with it, we already feel the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine, enchanted by the many Christmas lights. Yes, because for most of us, winter is synonymous with Christmas. And for those who love our areas, this means one thing: Lake Garda Christmas markets. If you’ve been wondering, “Does Lake Garda have a Christmas market?” you’re in for a treat! This article will take you on a journey from Verona to Lake Garda, showcasing the best Christmas markets in the region.
DISCOVERING THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON LAKE GARDA
1. GARDA LAKE NORTH (UPPER LAKE)
2. GARDA LAKE SOUTH (LOWER LAKE VERONA)
3. GARDA LAKE WEST (LOWER LAKE BRESCIA)
4. CHRISTMAS MARKETS NEAR LAKE GARDA
1. GARDA LAKE NORTH
Christmas Market in RIVA DEL GARDA
From November 15, 2024, to January 6, 2025
Riva del Garda dresses up for the holidays, hosting the “Di Gusto in Gusto” Christmas Village in Piazza Cesare Battisti and Piazza Garibaldi. A proposal focused on the flavors of tradition, to discover, taste, and purchase the excellences of Trentino.
An enchanted environment that will make the whole family dream. The new illuminations will sparkle throughout the historic center, and the typical wooden houses will decorate the streets of Riva.
Dates and Times
November 2024:
Friday (10:30 AM–9:00 PM)
Saturday (10:30 AM–10:00 PM)
Sunday (10:30 AM–8:00 PM)
December 2024:
Friday (10:30 AM–9:00 PM)
Saturday (10:30 AM–10:00 PM)
Sundays & holidays (10:30 AM–8:00 PM)
Exceptions:
December 24–26 (10:30 AM–9:00 PM)
December 31 (10:30 AM–3:00 AM)
January 2025:
January 1 (11:00 AM–8:00 PM)
January 2 and 3 (10:30 AM–9:00 PM)
January 4 (10:30 AM–10:00 PM)
January 5 (10:30 AM–8:00 PM)
January 6 (10:30 AM–5:00 PM)
The most beloved attraction is undoubtedly the Santa Claus House in Riva del Garda.
Christmas Market in ARCO
From November 15, 2024, to January 6, 2025
Infinite possibilities and ideas await you through the streets of the historic center of Arco. In the traditional wooden stalls, the magic of Christmas will reign supreme. This town will host a succession of initiatives suitable for both young and old. While the Christmas Markets open at 10:00, the program is rich with many other surprises!
The Animal Farm, Street Artists, Nativity scenes at the foot of the Castle, creative workshops, and much more will make the eyes of the little ones sparkle. Furthermore, music, entertainment, reenactments of ancient arts and crafts
Dates and Times
November 2024:
Friday and Sunday (10:00 AM–7:00 PM)
Saturday (10:00 AM–8:00 PM)
December 2024:
Friday and Sunday (10:00 AM–7:00 PM)
Saturday (10:00 AM–8:00 PM)
Exceptions:
December 7 (10:00 AM–11:30 PM, fireworks)
December 23, 26, and 30 (10:00 AM–7:00 PM)
December 24 and 31 (10:00 AM–6:00 PM)
January 2025:
January 1 (11:00 AM–7:00 PM)
From January 2 to 5 (10:00 AM–7:00 PM)
January 6 (10:00 AM–6:00 PM)
Christmas Village – CANALE DI TENNO
From November 23, 2024 to January 6, 2025
The picturesque village of Canale di Tenno will appear even more magical during the Christmas season. In one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, courtyards and cellars will host handcrafted nativity scenes of extraordinary beauty.
Dates and Times
November 2024
23, 24 and 25 (09:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
December 2024
December 1 (09:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
December 7 – 8 (09:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
December 14 and 15 (09:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
December 24 (Shepherds’ Procession)
December 26 (Living Nativity)
January 2025
January 6 (from 3:00 PM – Feast of the “Befana”)
Christmas Markets in RANGO
From November 16, 2024 to December 31, 2024
The Christmas market in Rango, another of Italy’s most beautiful villages located in Trentino, offers a magical atmosphere during Advent. Here, you can find handcrafted items, wooden toys, and enjoy local rural delicacies. A charming place where time seems to have stood still.
Dates and times
November 2024
November 16 and 17
November 23 and 24
November 30
December 2024
December 1
December 7 and 8
December 14 and 15
December 26
December 28, 29, 30 and 31
Christmas Markets in ROVERETO
From November 22, 2024 to January 06, 2025
At Christmas, Rovereto will offer a magical atmosphere, with lights in the city center and many musical events.
Dates and times
From Monday to Thursday (11:00 am – 7:30 pm)
From Friday to Sunday (10:00 am – 7:30 pm, food area until 8:30 pm)
December 25: closed
December 26 (10:00 am – 7:30 pm, food area until 8:30 pm)
December 31 (10:00 am – 5:00 pm)
January 1 (12:00 pm – 7:30 pm, food area until 8:30 pm)
The traditional market stalls on Via Roma will feature handcrafted products, mulled wine, and local dishes. The entire historic center will become an open-air stage with installations, performances, and Christmas activities for all ages.
For the little ones, the Children’s Village with the wonderful Santa’s House and the enchanted Elf Village.
Christmas Markets in MALCESINE
From December 8, 2024 to January 06, 2025
Dates and times
December 8
December 14-15
From December 21 to January 6
All of Malcesine will host attractions, concerts, and music evenings. The main area will be Piazza Statuto, featuring food stalls and an ice skating rink. There will also be a caterpillar ride and the House of Games, a 4D cinema showing Christmas-themed movies, and a stage for live performances.
In the Castle of the Befane, themed areas will be set up, and children will be able to participate in various workshops.
The Christmas village huts will be scattered throughout the historic center.
Don’t miss the many nativity scenes set up for the holidays, especially the nativity scene on the Aril River in Cassone, at Navene near the Church of Santa Maria, and the moving nativity scene at the Palazzo dei Capitani
Nativity Scenes in CAMPO di BRENZONE
awaiting the 2024/2025 program
During the Christmas season, the abandoned village of Campo di Brenzone becomes populated again with dozens of nativity scenes scattered among the houses and ruins. Created by the Campo Foundation, which aims to revive the village at least during Christmas.
Let’s leave the landscape of the Upper Lake, where the mountains slip into the waters of Lake Garda, to move to the towns further south. The Lower Lake hosts some of the best places to visit on Lake Garda… Imagine them decorated for the holidays. What a sight, right?
2. GARDA LAKE SOUTH
Christmas Markets in GARDA
From November 29, 2024 to January 06, 2025
The Lungolago Regina Adelaide and the entire town of Garda come alive with the “Natale tra gli Olivi” markets. In addition to the typical wooden stalls that animate the lakeside promenade, you can enjoy all the delights of the local culinary tradition with typical products at the Borgo del Gusto.
Every weekend features a different offering to rediscover the traditional flavors of the Veronese territory. The surprises don’t end there. The village will showcase a nativity scene, and the Christmas village will host theatrical performances, musical and choral performances, along with many other activities for children, families, and the elderly.
Christmas Markets in BARDOLINO
From November 23, 2024 to January 06, 2025
Once again this year, the Lungolago and historic center of Bardolino will welcome thousands of visitors to experience the magical Christmas atmosphere. Along the lakeside promenade, numerous wooden stalls in Tyrolean style create a Christmas shopping path. Here, selected businesses offer high-quality products, ranging from local food and wine to handcrafted items.
In the area of the Carrara Bottagisio Park, a large heated igloo provides the perfect spot for a break. Next to it, a covered ice skating rink adds even more magic to the festive atmosphere. Around the Ferris wheel, there are exciting new features: a Christmas train for the little ones and a carousel, along with unmissable theatrical performances!
Christmas Markets in LAZISE
From November 23, 2024 to January 06, 2025
Among the Christmas markets on Lake Garda, those in Lazise are definitely among the largest and most beautiful.
Dates and times
November 2024
23, 24, and 30 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
December 2024
1st December (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
7th – 8th December (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
14th – 15th December (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
21st-22nd-23rd-24th December (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
From 26th December to 6th January every day (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and Lungolago Marconi will host the enchanting Christmas event that attracts many visitors every winter: the Lazise Christmas Market. Numerous exhibitors with charming wooden stalls will immerse you in a magical atmosphere, filled with the colors, flavors, and scents of Christmas. There will be entertainment moments such as concerts, activities, tastings, and Santa Claus himself with his carriage.
In addition to the beauty of the town, a strong attraction is also provided by the large ice skating rink set up in the unpaved area of the Prà del Principe park.
Two unmissable events: the Babbo Lake Run, a race featuring hundreds of Santa Clauses along the lakeside that connects Lazise to Garda and passes through Bardolino. And the Cuccagna della Befana in Lazise, on the waters of the Old Port.
Christmas in PESCHIERA DEL GARDA
From November 30, 2024 to January 07, 2025
Dates and times
awaiting the complete program
Christmas lights from December 01 to January 07
Christmas Markets in the attic from November 30 to December 15
Ice skating rink from the end of November
During the Christmas season, Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia will host a beautiful ice skating rink framed by charming stalls where you can enjoy classic Christmas treats. The historic center will be enlivened by Christmas choirs and children’s performances, with musical corners every Sunday in December.
In the attic of the Caserma d’Artiglieria at Porta Verona, there will be a Solidarity Christmas Market for Cystic Fibrosis research. Not only that, but the Padiglione degli Ufficiali along the Canale di Mezzo is also getting ready to welcome Christmas with the event “Artigiani in Galleria“!
But the real star of Christmas in Peschiera is the stunning Christmas lights and the traditional Underwater Nativity Scene in the Canale di Mezzo!
The latter, created by the Sub Club Peschiera in the historic Canale di Mezzo, right in the center of the Venetian Fortress, is properly illuminated and features intriguing scenic effects.
Don’t miss the enchantment that comes alive at sunset! This will be the moment to admire a sparkling Peschiera! Illuminated bridges, a true enchanted forest, and various installations scattered throughout the center will leave you in awe, creating a magical atmosphere!
3. GARDA LAKE WEST
We have explored together the initiatives that will enrich the Veronese shore, but the Christmas markets on Lake Garda will also involve the Brescia side. Let’s see what these beautiful areas have to offer.
Christmas in DESENZANO
awaiting the 2024/2025 program
The municipality of Desenzano is filled with magic during this time. The capital of Garda is ready to immerse you in the warmest Christmas atmosphere with its rich program of events featuring plenty of music, light shows, and performances. Definitely mark in red the event “Luminous Fountains,” the Christmas Concert, and, as always, to end the year beautifully, the grand concert event “New Year’s Eve in the Square.”
Christmas Markets in SIRMIONE
awaiting the 2024/2025 program
During Christmas, Sirmione transforms each year into a magical place with its enchanting Christmas lights. Throughout the holiday season, a traditional ice skating rink and the Christmas market in Colombare will be set up. Concerts, performances, and the charming illumination that envelops the imposing walls of the castle contribute to making the atmosphere even more magical.
Christmas Markets in SALO’
From November 23, 2024 to January 12, 2025
Even in Salò, Christmas comes to life with an enchanting experience in the heart of the historic center. This holiday season is made magical by a burst of sparkling lights and melodious musical notes that will embrace the charming village.
An ice-skating rink and a children’s carousel await you. With many events designed for the whole family, including shows, entertainment and music.
Dates and times
Ice Skating Rink
From November 23 to December 20
Monday to Friday: 14:30 – 19:00
Saturday: 10:30 – 22:30
Sunday: 10:30 – 19:00
From December 21 to January 6: 10:00 – 22:30
December 24: 10:30 – 17:00
December 25: 10:30 – 22:30
December 31: 10:30 – 19:00
From January 7 to 12:
Tuesday to Friday: 14:30 – 19:00
Saturday: 10:30 – 22:30
Sunday: 10:30 – 19:00
Children’s Carousel
From December 1 to January 6
Weekdays: 15:30 – 19:30
Weekends: 10:00 – 12:30 / 14:00 – 19:30
4. CHRISTMAS MARKETS NEAR LAKE GARDA
Here we are at the final section. We have completed the list of Christmas markets on Lake Garda, but if you find yourself in these areas, you can’t miss visiting those in the nearby major cities.
Christmas Markets in VERONA
From November 15, 2024 to December 26, 2024
Dates and times
Sunday to Thursday (11:00 AM – 09:00 PM)
Friday, Saturday and Festives (10:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
December 24 (10:00 AM – 05:00 PM)
December 25 (04:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
December 26 (10:00 AM – 06:00 PM)
Does Verona have a Christmas market? Of course it does! The City of Love and Art opens its arms to the most magical time of the year. For a Christmas filled with memories and wishes, from November 15 to December 26, 2024, Piazza dei Signori and the streets of the city center will host many emotions. Over 100 stalls will fill the squares with handcrafted products, gift ideas, decorations, and sweet and savory culinary specialties.
The Christmas atmosphere can already be felt at the entrance of the city, thanks to the many lights spread throughout the center and along Corso Porta Nuova. Another must-see event if you visit the city is the exhibition “Presepi dal Mondo a Verona,” which awaits you at the Gran Guardia Palace.
Christmas Markets in PONTI SUL MINCIO
awaiting the 2024/2025 program
Without straying too far from the lake, the Living Nativity Scene returns to Ponti sul Mincio this year in a brand-new location! Immerse yourself fully in the Christmas atmosphere.
Stroll through the enchanting rooms of Palazzo Sacco and in the garden of the ancient Scaligero Castle to admire the representation of daily life during the time of Jesus’s birth. If you’re in the mood for something warm, you can find drinks, arrosticini, polenta, and wheat pastries at the Tavern of Bethlehem.
For the occasion, you will also find the Christmas market in the parish theater. It’s a great idea for both adults and children that will take you back in time and allow you to spend a few hours in a magical environment that’s different from the usual.
Christmas Markets in MANTOVA
From November 09, 2024 to December 26, 2024
Mantova, from November 9 to December 26, 2024, will gift you the enchantment of Christmas with its markets in Piazza Virgiliana.
In addition to the numerous stalls, a rich program of events and performances will take place on the large ice skating rink in the park.
Dates and times
Markets:
Saturday and Sunday (10:00 AM – 07:00 PM)
Extraordinary openings:
December 24 (10:00 AM – 07:00 PM)
December 25 (03:00 PM – 07:00 PM)
December 26 (10:00 AM – 07:00 PM)
Ice Skating Rink:
From November 9, 2024 to January 12, 2025
From Monday to Friday (03:00 PM – 07:00 PM / 09:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Saturday, Sunday and extraordinary opening: (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM / 03:00 PM –07:00 PM / 09:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
Let’s conclude this article as we began, with Trentino. This wonderful region also touches the lake and is filled with places to visit during Christmas 2024.
Christmas Markets in TRENTO
From mid-November to January 7, 2025
The Christmas markets in Trento will take place in Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti, where the numerous wooden stalls will enchant you one after the other. Imagine the magic of the gigantic Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo, accompanied every evening by a light show. From here, you can take a small train to reach the city center. Christmas lights representing various themes will adorn the streets and squares of Trento for the holidays.
Dates and times
Markets:
Every day (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Extraordinary openings:
December 24 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
December 25 Closed
December 31 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Gastronomic Hub:
Sunday to Thursday (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
December 7 (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
December 24 and 31 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
January 5 (10:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
If you were looking for information about the Christmas markets at Lake Carezza, I regret to inform you that there are no markets planned this year either.
Here we are at the end of our list of the best Christmas markets Lake Garda 2024. You didn’t think there were so many Christmas markets on Lake Garda, did you? Not to mention those offered in the many places to visit nearby. Where is the most beautiful Christmas market? That is up to you to decide!
