A holiday at Lake Garda in winter offers visitors to the area the opportunity to get to know its most authentic side and to savour its culture, gastronomy, and traditions in absolute tranquillity.
WINTER EXPERIENCES IN GARDA TRENTINO
LAKE GARDA IN WINTER, WHAT IS THERE TO DO?
Santa's House - Riva del Garda
That's right! At Christmas time you’ll also come across Santa Claus in Riva del Garda!
To enter Santa's House all you have to do is cross the magic bridge that leads to the Rocca, the ancient castle surrounded by the waters of Lake Garda. Here you’ll find Father Christmas himself and deliver your letter to him in person, as well as creative workshops, play areas, tasty treats and.... lots of magic! And if your dream is to become a professional elf, why not sign up for a course at the ELF ACADEMY? One of the most respectable schools for those who aspire to be part of Santa's team.
For all the updated info click here.
"Di Gusto in Gusto" Christmas Village - Riva del Garda
From November to January, the historic center of Riva del Garda is transformed into a small gastronomic village with its Christmas markets.
The Christmas Village 'Di Gusto in Gusto' is located in Piazza Battisti, near Santa's House: a delightful layout punctuated by lots of little houses for an exciting way to discover the best of the exquisite zero km food made in Trentino.
Here, between wine tastings and samplings of the flavours of the region, we discover the taste of this extraordinarily fertile land.
For all the latest info click here.
CANALE DI TENNO AND THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
An authentic medieval village a stone's throw from the lake of the same name that is worth a visit in every season of the year. Stone houses, balconies overlooking the silent alleys, barrel vaults and geraniums that color windows and balconies have attracted artists from all over Europe since the Second World War, inspired by its views and the surrounding landscape that allows you to a wonderful view of Lake Garda . Today the town is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy , thanks also to the numerous events that enhance its beauty, art and food and wine products.
THE TENNO CHRISTMAS MARKETS
In the cold months the Christmas markets in Canale di Tenno warm the hearts of visitors.
During the Christmas period, the narrow streets are filled with illuminated stalls for the Christmas markets which give the ancient medieval village a fairytale touch.
The village of Rango and the Christmas markets
Rango is a delightful hamlet that rises on the heights of Bleggio Superiore, dominating the entire surrounding area located behind Lake Garda and at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites from above. The village feels like a small treasure chest of peace and tranquillity, carved into the rock, where time seems to stand still. The village boasts a long history that can be glimpsed in the walls of its ancient dwellings, colonnades, doorways, and courtyards, which still look perfectly preserved, as if frozen in a time that stopped long ago.
THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN RANGO
Rango in Bleggio, one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES IN ITALY, hosts one of the most atmospheric markets in Trentino Alto Adige. There are no prefabricated wooden huts here, but instead a hamlet that opens the doors of its peasant houses, telling its story. In the period from mid-November to the end of December, Rango hosts, in over 80 stone vòlt (meaning ‘wrapped’) or cellars, located in its porticos, hallways, and old dwellings, the wonders of its local handicrafts, typical products and many food and wine specialities of the Trentino territory. Here, you truly feel as if you are breathing in the magic air of Christmas in days gone by.
The Christmas markets in Arco
From mid-November to Epiphany in Arco visitors can breathe the magic of the Habsburg atmosphere among the wooden huts of the Christmas Markets.
To those who wish to immerse themselves in the Christmas atmosphere, stroll among the stalls and alleys of the historic centre, and taste the traditional flavours, we suggest visiting Arco in the weeks leading up to and following Christmas. Magic shows, colourful lights, concerts, nativity scenes and creative workshops light up the eyes of the young and the young at heart alike.
Visit the website for the dates and all the info.
In about 40 minutes by car you can also reach the Christmas markets in Trento!
Visiting the villages of Lake Garda
The villages of Lake Garda are beautiful in every season, but in winter you have the opportunity to see them less crowded and let yourself be lulled by the peace that reigns there and the slow pace of life around the lake. Our favourite village is undoubtedly Riva del Garda, where we love strolling through the centre, allowing ourselves to be charmed by the characteristic village streets and then going as far as the harbour to treat ourselves to an aperitif with the best view: behind us the mountains and before us the infinity of the lake. But there are many other picturesque villages to visit just a few kilometres away too, such as Torbole, Malcesine and Limone, each with its own characteristics and history waiting to be discovered.
Vite di Luce - Santa Massenza
In the small village of Santa Massenza, in the municipality of Vallelaghi, on weekends in December the LIVES OF LIGHT event awaits you, an opportunity to learn about the ancient art of distillery and to taste Trentino grappa. Distilleries to visit, Christmas craft markets, children's games: these are the ingredients of Christmas in Santa Massenza.
THE NIGHT OF THE BURNING ALEMBICS
The small village of Santa Massenza is considered the cradle of artisanal grappa, where the art of distilling is a centuries-old tradition. Right here, during some weekends of the month of December, the event 'The Night of the Burning Alembics' is held, a travelling theatre show dedicated to the art of artisanal distillation of grappa Trentino. A fascinating story to listen to and experience at dusk, moving from distillery to distillery accompanied by the scents and moods of this amazing tradition.
Click here for all the info.
Food and wine
The food and wine culture of this part of the territory reserves many specialities. Carne salada, strangolapreti, bigoi and canederli in broth are just a few examples of what the traditional cuisine of Garda Trentino can offer. Our territory is the source of many ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, fine wines from local wineries, fish from the lake and local fish farms.
From September to December, Garda Trentino hosts a continuous succession of themed food and wine events.
For all the latest info click here.
Skiing on Lake Garda Trentino
Skiing on Monte Baldo
Diehard skiing enthusiasts will find 10 km of perfectly prepared slopes at the Monte Baldo - Garda ski area.
The slopes of Polsa and Brentonico
The ski area of San Valentino – Polsa, with 24 km of slopes, is also on the Monte Baldo chain, on the Brentonico plateau.
Skiing on Monte Bondone
The Monte Bondone ski area awaits you with unspoilt landscapes, beautiful slopes and fun for adults and children. A ski area spanning over 70 hectares, with 20 kilometres of very wide slopes and descents suitable for all levels of difficulty. A snowpark is available and night skiing is also possible. https://www.skimontebondone.it/
GARDA TRENTINO BY BIKE, ALSO IN WINTER
Garda Trentino allows cycling enthusiasts who refuse to dismount even in winter the opportunity to enjoy a few tours thanks to its mild climate all year round. Many routes of varying levels and difficulty can also be tackled more comfortably on an e-bike.
