Christmas Markets on Lake Garda: Magical Atmosphere and Artisan Stalls
The Christmas markets on Lake Garda are a magical opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of one of Italy’s most charming tourist destinations. Every year, the main towns surrounding the lake come alive with colorful stalls, sparkling lights, and gastronomic delights that attract visitors from all over Italy and the world.
Visiting the Christmas markets on Lake Garda means enjoying a magical experience filled with history, traditions, and authentic flavors, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape. It’s the perfect occasion to find unique Christmas gifts, taste local products, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that blends the warmth of the holidays with the charm of the lake even in winter.
Here are some of the most iconic and famous Christmas markets on Lake Garda:
Christmas Markets in Salò
Salò, with its charming lakeside promenade, hosts Christmas markets that wind through the historic streets and small squares. The colorful lights and decorated trees create an enchanting atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll. Here you can taste local specialties such as artisan nougat and find unique items like wool scarves and hand-painted ceramics.
The Christmas markets in Salò are part of the event Natale d'Incanto, which runs from November 23, 2025 to Epiphany 2026, and also includes an ice-skating rink located near Piazza Vittoria, along with a carousel for children.
Christmas Market in Gargnano
Immerse yourself in the magic of the ancient lemon houses of Lake Garda with the Christmas market in Gargnano, hosted in the historic Cloister of San Francesco. In an atmosphere rich with tradition, you can discover local artisan products and food and wine specialties, including cheeses, wines, honey, and cured meats from the area.
The Christmas activities in Gargnano, known as “Le Magie del Natale,” take place from December 6, 2025 to January 6, 2026 and include guided tours of the lemon houses to explore their architecture and ancient citrus-growing techniques.
In this area, the celebration of Saint Lucy on December 13 is also very important. This festivity has its origins in rural traditions and is particularly cherished in the province of Brescia.
Christmas Markets in Desenzano del Garda
In Desenzano del Garda, the Christmas market comes to life in the heart of the town, between Piazza Malvezzi and the lakeside promenade. Strolling among the stalls means immersing yourself in the aromas of spices, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine, while local artisans offer handmade creations.
The town also organizes shows and entertainment for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
Christmas Market in Peschiera del Garda
Peschiera del Garda offers a cozy and charming Christmas market in Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia, the "Christmas Village," from late November until January 6, 2026, featuring an ice rink, a little train, and activities for children. Here you can find handmade decorations, crafts, and local specialties. Visitors can enjoy traditional treats such as artisan panettone and mulled wine while admiring the festive lakeside scenery.
Christmas Market in Bardolino
In Bardolino, the lakeside promenade transforms into a Christmas village with wooden huts and a wide selection of local food and wine specialties. Here you can purchase traditional products such as wine, olive oil, and cheese. Bardolino also sets up a large ice-skating rink and various entertainment events, making the experience enjoyable for the whole family.
The Christmas markets in Bardolino are open on weekends from November 22 to December 14, 2025, and then daily from December 19, 2025 to January 6, 2026. In Parco Carrara Bottagisio, visitors will find the large skating rink, open every day, along with the Ferris Wheel and the Christmas Train, while the underwater nativity scene is set up from December 6.
Christmas Markets in Lazise
The Christmas market in Lazise is one of the most famous and largest on Lake Garda thanks to its more than 100 exhibitors and the beautiful setting of the historic village center, between Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and the Marconi lakeside promenade.
The stalls offer handcrafted items, Christmas decorations, and a wide selection of food and drinks such as roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. Additionally, the little church of San Nicolò hosts a beautiful artistic nativity scene. The Lazise markets are open from November 23, 2025 to January 6, 2026.
Christmas Market in Malcesine
Malcesine stands out for its fairytale atmosphere, with the Scaliger Castle overlooking the village and transforming into the “Children’s Castle” for Christmas, with workshops for kids aged 5 to 10.
The Christmas market takes place between Piazza Statuto (where the ice rink is set up) and the narrow medieval streets of the historic center. Opening dates are December 6–7–8, December 13–14, and from December 20, 2025 to January 6, 2026. This market offers unique products and a selection of winter flavors such as honey, traditional sweets, and local wines.
Christmas Markets in Riva del Garda
From November 14, 2025 to January 6, 2026, the streets of Riva del Garda come alive with lights, colors, and wooden huts featuring various initiatives such as the food event “Di Gusto in Gusto,” which showcases the best culinary specialties of Trentino’s Garda area, with stands located between Piazza Cesare Battisti and Piazza Garibaldi.
This event, entirely dedicated to Trentino flavors, offers a journey through traditional dishes, wines, and local craft beers, with a special place for Trento Doc sparkling wine presented by local wineries.
Riva del Garda is also home to the House of Santa Claus, set up inside the beautiful Rocca, where children can deliver their letters directly to Santa, dress up as elves, join artistic workshops, and enjoy delicious Christmas treats. The visit lasts about 2 hours; booking is recommended. The House of Santa Claus is open every weekend from November 29 to December 31, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Christmas Markets in Arco
Although technically not located on Lake Garda, the Christmas market in Arco is easy to reach and definitely worth a visit. This event stands out for the richness of its stalls, the quality of the handcrafted products, and the lively atmosphere with shows and concerts.
The atmosphere becomes especially magical and fairy-tale-like with Christmas lights illuminating the castle overlooking the town. The Christmas markets in Arco are open from November 14, 2025 on weekends from Friday to Sunday, and then every day (except Christmas Day) from December 19, 2025 to January 6, 2026. Usual opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Christmas Markets in Canale di Tenno
The village of Canale di Tenno is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy and hosts a spectacular Christmas market in its alleyways and medieval buildings on weekends from November 29 to January 6, offering a truly unique atmosphere.
Ancient customs and traditions are reenacted, and special events are held, such as the shepherds’ procession on December 24 and the Living Nativity Scene on December 26.
Other Christmas Markets and Events on Lake Garda
Borgo di Rango is another village on the Trentino side of Lake Garda that becomes even more magical at Christmas with its stalls and local delicacies such as the Bleggio walnut cake.
On the Veronese side, the village of Garda comes alive with its “Christmas Among the Olive Trees,” and on December 14, 2025, it also hosts participants of the Babbo Lake Run, a non-competitive 5 km race between Lazise, Garda, and Bardolino in which all runners dress as Santa Claus!
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