Lake Garda in Winter: trips, events and a magical atmosphere between water and mountains
The Lake Garda in winter reveals an authentic charm, taking a break from mass tourism to immerse itself in a more intimate atmosphere. Its tranquil shores, picturesque villages and snow-capped mountains framing it make it a perfect destination even in the cold season.
But what to do on Lake Garda in winter? The possibilities are many: from lakeside walks to mountain excursions, from thermal spas to cultural visits, up to the Christmas events that enliven the most evocative villages.
What to see on Lake Garda in winter
Nature lovers can take advantage of the crisp air to explore the panoramic trails of Monte Baldo, perhaps with snowshoes or simply walking among woods and breathtaking views. From the Malcesine cable car, in just a few minutes one can rise above 1,700 metres, where one can ski, snowboard or simply enjoy a lunch in a refuge in front of a snowy landscape.
On the shores of the lake, instead, winter is the ideal time to calmly visit the most famous locations such as Sirmione, with its thermal baths and the Scaligero Castle that mirrors itself in the lake waters. Sirmione in winter is a refuge of wellness and quiet: the vapors of the thermal waters create an almost fairytale atmosphere, perfect for those seeking relaxation and romance.
The towns of Desenzano del Garda, Bardolino and Lazise offer Christmas markets, skating rinks and walks amid festive lights, and a walk along the walls of Peschiera del Garda is a delightful experience even in winter.
In Riva del Garda, on the Trentino side, one can combine sport and culture by visiting the MAG (Museo Alto Garda) and then continuing toward Monte Brione or Lake Tenno, which in winter gives even more intense turquoise tones.
Canale di Tenno and its magical Christmas market
Among the most enchanting villages to visit on Lake Garda in winter is undoubtedly Canale di Tenno, a small medieval gem nestled among the Trentino mountains, just minutes from Riva del Garda. Its stone houses, narrow alleys and wooden arcades seem to come from another era, and during Advent the village transforms into a true living nativity scene.
The Christmas market of Canale di Tenno is one of the most suggestive in Lake Garda and all of Italy: among courtyards, cellars and little squares lit by lanterns, local artisans display typical products, wooden objects, ceramics, homemade sweets and steaming mulled wine. Beyond shopping, it is worth visiting the “Giacomo Vittone” House of Artists, dedicated to the painters who have captured the village. Canale di Tenno is an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic and romantic experience, where Christmas is still lived with the slow rhythm of traditions.
Between water and mountains: winter trips and excursions on Lake Garda
Winter on Lake Garda is also perfect for those who love discovering the many hinterland villages. Not to be missed is a trip to Tremosine, with its “Balcony of Fear” (Terrazza del Brivido) suspended over the lake, or to Limone sul Garda, which retains its charm among lemon groves and ancient alleys. Trekking and photography enthusiasts can climb toward Monte Pizzocolo or the panoramas of the Alto Garda Bresciano Park, where clear days offer spectacular views.
For those traveling autonomously, Lake Garda by camper in winter is an ideal choice: many campsites and parking areas remain open and allow you to enjoy nature freely, perhaps stopping close to the thermal baths or quieter villages.
Salò and surroundings: elegance and tranquillity by the lake
Among the most fascinating destinations of Garda in winter is Salò, an elegant and lively city even in the cold months. Its lakeside promenade is one of the most beautiful in the basin and invites relaxing walks on Lake Garda in winter, among palms and historic cafés. In the historic centre one can visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata and the MuSa, the Salò Museum, which hosts art exhibitions and local history routes.
In the surroundings, it is worth climbing up to the Church of San Bartolomeo or pushing toward Gardone Riviera, home of the famous Vittoriale degli Italiani, Gabriele D’Annunzio’s residence-museum, which in winter can be visited without crowds.
Even a trip to the Sanctuary of Montecastello, above Tignale, offers breathtaking panoramas and an atmosphere of peace.
Where to eat on Lake Garda in winter
Winter is also the right moment to discover local flavours. In restaurants and agritourisms one can taste typical lake and mountain dishes, such as perch, traditional polenta with lake fish or carne salada, the cheese of Tremosine or the tortellini of Valeggio.
In Bardolino and Lazise, these delicacies can be accompanied by a glass of local wine, while in the Upper Garda in Trentino more rustic dishes are found such as carne salada or the polenta of Storo.
What to do on Lake Garda in winter with children
Those who wonder what to do on Lake Garda with children in winter will find several options: from walks in natural parks to visits to the castles of Sirmione, Lazise and Torri del Benaco.
Not to be missed is the Grinch House in Riva del Garda. The most grumpy Christmas character takes over the Bastion of Riva del Garda, transforming it into his headquarters which can be visited on December weekends and is open every day from December 19 to January 6.
Also on December weekends the Christmas markets offer carousels, workshops and shows for families. Moreover, some thermal structures such as those of Colà di Lazise propose spaces dedicated also to the little ones.
Winter events on Lake Garda
Christmas on the Garda is teeming with markets and events. Beyond the already mentioned market of Canale di Tenno, it is worth also visiting the Christmas Markets of Rango, another of the most beautiful villages in Italy, located half an hour by car from Riva del Garda.
On Lake Garda, nativity scenes take on original and evocative forms: in Cassone of Malcesine, the nativity scene is set up on the Aril river, the shortest in the world; the medieval village of Campo di Brenzone hosts over a hundred nativity scenes decorating alleys and courtyards, and can be visited freely from December to February; in Peschiera del Garda there is an underwater nativity scene, while Desenzano responds with its suggestive floating nativity scene created with restored mannequins.
Finally, sports enthusiasts find an unmissable appointment in the Garda Trentino Xmas Trail, a spectacular trail running race whose eighth edition will take place on December 13, 2025 between Arco, Torbole and Nago, along panoramic trails that cross woods, olive groves and lake views.
Winter on Garda is perfect to dream the next adventure!
We at Beeboatservice close in mid of November, but from spring 2026 we will return with our exclusive boat tours, to have you discover the lake from a unique perspective. Prepare to live Garda as the protagonist, between crystalline waters, golden sunsets and the light wind that smells of freedom!