Until the beginning of January there are numerous Christmas markets in ancient villages scattered throughout the Garda Trentino area where, together with the whole family, you can breathe in the magic of the festive season, discover delicacies of all kinds as well as local handicrafts.
Markets in two of Italy’s most beautiful towns
Unique of their kind are the markets of Canale di Tenno and Rango, which are among Italy’s most beautiful towns and worth visiting at any time of the year, but truly suggestive during the Christmas period. In the picturesque setting of Canale di Tenno visitors are welcomed by an atmosphere suspended in time. This medieval village - perched on the slopes overlooking Lake Garda, at an altitude of 600 metres - hosts a market every weekend during Advent with stalls packed with tasty and genuine local products and handicrafts. Then, on 26 December, there is the traditional living nativity scene with a re-enactment of ancient crafts in the town’s old houses.
APT Garda Dolomiti SPA - Riva del Garda
Local foodstuffs and ancient rituals
The market in Rango recounts the past in an authentic and exciting way, with agricultural tools, wooden toys and peasant specialties that delight young and old alike. Here, every weekend up to 30 December, craftsmen, farmers and local associations show off their products in local huts that once sheltered cows and goats. The portechs are covered passageways that offered shelter to wayfarers, the vòlt, cellars in which cured meats and other products were stored, and the salesà alleys are rustic backdrops of irregular stones. 
Christmas in Rovereto Garda Trentino - Ph Credits: Michele Purin
Performances, classical music concerts, cribs and creative workshops
Until 8 January the rocky walls of Arco are also the backdrop to a splendid Christmas market with typical stalls and small wooden houses in the church and the two squares. Visitors will delight in the many traditional Garda Trentino foods and wines, from polenta with goulash to strauben accompanied by cranberry jam with a dusting of icing sugar. There are also street shows, classical music concerts, cribs and creative workshops.
APT Garda Dolomiti SPA - Riva del Garda
Santa Masseza’s three weekends of fun for all ages
Finally a visit to the village of Santa Massenza is a must, to discover the true spirit of Christmas. The Vite di Luce market features crafts, culture and genuine local gastronomic delights while all kinds of events are planned from games to entertainment, music and shows.
Ph credits: Tommaso Prugnola 
