Christmas Markets are the perfect occasion to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas and get to know Italian winter traditions. On Lake Garda, a dynamic and highly historic territory, there are surely plenty of options to soak up the festive atmosphere, as all major towns are transformed into festive wonderlands and become the theatre of various special events.
Christmas Markets around Lake Garda: Where & When*
Arco
When? From 14 November 2025 to 6 January 2026. For opening hours and more, click here.
Being one of the most beautiful Christmas markets on the northern Lake Garda, the market in Arco is definitely worth a visit, not only for the variety of its stalls, but also for the unique atmosphere and the many activities that will entertain people of all ages.
Verona
When? Banchetti di Santa Lucia in Piazza Bra, all around the Arena di Verona: from 10 to 13 December 2025. Presepi dal mondo International Crib Exhibition in Piazza Bra: from 16 November 2025 to 18 January 2026. Christmas Market: from 21 November to 28 December 2025 (check the official website here).
As the festive season approaches, Verona comes to life with Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city centre. In Piazza Bra, you can visit the traditional Christkindlesmarkt from Nuremberg featuring handmade products and traditional food and beverages from Bavaria, such as the famous Glühwein (mulled wine), the typical cakes Lebkuchen and Stollen, as well as, of course, the inimitable bread with sausage. Furthermore, make sure you don't miss out on the ice skating rink set up in Piazza Arsenale and the International Crib Exhibition of Verona in Piazza Bra, where you'll enjoy more than 400 Christmas cribs from all over the world.
Bussolengo
When? From 8 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 at the Flover Garden Center. Christmas events and concerts in the centre of Bussolengo: from 29 November 2025 tp 6 January 2026 (check the programme here).
Christmas events and concerts are held in the central Piazza XXVI Aprile, where an ice skating rink will be waiting for you, illuminated by the lights of the big Christmas tree and the Nativity scene. Just outside the centre of Bussolengo, you can visit the Flover Christmas Village boasting animated scenographies, twinkling decorations, Santa Claus's helpers, elves and artisans presenting their creations.
Bardolino
When? From 22 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 (check the programme here).
The lovely Christmas market on the lakeshore will provide you with fantastic gift ideas to put under the tree. You can also skate on the ice rink set up for this special season, or enjoy a warm drink in the food court, where you can taste many delicacies inside an igloo.
Malcesine
When? From 6 December 2025 to 6 January 2026 (check the programme here).
In Malcesine, the traditional Christmas market comes alive with local products, crafts, and fun activities for the entire family. Moreover, the Scaliger Castle will be transformed into the Castello delle Befane, where themed areas will be set up, bringing an enchanted and surreal place to life for young and old alike. Admire beautiful Nativity scenes, wander through the stalls, and indulge in local delicacies with a cup of mulled wine.
Garda
When? From 28 November 2025 to 6 January 2026. For the full programme and updates, click here.
During this season, Christmas lights and decorations create an incredibly suggestive atmosphere in Garda historic centre and lakeshore. As part of Natale tra gli Olivi – the town’s beloved Christmas Village – charming wooden stalls offering local products set the scene for a host of events and activities for the whole family.
Lazise
When? From 22 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 (check the dates here).
At the Christmas market in the historic centre of Lazise, you can find many beautiful gift ideas such as handicrafts, food and local produce. Moreover, the little church of San Nicolò, right next to the historic centre, has an artistic Nativity scene on display.
Riva del Garda
When? The Christmas market Di Gusto in Gusto is open on selected days from 14 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 (find out more here). The House of Santa Claus from 29 November to 31 December (more info here).
In Riva del Garda, children can visit the famous house of Santa Claus, located inside the fortress, a special place where they can give him their letters, turn into elves and create drawings or other works, as well as listen to Christmas fairy tales. Riva also hosts the Christmas Village Di Gusto in Gusto, a market dedicated to the finest local culinary specialities.
Peschiera del Garda
When? Christmas Village: from 21 November 2025 to 11 January 2026 (check opening hours here). Christmas market in support of cystic fibrosis research: from 29 November to 14 December 2025 at Caserma d'artiglieria di Porta Verona (find out more here).
In Peschiera del Garda, in Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia, you can visit the characteristic Christmas Village, complete with an ice skating rink and a mini railway for the little ones. Peschiera also has an underwater Nativity scene, that, as the name itself suggests, is pretty unique thanks to its position. The scene can be enjoyed and captured from San Giovanni bridge and its tradition dates back to 1980.
Are you also interested in weekly Lake Garda markets throughout the year? Read our story!
*Please note that dates may change.
