Festival
Festival
Christmas tree decorating with children from the kindergarten and elementary school, at Piazza Biolchi.
Events on Lake Garda
Christmas markets on Lake Garda
From mid-November, Lake Garda lights up for Christmas: the big lakefront market in Bardolino, the fortified old towns of Peschiera and Lazise, the historic centre of Riva del Garda at the foot of the mountains. Here are the ones that come back every year, with confirmed dates where available.
Confirmed dates this year
The markets, town by town
Bardolino Christmas market
One of the biggest and busiest on the lake, along the lakefront and through the old town, with wooden chalets, lights and an ice rink. Open daily for most of the period.
When: mid-November to early January
Peschiera del Garda Christmas Village
Peschiera's fortified old town, a UNESCO site, fills with market stalls, lights and children's activities on weekends and holidays.
When: weekends from late November through December
Lazise Christmas market
A market between the medieval gate, the Scaliger walls and the little harbour, with crafts and food stalls. Quieter than Bardolino, a few minutes away.
When: Advent weekends
Garda Christmas market
Chalets along the Garda lakefront, with views of the lake and the Rocca. Often paired with concerts and choirs in the old town.
When: December weekends
Salò Christmas market
The longest promenade on Lake Garda, with a market, lights and the cathedral facade as a backdrop. The main Christmas offering on the Brescia shore.
When: December, busiest on weekends
Riva del Garda Christmas market
In Riva's old town and by the harbour, with chalets, Trentino specialities and the backdrop of the snowy mountains. Part of the Trentino Christmas Markets circuit.
When: mid-November to early January
Arco Christmas markets
In the centre of Arco, at the foot of the castle, with a particular focus on crafts and local produce. About ten minutes from Riva and Torbole.
When: weekends from late November to early January
Christmas in Canale di Tenno
One of the best-preserved medieval hamlets in Trentino, above Riva del Garda, which on Advent weekends hosts a market among its stone houses and covered lanes.
When: Advent weekends
Common questions
Which is the biggest Christmas market on Lake Garda?
Bardolino, on the Verona shore: it runs the length of the lakefront and through the old town, and is open almost every day from mid-November to early January.
When do the Christmas markets on Lake Garda open?
The largest ones (Bardolino, Riva del Garda) open as early as mid-November; many others run only on Advent weekends, so from late November to Christmas.
Are there Christmas markets on Lake Garda reachable without a car?
Yes: Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano have train stations, and from there the winter Navigazione Laghi boats connect Bardolino, Garda and the other lakeside towns.