Events on Lake Garda
Christmas lights and nativity scenes on Lake Garda
Between December and January Lake Garda lights up. In Sirmione the Scaliger Castle and the old town glow with Christmas lights. On the lake there are nativity scenes in unusual places: on the harbour canal in Desenzano, underwater in Peschiera, floating in Malcesine, at the source of the river Aril in Cassone.
In Campo di Brenzone, "Presepi a Campo" fills the medieval village with hundreds of nativity scenes every year. Exact dates change each year: check the events calendar before you go.
Sirmione. Christmas lights on the Scaliger Castle and in the old town, also visible from the ice rink at Colombare.
Nativity scenes on the lake. On the canal in Desenzano, underwater in Peschiera, mechanical in Manerba, floating in Malcesine, at the Aril spring in Cassone.
Torbole and the north. A nativity scene on the shore, seen arriving along the western Gardesana, with the Sant'Andrea bell tower. Lights in Riva and Arco, and Santa's house in the Rocca at Riva.
Campo di Brenzone. "Presepi a Campo": hundreds of nativity scenes in the medieval village, every year.
What to see
More ideas
Common questions
When can you see lights and nativity scenes on Lake Garda?
Usually between December and January. Exact dates of each display change every year and are published by the towns and tourist boards.
Where are the most unusual nativity scenes?
On the lake: on the harbour canal in Desenzano, underwater in Peschiera del Garda, mechanical in Manerba, floating in Malcesine and at the source of the river Aril in Cassone.
Are there Christmas markets too?
Yes, in many towns, including Lazise and Garda ("Natale tra gli Olivi"). See our dedicated page on the lake's Christmas markets.
Updated Friday, September 4