When the first lights illuminate the squares, Christmas melodies accompany strolls, and the air carries the scents of mulled wine and freshly baked sweets, Trentino transforms into a grand Festive Village: from November 20, 2026 to January 6, 2027, Trento wears the cloak of the Christmas City, with the historic Market that, for more than thirty years, has been one of the winter season’s most anticipated events.
There are 75 wooden stalls that enliven Piazza Fiera, along the ancient medieval walls, and Piazza Mostra, at the foot of Buonconsiglio Castle and next to the Magic Garden of San Marco, a route through traditional crafts, Christmas decorations and gastronomic specialties, where to discover local productions and find gift ideas tied to tradition.
Markets between historic villages and evocative locations
What makes the territory’s markets truly special are the settings that host them: in Alpe Cimbra, the Christmas Market of Lavarone (November 28, 2026 – January 6, 2027) comes to life among the ancient courtyards, inner courtyards and stone porticoes of the village of Bertoldi Veci. On the Vigolana Plateau, in Bosentino, the Artisan Market puts Trentino’s creativity at the center: handmade crafts, decorations and original objects, the product of work in wood, fabrics and natural materials.
In Valsugana, Christmas in Pergine (November 14 – December 27, 2026) animates the historic center with wooden stalls, crafts, foodery and more than 30 shows and concerts, including gospel, jazz, street artists and animations. In Levico Terme, from November 21, the evocative Imperial Park welcomes over 50 stalls among ancient trees that light up in the evening.
Nativity scenes, processions and ancient traditions: Christmas to be experienced
A few kilometers from Trento, Miola di Piné becomes the Paes dei Presepi, a village transformed into an open-air museum, where dozens of depictions of the Nativity find space in the arches, on small windows and beneath the old porticoes.
In Valsugana, the Fort of Tenna hosts Christmas on December 5-6 and 12-13, 2026, with setups inspired by the Christmas experienced by soldiers during the Great War. In Levico Terme, the Habsburg Court returns, with performers in period costumes and dances along the town’s streets, and the Strozegada of Santa Lucia, on December 12: big and small people drag jars and cans tied to iron wires, announcing the arrival of Santa. January 6 will be the day of the Befana.
Krampus will also be present, creatures with carved masks, large horns and bells, taking the stage in spectacular parades: December 7 in Levico, December 6 in Folgaria, December 13 in Bosentino and December 19 in Lavarone.
Lights, poetry and fun for the whole family
In Trento, the roster of events guides visitors through luminous installations, animated squares and iconic places: from the grand tree in Piazza del Duomo to the performances at the Magic Garden of San Marco, passing by the Story Square in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore and the skating rink in Piazza Battisti.
Among the more original proposals stands Passeggiata d’Autore, a poetic itinerary weaving through shop windows, bars and participating restaurants, which display unpublished aphorisms dedicated to kindness, love and humanity: you’ll be able to collect little notes, discover special words in the venues and leave your thoughts in the dedicated Corner of Thoughts.
For children, Piazza Dante becomes the Piazza of the Children, with an enchanted village and a Ferris wheel, while the garden of the Buonconsiglio Castle becomes a luminous Garden of Christmas. In Pergine there will be workshops, games and meetings with Santa; in Levico, the Santa’s Throne and the Elves’ Village welcome young visitors.
Also not to be missed is the Winter Edition of the Train of Castles, departing from Trento-Malé station, for a journey through history, art and landscapes with a special stop at Ossana, the Borgo dei 1000 Presepi.
Flavors of the region and a more sustainable Christmas
In Levico Terme the Paths of Taste celebrate local excellence with events focused on the Formai de Malga on December 19 and the Honey Festival on December 20, 2026. In Pergine the Piazzetta dei Gusti e dei Sapori offers show cooking and traditional specialties, while in Lavarone alpine cheeses, cold-smoked meats, honey and sweets showcase farms and zero-kilometer productions.
Finally, Trentino’s Christmas also places a strong emphasis on the environment: in Trento there are concrete initiatives to reduce the impact of events, such as separate collection, recycling of cigarette butts, washable and compostable tableware, fountains to refill bottles, low-energy lighting, and energy from renewable sources.
A commitment to sustainability that is also evident in the Adotta una Mucca project, promoted by APT Valsugana Lagorai: a symbolic adoption meant to support farmers, enhance the alpine huts and contribute to charitable initiatives. During the summer it will be possible to meet your cow, visit the malga, and pick up traditional cheeses.
