Top 50 experiences for your Christmas holiday

This year our Christmas calendar is filled with 50 exciting experiences. Events you absolutely cannot miss if you are looking to live the authentic magic of Christmas. From charming and picturesque nativity scenes, to original folk traditions; from guided food & wine tours in the local cellars to unique and inspiring cultural events. A truly sensational calendar of unmissable events, only a click away. We have picked for you the most original events so you won’t miss out!

I presepi - Nativity scenes

Think Christmas in Trentino, think Presepi. Start from El paès dei presepi, on Altopiano di Pinè, where you can admire amazing nativity sets, carving treasures nestled in every village corner, on a journey to discover local traditions, folk music and unique flavours. Moving to Val di Fiemme, you will be amazed by the quaint handcrafted presepi, like those in Presepi nel bosco de Zanolin, near Varena which transforms into a little Bethlehem during the Christmas period. In Val di Sole, wander through Ossana, il borgo dei 100 presepi and discover the long-lasting tradition of presepi.

In Val di Rabbi you will find La Valle Dei Presepi», where you can embark on an enchanting journey through artisan wood carvings and traditional local crafts. Only a short stroll away, there’s Arco, with its emblematic castle and, nearby, Stranfora, a small mediaeval village. You will find one of the most fascinating nativity scene in Faedo, featuring life-size statues. Be inspired also by Presepi della Val Rendena, where you will be greeted by a warm festive ambience. Incredibly mesmerising are presepi viventi, living nativities: you will find Presepe Vivente a Levico and in Val del Chiese presepe Vivente Di Bondone . Also, we recommend to pay a visit to il presepe vivente in the famous village of Canale di Tenno.

Traditions & Folklore

Traditions and folklore reach their best at Christmas. You cannot miss the “terrifying” parade of the evil Krampus a Pozza di Fassa and in Levico, performing their wicked and beastly dancing acts in the squares and along the streets. Popular amongst the little ones - but adults too - is La Strozegada di Santa Lucia, in Levico , where you can enjoy traditional carols performed by Cori di montagna, the local choirs.

El nos Nadal, in Vallagarina, will transport you back in time to discover the old-fashioned way of life of its people. If you are looking for superbly crafted trinkets & treasures, you will find them at l'angolo artigianale natalizio di Imèr, in Primiero. Christmas in Santa Massenza is rich of traditional flair. This picturesque village hosts Vite di luce: colourful Christmas stalls offering local artisan products, superb distilleries and plenty of entertainment for everyone.

A Chistmas Fairytale

Did you know that Father Christmas is coming to Trentino for a holiday? We are not joking, you can meet him in the flesh at Casa di Babbo Natale a Riva del Garda. Also in Riva del Garda, you can participate to the numerous events of Natale di Fiaba, while enjoying a wonderful atmosphere of enchanting lights, live music, shows and delicious tastings. In the same area, prepared to be amazed by the fireworks show lighting up Arco Castle. This year, you can meet Father Christmas also at Palazzo Martini, in Mezzocorona. Catch Babbo Natale e la pozione delle 13 erbe at the theatre in Pergine Valsugana, while the magic of Christmas continues in Borgo Valsugana. You can enjoy moment of serenity with your family at Carisolo, in Val Rendena, exploring the magical Villaggio Delle Meraviglie.

Celebrating Taste

At Christmas we toast to traditions with several wine & gastronomy events. Cantine Aperte a Natale is certainly an event to pencil in your calendar, together with Notte degli alambicchi accesi, in the charming village of Santa Massenza, a tribute to the locally distilled spirt grappa trentina.

If you are up for a tasting of local specialities, treat your taste buds at Di Gusto in Gusto in Riva del Garda. By far the most prominent event on the festive programme, Trentodoc Bollicine sulla città is a festival dedicated to the famous sparkling wine held in Palazzo Roccabruna in Trento. Also in Trento, Happy Trentodoc: a lively rendezvous dedicated to the popular aperitivo and the local traditional cuisine. Enthusiasts of craft beers will find Degustibus , in Valsugana, a rewarding experience. Finally, don’t miss the Food & Wine trail in Canal San Bovo with Intorno par i Colmei de Ronc.

Cultural Fix

At Christmas, there’s no break from culture. In Trentino museums and castles open their doors to visitors. By the way, have you ever been in a museum after hours? Just like in the film, adults can experience a Night at the museum at the Muse. Also at the Muse, you may find Father Christmas wandering around the exhibitions while attempting funny science experiments. At Palazzo delle Albere in Trento, photography and the stars of the photo-romance novels take centre stage in Sul Set.

The magic of Christmas is truly at its best at Castello di Avio , where you can adventure yourself through the secret chambers and the splendid gardens. At the Mart museum in Rovereto, the focus in on 20th Century Art with Realismo Magico and the Jacopo Mazzonelli exhibition.

After browsing through the Christmas markets in Trento, discover the marvel concealed under the city square, the unearthed city of Tridentum Romana. Finally, from the underground to the sky, go stargazing with Una domenica con il sole, at the observatory on mount Zugna.

Stand Out From The Crowds

But that’s not all. When you spend Christmas in Trentino you are in for unique experiences and exceptional events, like Ski Opening, in Val di Fiemme, where you can celebrate the launch of the new skiing season amongst athletes and celebrities, enjoying  a drink or two and plenty of music.  

If you are a keen on your sport also at Christmas, join Garda Trentino Xmas Trail or Corsa dei Babbi Natale in Riva del Garda. Or, if you just want to soak up the atmosphere, Fiaccolata maestri di sci, in Pozza di Fassa, and sfilata della Corte Asburgica, in the centuries-old park of Levico, are just the perfect events. If you want to take home unforgettable memories, you must try Trentino ski Sunrise, to experience the unmatched feeling of waking up at dawn, having breakfast at altitude and be the first one to tackle immaculate slopes. You can also try the adventure of sleeping under the stars in Val di Fassa. Finally, Epiphany: wrap up your Christmas holiday in a very original way with arRiva la Befana Subacquea.