Christmas Festivals And Markets In Trentino’s Vallagarina

Medieval castles, baroque palaces, villages and historic cities: a Christmas in Vallagarina, the southern gate of Trentino, is the perfect way to become immersed in traditional Italian festivities. From 22nd November to 6th January 2019, the Natali della Vallagarina festival takes place in the area’s main centres of Rovereto, Ala and Avio, as well as the quaint villages of Rango, Tenno, Castellano and Lake Santa Massenza, bringing together a collection of festive markets that are each charming in their own way.

Starting from Rovereto, a journey of atmospheres, lights and flavors leads visitors to the enchanting spots and surprising winter settings of the southernmost corners of Trentino.

In Rovereto the spirit of Christmas lives though the streets, with the Great Tree of Piazza Rosmini, a fir of over 18 metres, and traditional wooden houses dotted along the streets to set the scene. The tradition that captures the crowds at the Christmas Market of Rovereto is an opportunity to rewrite the historic area, with its eighteenth-century buildings, medieval ramparts, museums and squares, which become the scenery for a rich calendar of stories told and performed. Over six weeks of scheduled events from 22nd November – 6th January, those looking for entertainment will be able to enjoy a series of live international artists and performances in Rovereto.

For lovers of Christmas traditions and cribs in particular, the districts of Nomi, Pomarolo, Villa Lagarina and Terragnolo are full of charming nativity scenes, with Christmas choirs and fairy tales creating a charming ambience in the background. In particular, in the historic village of Castellano, the notes and songs of tradition animate the streets of the village, in a kaleidoscope of ancient and never forgotten stories. ‘El nos Nadal’, meaning ‘our Christmas’ in traditional Trentino dialect, mixes flavours, stories and traditions in the courtyards and along the streets of Castellano. Taste the traditional dishes (l'orzet, the minestrom, the brobrusà, the beca de pam, all accompanied by local wines) whilst the streets become filled with Christmas projections, images, music and melodies. Without forgetting that Christmas is also for little ones, in Castellano children can play with animals in the stable or be fascinated by theatrical performances and legendary stories. This market takes place across 7th – 8th and 14th – 15th December.

The "Christmas in the Baroque palaces" festival in Ala, the City of Velvet, takes place in the salons and in the entrance halls of one of the most beautiful historic centers of Trentino. In the five weekends preceding Christmas, artisans and artists present their original creations: fabrics, silks, design objects, special and creative Christmas decorations, all adorned with hand-painted and hand-carved designs. The rich, artistic atmosphere in Ala is paired with lights, songs and images, unusual as well as elegantly baroque. Ala, with its alternative Christmas market that blends history, beauty, art and tradition, will transport visitors to Christmases of centuries ago.

"Natale al Castello" in Avio, on the other hand, is the only opportunity to visit the stunning Castle in winter on 30th November – 1st December, 7th – 8th December and 14th – 15th December. Lit by the fire and warmed by food and wine, the castle becomes a majestic setting for a Christmas celebration. Accompanied by the rhythm of words and music, visitors can lose themselves in the enchantment of Castellum Ava, with its hidden paths, puzzles to solve and stories to tell. Inside the castle, visitors can meet producers and merchants who carve stone, wax and wood into ornate Christmas decorations and gifts.

Rango nel Bleggio, one of the most authentic rural areas of Trentino and one of the country’s most beautiful villages, is a virtuous example of perfectly preserved Trentino rural architecture, which silently dominates the Bleggio plateau. Cellars, entrance halls, paved streets and old stone houses make up the historic core of this village. The Rango Christmas Market enables visitors to take a gastronomic journey through the area tasting local products, with a particular focus on the area’s famous walnuts. Taking place every weekend from 17th November to 29th December, with special opening days on 26th and 27th December, the market is the perfect way to enjoy the festive spirit.

Canale di Tenno, on the other hand, is a medieval village that has remained almost completely intact to this day, with elements of original 1211 structures. The town still preserves the original layout with two main streets that meet in the small square, and with intricate cobblestone lanes and stone arches that complete the picture of the past. Among the stone houses sheltered by the side of the mountain, the Christmas Market with its traditional stalls located in the cellars gives visitors the opportunity to taste the flavors of this corner of Trentino, especially the "carne salada e fasoi", a typical dish dating back to the 1500s. Canale di Tenno takes place each weekend from 23rd November – 15th December.