Canale di Tenno Christmas Market

A Christmas market in one of Trentino's most beautiful villages

The Canale di Tenno Christmas Market is among the most beloved and photogenic holiday events in western Trentino. It takes place in the small medieval village of Canale di Tenno, a hamlet in the municipality of Tenno (Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige), perched between Lake Garda and the Fiavè plateau and recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Here, you won't find the usual rows of wooden stalls in a square: the market winds through cobblestone alleys, stone houses, courtyards, and ancient cellars, which are transformed into workshops and exhibition spaces for the occasion.

Craftsmanship and flavors of Trentino

The heart of the market is handmade craftsmanship: wooden objects, ceramics, textiles, Christmas decorations, and artworks offered directly by the artisans. There is no shortage of traditional gastronomy, with the scents of mulled wine, Christmas cookies, pine bud honey, and classic Trentino dishes such as carne salada e fasoi, a recipe dating back to the 16th century. Strolling through the festively decorated alleys, you can breathe in the intimate and authentic atmosphere of a true mountain village.

Shepherds' Procession and Living Nativity

Beyond the market, the village hosts two deeply felt traditional events: the Shepherds' Procession on December 24th, which accompanies the Holy Family to Midnight Mass, and the Living Nativity on December 26th, featuring actors, animals, and demonstrations of ancient crafts. Weekends are enlivened by choirs and musical ensembles, including the Coro Lago di Tenno and brass bands playing Christmas melodies, while the event concludes on January 6th with the Befana Festival.

A community-driven event

The market is organized by the Comitato Ville del Monte in collaboration with local associations, and it is a project focused on sustainability: biodegradable tableware, LED lighting, and a shuttle service from parking areas to reduce environmental impact. Admission is free, and even on days when the market is closed, it is still possible to walk through the illuminated and decorated village until Epiphany.