Christmas at Avio Castle

A Christmas market inside a medieval castle

Christmas at Avio Castle is one of the most enchanting Advent experiences in Trentino: the only Christmas market in the region hosted within the walls of a genuine medieval castle. The event takes place at Avio Castle, in the village of Sabbionara, within the municipality of Avio, at the southern tip of the province of Trento and the Trentino-Alto Adige region, just a stone's throw from the Veronese border and the Vallagarina valley.

The fortress is a FAI (National Trust of Italy) property, which has managed and preserved it since it was donated by the Castelbarco family in 1977. First mentioned in a document from 1053, the castle features highly valuable frescoed halls that provide a unique backdrop for the market days.

A journey through halls and courtyards

During opening hours, exhibitors bring the complex's most characteristic spaces to life: the Baronial Palace, the outer courtyard beneath the great Keep, and the Countess's Garden. Among the wooden stalls and stands, you will find the region's finest products: honey, jams, wines, cured meats, and gastronomic specialties, alongside the creations of local artisans from Vallagarina and the surrounding areas.

Guided tours, music, and activities

The market is intertwined with the discovery of the castle. Guided tours of the frescoed rooms are scheduled at fixed times throughout the day, accompanied by live music performances that create a warm Christmas atmosphere. On weekends, the program expands to include choral concerts, small roving musical acts, and workshops for children, making the event perfect for the whole family.

• Free entry to the market
• Paid self-guided tours of the frescoed areas
• Fixed-time guided tours of the fortress
• Shuttle service from the center of Sabbionara to the castle
• Activities and workshops dedicated to children

A growing success

In recent years, the market has become a staple of Christmas tours: visitors arrive not only from Trentino but also from Veneto, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Central-Southern Italy, often in organized coach groups. The medieval setting, the intimate atmosphere of the halls, and the quality of the products offered have solidified Christmas at Avio Castle as one of the most beloved Advent events in the Vallagarina and the entire Trentino-Alto Adige region.