The Christmas food and wine village on Lake Garda
On the northern shores of Lake Garda, in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region, the historic centre of Riva del Garda transforms into a grand Christmas village every winter. The 'Di Gusto in Gusto' market, organised by the Consorzio Riva in Centro with the support of the Municipality of Riva del Garda and APT Garda Dolomiti, is considered the largest and most distinctive in the upper Garda area: an itinerary that winds from square to square, between Piazza Cesare Battisti and Piazza Garibaldi, where traditional wooden chalets become showcases for the local food and wine traditions.
The common thread of the event is taste. Each chalet tells a story of Trentino: carne salada, mountain-pasture cheeses, strudel and traditional pastries, and zero-kilometre products from local producers. There is no shortage of steaming mulled wine and hot chocolate to warm up your evening strolls, while local wineries offer their wines and, above all, Trento DOC, the classic-method sparkling wine known here as the "mountain bubbles". The selection is completed by beers from small Trentino craft breweries.
The market is not just about food and wine. In the evocative Rocca overlooking the lake, Santa's House is set up, where children can deliver their letters, take part in creative workshops at the elf workshop, and listen to fairy tales. Not far away, the Grinch's House also comes to life for a touch of more irreverent fun. Artistic illuminations and light displays, along with the ice rink set up in the centre, complete the festive atmosphere that envelops the town.
Thanks to the mild climate of Lake Garda, the market accompanies residents and visitors for nearly two months, from the first days of November until Epiphany, with openings on weekends in November and almost daily in December. On New Year's Eve, the chalets stay open until late at night, turning the squares into a collective toast under the stars. It is the perfect opportunity to combine a walk along the lakefront, Christmas shopping, and the discovery of the flavours of Trentino.
The Taste Village of Riva del Garda enlivens the Garda winter from 9 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. The wooden chalets in the historic centre offer zero-kilometre Trentino specialities, from Trento DOC bubbles to traditional dishes, with openings on weekends in November and almost daily in December.
In the Rocca, Santa's House returns with the elf workshop and workshops for children; in the centre, the ice rink and artistic illuminations are back. On the evening of 31 December, the squares remain lively until late at night for the New Year's Eve toast.
By car: A22 Brennero motorway, exit Rovereto Sud/Lago di Garda Nord, then SS240 towards Riva del Garda. By train: Rovereto station on the Verona-Brennero line, then local bus to Riva del Garda. Nearest airports: Verona Villafranca and Bergamo Orio al Serio.
In the historic centre of Riva del Garda, mainly in Piazza Cesare Battisti and Piazza Garibaldi; Santa's House is hosted in the Rocca.
Access to the market is free. Some activities (ice rink, workshops) may have a fee. It is recommended to check the updated schedule and opening hours on the official website.
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Centro storico (Piazza Garibaldi e Piazza Cesare Battisti)