A journey through nativity scenes in the medieval alleys of a village overlooking Lake Idro
In the heart of the Christmas season, the village of Bondone, a small municipality in the Chiese Valley in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), welcomes visitors and families with its Nativity Scene Trail, a path that winds through the historic center and its characterful narrow streets. Bondone overlooks the waters of Lake Idro in the far southwest of Trentino, bordering Lombardy, and is officially recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Along the route, amidst narrow, winding streets, stone arches, and steep staircases, over 100 wonderful nativity scenes and handmade decorations come to life. Colorful lights guide visitors along a path that highlights the architecture of the old town and the craftsmanship of the local community. The atmosphere is that of an intimate, genuine mountain village, far from the hustle and bustle of large Christmas markets.
The Nativity Scene Trail is part of the Christmas in the Villages festival, promoted in collaboration with the Madonna di Campiglio Tourism Board, which brings life to various towns in the area during the holidays. In Bondone, the event is accompanied by street performances, such as the winter edition of Bondone in the Street, featuring artists and live music that lead visitors on a journey to discover the nativity scenes.
The magic of Christmas also illuminates the hamlet of Baitoni, on the shores of Lake Idro, a location proudly flying the Blue Flag. Here, the route is known as the Boat Trail: decorations and ornaments connect unique nativity scenes set up on boats, creating a charming and original itinerary. Baitoni also hosts street performances as part of the Baitoni in the Street evenings.
Admission to the Nativity Scene Trail is free, and the event is designed for adults, children, and families alike. The displays remain open throughout the Christmas season, from early December until mid-January, offering an ideal destination for a stroll through tradition, craftsmanship, and lakeside scenery.
From December 6, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the historic center of Bondone hosted the Nativity Scene Trail, featuring over 100 nativity scenes and artisanal decorations illuminated by colorful lights along the village streets.
The program opened with the street performances of the Christmas in the Villages festival: on December 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM, the winter edition of Bondone in the Street guided visitors to discover the nativity scenes with the Roaring Emily Jazz Band, blending swing and Christmas melodies. In the hamlet of Baitoni, on December 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM, the Boat Trail featured the traveling show "Loco-motiv" by the Gambeinspalla Teatro company, with nativity scenes set up on the boats of Lake Idro.
Bondone is located in the Chiese Valley, in the far southwest of Trentino, on the shores of Lake Idro. By car, it can be reached via the SS237 del Caffaro road. The nearest train stations are in Brescia and Trento, with onward travel by car or local public transport.
Admission is free and open to all. The nativity scene trail can be visited throughout the Christmas season in the narrow streets of Bondone's historic center and in the hamlet of Baitoni.
Municipality of Bondone, tel. +39 0465 689133, email [email protected]. Tourist information: Madonna di Campiglio Tourism Board.
Free parking is available near the village.
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Centro storico di Bondone