What will the Advent markets be like in Trento? Program and important information in one place 

Are you planning to visit Verona during the Advent season?

If so, we highly recommend stopping by the city renowned for its historical significance.

The Christmas markets in Trento (also known as Trent) are among the most beautiful in Italy.

Let’s explore what awaits you there.

Christmas Markets in Trento

From mid-November onwards, the streets of Trento are decorated with festive lights, and picturesque wooden huts are placed in two places of the old town (Piazza Fiera and Piazza Mostra). It’s time for the Christmas market of Trento, which charms with its local products.

Trento will host the well-known Christmas Market in the charming Piazza Fiera. Each year, around 500,000 visitors come to admire the 90 stalls showcasing various gift items and delicious food.

The palaces will be beautifully illuminated, and special lights will adorn Monte Bondone in Vason.

A giant Christmas tree will light up Piazza Duomo, and families with children should not miss the attractions in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore.

Christmas markets in the City Center

Exhibitors at Trento’s Christmas Market come from Trentino, South Tyrol, and various regions of Northern Italy, highlighting the market’s growing significance.

Here, you’ll discover an array of handcrafted items, including Christmas decorations, candles, nativity scenes, and pressed flower artwork. Gift packaging services are also available, along with 16 stands featuring Market Flavors, a natural gourmet paradise.

Savor sweet and savory specialties from Trentino and Alto Adige, such as Torttel de patate, cevap from Valle dei Mocheni, and Knödeln (dumplings).

These tasty treats are best enjoyed with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or Parampampoli.

When and where will it all take place?

The Event Program

This year, the Christmas markets in Trento will be held mainly in Piazza Fiera and Piazza Mostra. However, other attractions can also be found in other places in the city center. The Christmas Market offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

Piazza Fiera and Piazza Monstra Christmas Market

Here are some highlights you can experience at the market:

• Crafts and Gifts: The market is filled with booths showcasing handmade goods, including Christmas decorations, jewelry, and crafts. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts for your loved ones or to treat yourself to one-of-a-kind treasures.
• Culinary Delights: The aroma of freshly prepared food and mulled wine fills the air. As you stroll through the market, be sure to sample local specialties and traditional Italian treats. Vin Brulé, a hot spiced mulled wine, is a must-try!
• Entertainment: The Trento Christmas Market features a diverse entertainment program, including live music, theatrical performances, and street entertainers that delight visitors. There are also special performances designed for children to charm the youngest attendees.
• Christmas Decorations: If you’re looking to adorn your home for the festive season, the market offers a variety of decorations. You’ll find plenty of options to create a joyful atmosphere, from handmade Christmas ornaments to festive fairy lights.
• Skating Rink: For those who want to stay active, there is a skating rink where you can lace up your skates and enjoy some laps. This ice rink serves as a popular gathering spot for families and friends.
• Festive Atmosphere: The market is illuminated with twinkling lights, creating a magical ambiance for all visitors.
• Sustainability: The Trento Christmas Market prioritizes sustainability and environmental protection. Many exhibitors are local artisans who offer traditional products made with eco-friendly materials, helping to preserve the region’s rich traditions while focusing on a sustainable future.

Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market

The market in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore is a bit different as it only runs for three days, not the usual month or more. Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas market is also unique because it consists of only handcrafted items. The over 200 exhibitors offer only handmade or hand-grown items. 

There will be a House of Babbo Natale, the Italian Santa Claus, with a magical sleigh and elves to entertain the smallest visitors. Last but not least, a Christmas train will take young and old visitors along a route through the streets of the historic center.

Interesting places in Trento

Trento is an Italian municipality with over 115 thousand inhabitants, the main town in the Trentino province. Situated in the Valley of the River Adige, the town is a crossroads among the valleys stretching from the Brenner Pass to the Dolomites, from Lake Garda to Verona and Venice.

According to the Latin tradition, the place name Trento originates from Tridentum (given by the Romans) because of the three hills (Mount Verruca or Doss Trent, Dosso Sant’Agata, and Dosso of San Rocco) that encircle the town.

Piazza del Duomo

This square is a mandatory starting point for a visit to Trento. Not only because it is its main center, but also because the most important city roads converge here. The square is dominated by the Cathedral of St. Vigil, but there are also other impressive buildings such as Palazzo Cazuffi, Palazzo Rella, Palazzo Pretorio, and Torre Civica. In the middle of the square, you will find Neptune’s Fountain.

Cathedral of St. Vigil

Trento Cathedral is the largest church in the city. It is named after Saint Vigilius, who was the third Bishop of Trento and is buried in the cathedral. The cathedral was built on the foundations of an early Christian basilica, the remains of which can still be seen in the church’s crypt. The building is an impressive mix of different architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic to Baroque, each reflecting a particular historical stage of the cathedral. The cathedral is world-famous as the place where the so-called Council of Trent was held between 1545 and 1563.

Buonconsiglio Castle

The castle is composed of a series of buildings from different eras, enclosed by a circle of walls and slightly elevated above the town. It has three main points: the Castelvecchio, the Magno Palazzo, and the Giunta Albertina.

This set of buildings is located slightly above the city and is a real museum center. It houses a rich collection of paintings, artifacts, sculptures, and everything else that tells about the art and culture of Trent from 11,000 BC to 1800 A.D.

The highlights include the Mastio di Castelvecchio, an impressive cylindrical tower, the Loggia Veneziana, from which you can admire the city’s panorama, and the Torre Aquila, whose interior walls are entirely decorated with frescoes depicting the changing of the seasons and months.

While visiting the Christmas Markets in Trento, here are some additional tips for you:

A city tour of Trento provides an in-depth exploration of its fascinating history and diverse culture. This city is worth visiting year-round, especially for its stunning Renaissance architecture and picturesque mountain views.

Consider joining a walking tour led by a local expert to discover Trento’s notable highlights.

Alternatively, a food tour or dining experience can immerse you in Trentino’s culture through its unique flavors. These tours are becoming increasingly popular and are definitely worth considering during your stay.