On the northern shore of the Lago di Garda the region of Garda Trentino is building its winter programme for 2026 on four pillars: family attractions in Riva del Garda, Christmas markets in several locations, an overnight pass with exclusive benefits, and hiking and gravel bike routes. Participating destinations include Riva del Garda, Arco, Nago-Torbole, Tenno, Dro, Drena, the Valle di Ledro, the Valle dei Laghi, Comano and the Val di Gresta. The mild climate on the northern shores of Lake Garda, combined with the quieter period outside the summer high season, sets the scene for Advent and the New Year festivities.
Casa del Grinch returns to the Bastione
In Riva del Garda, the Casa del Grinch is returning to the Bastione in 2026, with new shows and an expanded experience area. This includes a stage with a Grinch throne and a photo corner that remains accessible outside of performance times. An interactive kitchen is open for children to play in, and the new character Mary Lou will accompany the creative workshops. Also on offer are meet-and-greet sessions with the Grinch, the digital treasure hunt "Dai una zampa a Max!" ("Help Max!"), and the interactive game Gioco-Coso, designed to keep visitors entertained while waiting to ascend to the Bastione. The shows are free of charge and require no prior booking, taking place on 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 26 and 27 December 2026, as well as 1 and 2 January 2027. The paid-for workshops with Mary Lou run on 7, 8, 28 and 29 December 2026 and on 4 January 2027; advance booking is required for these.
Casa di Babbo Natale and children's programme in Arco
The Casa di Babbo Natale, the Father Christmas house in Riva del Garda, is launching earlier in the season in 2026, while the tried-and-tested concept remains unchanged. Alongside the Christmas market in Arco, the children's programme "La Tana dell'orso Pom" runs in parallel. Stories are read aloud, children are invited to experiment with a variety of materials, and small keepsakes can be crafted to take home. The activities change throughout the Christmas market period, meaning new stations are regularly added as the season progresses.
Christmas markets, Villaggio del Gusto and grappa in Rango
At the Christmas market in Riva del Garda, the Villaggio del Gusto forms its own gastronomic village, placing regional specialities, local producers and the cuisine of the area at its heart. Christmas markets also take place in Arco, Rango and Canale di Tenno, each showcasing local produce and the individual traditions of their communities. A highlight in its own right is the "Notte degli Alambicchi Accesi", a night dedicated to the traditional art of grappa distilling.
Xmas Pass for overnight guests
Guests staying at an accommodation participating in the winter project will receive the Xmas Pass from their host. It combines a range of small benefits with a game element that connects various locations across Garda Trentino. These include vouchers and small surprises centred on regional specialities and local traditions. Stamps can be collected at participating locations, while a discovery game leads visitors to hidden details and stories of the region. Those who complete the game successfully can collect a small gift from one of the Garda Trentino information offices.
Hiking and gravel biking in winter
The mild climate on the northern shores of Lake Garda makes the region an appealing destination for outdoor activities even in the colder months. For those wishing to explore the landscape outside the summer high season, a number of hiking and gravel routes are available. The featured walking programme includes the Belvedere Pezol, the Giro della Madonnina di Besta, the themed trail dedicated to the walnut, and the Sentiero dell'Olivo. For gravel bikeriders, the Cavedine Gravel Tour and the Lago di Tenno Gravel Tour are well worth exploring. Further details about the winter programme are published by Garda Trentino on gardatrentino.com.
