Strolling among the 90+ stalls of the Trento Christmas Market, spread between Piazza Fiera and Piazza Battisti, you’ll notice the careful selection of exhibitors: highlighting local, Trentino, and regional excellence.
You’ll find artisan creations, passion, and skill, reflected in Christmas decorations crafted with local natural materials, hand-decorated baubles, exclusive jewelry, and wooden sculptures that impress for their detail and artistry. Don’t miss the renowned felted wool crafts of Trentino and South Tyrol.
Gastronomy is just as authentic: from local cured meats and delicious cheeses, to honey products, to the classic apple strudel. Enjoy local wines, craft beers, and grappas. These typical foodie and handicraft treasures, guaranteed for their origin and quality, are perfect Christmas gifts.
The Trento Christmas Market lasts longer than many others. It usually kicks off late November and runs until Christmas Eve. If you’re in town, you still have time to browse the many stalls showcasing local specialties—perfect for the festive season. Meet in Piazza Fiera while the event is still on.
Christmas markets and Trentino cuisine
Whether for business or leisure, if you’re in Trento you shouldn’t miss the local fare. Polenta and sauerkraut is the most iconic dish, but other specialties are just as tempting. Try the canederli (also known as Knödel): bread dumplings with bacon, onion, sausage, and parsley—Trentino’s twist adds unique flavors. Trentino pastry is legendary too: from apple strudel (Trentino apples are world-famous for their quality) to Zèlten, a traditional Christmas cake with dried fruit.
An eco-friendly Christmas Market
Did you know that all electricity at the Trento Christmas Market comes exclusively from renewable sources?
The organizer chose Dolomiti Energia S.p.A. as energy supplier: their hydroelectric plants in the Dolomites produce 100% green power, officially guaranteed. It’s another sign of the Trento Christmas Market’s commitment to sustainability, reflected in many concrete local initiatives.
Energy efficiency also means separate waste collection and the use of reusable or compostable tableware, minimizing non-recyclable waste.
So you’ll see ceramic mugs, compostable cutlery—and even plates made from bread! Yes, edible plates created with bread dough, perfect for pairing with local dishes.
Another original sustainable idea: fruit paper shopping bags. Exhibitors offer visitors handy bags made by recycling Tetra Pak cartons—a gesture for the environment, and practical for shoppers, who get a sturdy, reusable bag.
Even the market brochure is printed on eco-certified paper with low environmental impact.
Places of interest in Trento
Trentino’s winters make its charming small towns even more attractive. The murals in Via Belenzani (also known as Via Larga), near Piazza Duomo, were recently restored, telling the story of this borderland with vivid colors and shapes. If you want a glimpse into the past and Trentino’s transformations, visit the Castello del Buonconsiglio, home to the Historical Museum of Trentino, with exhibits from Napoleonic times to the present. Don’t miss the Giro al Sass: in winter, it’s a popular spot for young people and shopping.
Once in Trento, you can reach most attractions on foot, while the local public network—buses and shuttles—serves even the outer areas. During the Christmas Market, visitors can also take the festive little train: from Piazza Duomo, it stops at Trento’s most scenic corners.
And with the free Trentino Guest Card (for those staying at least 2 nights in over 90 participating hotels), you have unlimited access to public transport, city and regional trains, and free entry to over 60 museums (including Muse), 20 castles, and 40+ attractions throughout Trentino.
Practical info about Trento Christmas Markets
The Trento Christmas Market takes place in two historic city squares, Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti, from November 24, 2018 to January 6, 2019. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00–19:30; Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10:00–20:00. Closed on Christmas Day. Open December 26 and January 1 from 12:00 to 20:00.
All information at www.mercatinodinatale.tn.it or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter #nataletrento #MercatinodiNataleTrento
