Passeggiando tra le over 90 little houses of the Trento Christmas Market spread between Piazza Fiera and Piazza Battisti, one realizes that the choice of exhibitors also goes in the same direction: enhancing what is typical, Trentino and regional.
Here are the products of local artisans, their creativity and passion reflected in the Christmas decorations made with natural materials from the territory and in the hand-decorated Christmas baubles, in the specially made jewelry and in the wood sculptures carved with precision and artistry, in the traditional felted wool crafts of Trentino and South Tyrol.
Typical regional cuisine is also highlighted, as expected given the flavors of the local kitchen. From local salami to the delicious cheeses of the area, from products made with Trentino honey to the classic apple Strudel, from the excellent local wines to craft beers and grappa. The best of local craftsmanship and typical gastronomy, unique products characterized by certain origin and high quality raw materials, perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family.
The Christmas Market in Trento lasts much longer. Usually, it begins in the last days of November and ends on Christmas Eve. For those who happen to be in town these days, there is still time to take a look at the many stalls offering typical local products, in perfect harmony with the most beautiful festival of the year par excellence. The appointment is in Piazza Fiera for a few more days.
Christmas Markets and Local Trentino Cuisine
If you find yourself in Trento, for work or leisure, you cannot miss tasting the typical local cuisine. Polenta and sauerkraut represent the best known dish but other dishes are equally tasty. The canederli, for example, a typical dish of South Tyrolean gastronomy, also known as Knödel, undergo slight variations in Trentino that do not affect the taste. They are gnocchi made from stale bread, pancetta, onion, lucanica sausage, and parsley. The Trentino pastry is equally famous and tempting. Starting from the apple strudel (Trentino apples are now on tables all over the world for their excellent quality) to the Zèlten, which is a classic Christmas cake filled with dried fruit.
The Eco-Friendly Market
Did you know that the electricity used during the Trento Christmas Market is entirely produced from renewable sources?
Dolomiti Energia S.p.A. was chosen as the electricity provider; it produces energy from hydroelectric plants in the Dolomites and offers 100% clean energy, with origin guaranteed by the Energy Services Manager. This confirms the sensitivity towards the environment and sustainability which has always distinguished the Trento Christmas Market and which translates into concrete initiatives in the area.
Energy efficiency goes hand in hand with waste sorting and the use of washable or compostable tableware, which helps minimize residual waste that cannot be recycled.
So ceramic mugs, compostable cutlery, and “bread” plates! Yes, plates made from bread dough, perfectly edible, ideal to accompany delicious dishes.
Another original and sustainable idea of the Trento Christmas Market: the use of “fruit paper” shoppers. Exhibitors will provide visitors with useful bags made from paper recycled from Tetra Pak containers for their purchases. A gift primarily for the environment, as well as for the buyer, who can reuse the sturdy and convenient bag.
Finally, the catalog of the Trento Christmas Market is also made of eco-certified paper with low environmental impact.
Places of Interest in Trento
The unique Trentino winter makes small towns even more beautiful. The murals of Via Belenzani, also called Via Larga, near Piazza Duomo in Trento, have recently been restored. They depict the history endured by this borderland with plays of colors and shapes. To take a dive into the past and discover the changes that this beautiful alpine land has undergone over time, you must visit the Buonconsiglio Castle, inside which is the Historical Museum of Trentino. Here are exhibits ranging from the Napoleonic era to the present. A walk on the Giro al Sass, however, should not be missed. In winter it is the meeting place for young people and the ideal place for shopping.
Once in Trento, the main attractions of the city are easily reachable on foot, while the public transport network, buses and shuttles, allows you to reach even the most peripheral areas. During the Christmas Market, you can also use the charming little train available to visitors: from the central Piazza Duomo you can reach the most suggestive corners using the various stops located around the city.
Finally, thanks to the Trentino Guest Card, free for those who stay at least 2 nights in one of the more than 90 structures participating in the initiative, it is possible to freely use public transport urban and suburban, including trains, throughout the Trentino area for the entire holiday. The Trentino Guest Card also allows free entry to more than 60 museums, including Muse, 20 castles, and more than 40 attractions.
Information on the Trento Christmas Markets
The Trento Christmas Market takes place in the two historic squares of the city: Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti, from November 24, 2018, to January 6, 2019. It is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:30; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10:00 to 20:00. Closed on Christmas Day. On December 26, 2018, and January 1, 2019, it will be open from 12:00 to 20:00.
All information at www.mercatinodinatale.tn.it and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages #nataletrento #MercatinodiNataleTrento
