Passeggiando tra le over 90 little houses of the Christmas Market of Trento scattered between Piazza Fiera and Piazza Battisti, you realize that the choice of exhibitors also goes in the same direction: enhancing what is typical, Trentino and regional.
Here then are the products of the local artisans, their creativity and passion that shines through in the Christmas decorations created with natural materials from the territory and in the hand-decorated Christmas balls, in the custom-made jewelry and in the sculptures carved in wood that amaze for precision and art, in the felt wool crafts of Trentino and South Tyrol tradition.
Typical regional cuisine is also the gastronomy, and it couldn’t be otherwise given the flavors of local cooking. From local cured meats to the delicious cheeses of the area, from products based on Trentino honey to the classic apple Strudel, from excellent local wines to craft beers and local grappas. The best of local craftsmanship and typical gastronomy, unique products characterized by certain provenance and high quality of raw materials used, perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family.
The Christmas Market in Trento has a much longer duration. It usually starts in the last days of November and ends on Christmas Eve. For those who happen to be in the city these days, there is still time to take a look at the many stalls displaying typical local products, in perfect harmony with the most beautiful celebration 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 avoid 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 some small variations in Trentino that do not affect the taste. They are dumplings made of stale bread, bacon, onion, lucanica sausage, and parsley. The pastry of Trentino is equally well known and tempting. From the apple strudel (Trentino apples are now on tables all over the world, being of excellent quality) to the Zèlten, a classic Christmas cake filled with dried fruit.
The environment-friendly market
Did you know that the electricity used during the Christmas Market of Trento is entirely produced from renewable sources?
Dolomiti Energia S.p.A. was chosen as the electricity supplier, producing energy from hydroelectric plants in the Dolomites and offering 100% clean energy, with origin guaranteed by the Energy Services Manager. A confirmation of the sensitivity towards the environment and sustainability that has always distinguished the Christmas Market of Trento and that translates into concrete initiatives in the territory.
Energy efficiency is accompanied by waste sorting and the use of washable or compostable tableware, which allows minimizing residual waste that cannot be recycled.
So ceramic cups, compostable cutlery, and “bread” plates! Indeed, plates made with bread dough, perfectly edible, ideal for accompanying delicious dishes.
Another original and sustainable idea of the Christmas Market of Trento: the use of fruit paper shoppers. The exhibitors will deliver useful bags made with paper obtained from recycling Tetra Pak containers to visitors for their purchases. A gift primarily to the environment, as well as to the buyer, who can reuse the sturdy and convenient bag.
Finally, even the Christmas Market of Trento catalog is made of eco-certified paper with low environmental impact.
Places of interest in Trento
The particular Trentino winter makes small centers even more beautiful. The murals of Via Belenzani, also called Via Larga, near Piazza Duomo in Trento, have recently been restored. They show the events undergone by this border land with plays of colors and shapes. For a dive into the past and to discover the changes that this beautiful Alpine land has undergone over time, you must visit the Buonconsiglio Castle inside which is the Trentino Historical Museum. Here you can find exhibits ranging from the Napoleonic era to the present. A walk at the Giro al Sass, however, must not be overlooked. In winter it represents the meeting place of 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 more peripheral areas. Moreover, during the Christmas Market you can also use the friendly little train available to visitors: from the central Piazza Duomo you can reach the most suggestive corners using the various stops located in the city.
Finally, thanks to the Trentino Guest Card, free for those who stay at least 2 nights in one of the over 90 structures adhering to the initiative, it is possible to freely use urban and suburban public transport, including trains, throughout the Trentino area for the entire holiday. The Trentino Guest Card also allows free entry to more than 60 museums, including the Muse, 20 castles, and more than 40 attractions.
Information about the Trento markets
The Christmas Market of Trento is spread over 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 AM to 7:30 PM; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Closed on Christmas Day. On December 26, 2018, and January 1, 2019, it will be open from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
All information on www.mercatinodinatale.tn.it and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages #nataletrento #MercatinodiNataleTrento
