From the Val di Non, it’s easy to reach the most traditional Christmas markets in the region, by public transport or by car!
The valley is located in Trentino and borders South Tyrol for much of its length. Thanks to its central position, it’s the ideal base for exploring the most beautiful Christmas markets—both the famous ones and the smaller, more characteristic markets in the two provinces.
Here you’ll find our tips for the Christmas markets that are easy to reach from the Val di Non, with details on distances and how to get there by public transport.
Remember: with the Trentino Guest Card, you can travel for free on all public transport in the province of Trento!
Il Borgo di Natale: markets, flavours and traditions through the streets of Fondo and Lake Smeraldo
This is the Christmas market of the Val di Non.
It takes place from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 in the historic centre of Fondo, the village famous for the Rio Sass Canyon and Lake Smeraldo.
In Piazza San Giovanni you’ll find stalls with local crafts and stands serving mulled wine, apple juice and much more.
Every day there are events and entertainment throughout the village, creative workshops for children, and live music.
Along the Rio Sass, at “rion giò a l’aca”, two artists from Trentino will be working on snow and wood sculptures. A unique opportunity to experience local art and tradition, watching not only the finished works, but also the creative process that brings them to life!
During the event, all village shops will be open every day.
Fondo lies in the northernmost part of the Val di Non, at the foot of the Mendola and Palade passes.
The detailed programme will be available soon.
Christmas Market of Trento
This historic market celebrates its 29th edition this year.
It runs from 21 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 in the heart of Trento, in Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti.
The illuminated city walls frame 74 wooden huts offering local food, crafts, Christmas decorations, and mountain specialties.
During this time, the entire old town turns into a Christmas city with concerts, workshops, tastings, and family activities.
Museums also take part with interactive experiences, storytelling sessions, children’s workshops and educational events inspired by nature, science, and the festive season.
A local train connects the Val di Non directly to Trento city centre in about 60 minutes. It runs every hour, and the last train back to the valley departs around 8 p.m. on holidays.
The ride is free with the Trentino Guest Card!
Check the local train timetable to and from Trento.
Christmas Markets of Bolzano
For nearly 20 years, Walther Square in Bolzano has hosted these famous Christmas markets.
From 28 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, the festive atmosphere fills the city centre.
If you’re driving from Fondo, take the Mendola Pass road—about 45 minutes. Despite being a mountain pass, it’s always well maintained.
From other parts of the valley, take the A22 motorway from San Michele all’Adige towards Bolzano.
The fastest public transport option is the regional train from Mezzocorona to Bolzano.
You can easily reach Mezzocorona with the local train that runs through the Val di Non towards Trento.
Both trains are free with the Trentino Guest Card!
You can find the time table of the rides from Val di Non towards Mezzocorona here.
Christmas Markets of Merano
Merano is a charming small town, smaller than the provincial capital Bolzano.
Its Christmas markets take place from 28 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 along the Passirio River Promenade in the town centre.
You’ll find 54 wooden stalls offering crafts and food, surrounded by the scents and sounds of Christmas.
Merano is located at the entrance to the Val Venosta and can be reached by car via the MeBo expressway beyond Bolzano.
If you’re staying near Fondo, the quickest route is over the Palade Pass—just 38 km away.
From Fondo, bus line 246 goes directly to the centre of Merano via the Palade Pass. The trip takes about 60 minutes and saves you the hassle of parking.
See the timetables of the bus 246 Fondo – Merano here.
Please note: this route is not included in the Trentino Guest Card, as it’s part of South Tyrol’s public transport network.
“Polvere di Stelle” Christmas Market in Lana
Lana is a small South Tyrolean village just outside Merano.
Its Christmas market is among the smallest in South Tyrol—appreciated for its calm, intimate atmosphere without large crowds.
On Advent weekends, from 28 November to 31 December 2025, you’ll find 23 stalls set up inside the Capuchin Monastery gardens, beautifully decorated for the season.
Lana is just a 30-minute drive from Fondo, following the road over the Palade Pass.
From other parts of the Val di Non, take the A22 motorway from San Michele all’Adige to Bolzano and continue on the MeBo road to Lana.
Lana is accessible by public transport only from Fondo, as it’s one of the stops along the bus line 246 to Merano.
See the timetables of bus line 246 Fondo – Merano here.
Be aware, this route is not affiliated with the Tentino Guest Card, as it belongs to a public transport society of South Tyrol.
Photo credits: Cover image – APT Trento, Monte Bondone, Valle dei Laghi Archive – photo by R. Magrone
