Best Hotels in Lake Garda for Christmas

December on Lake Garda is cool and quiet, with Christmas markets in the lakeside towns and a few lit-up waterfronts. The northern end around Riva del Garda and Arco has the biggest markets and the Alps behind the lake. Many seasonal attractions and some lakeside restaurants run reduced winter hours.

What's on

• Mercatino di Gusto in Gusto (food-focused Christmas market) — Riva del Garda, Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Cesare Battisti. 13 November 2026 to 6 January 2027.
• Arco Christmas Market — Arco town centre, a short drive from Riva del Garda. Opens 13 November 2026; the 2025 edition ran 14 November to 6 January.
• Bardolino Christmas Market — Bardolino lakefront. Listed for 21 November 2026 to 6 January 2027.
• Malcesine Christmas Market and events — Malcesine town centre and Scaliger Castle area. Listed for 5 December 2026 to 6 January 2027.

Dates and times change from year to year, so check the organiser's listing before you travel.

Where to stay

• Riva del Garda: The main Christmas market and the lakefront are on foot, and Arco is a short drive away.
• Malcesine: Compact old town with a castle and a Christmas market, with Monte Baldo cable car access nearby.
• Bardolino: Flat lakefront walks, a Christmas market on the shore and plenty of restaurants open in winter.

December weather

December highs are about 8 to 9°C (46 to 48°F) and lows about 1 to 2°C (34 to 36°F) on the lake, mostly dry with some fog; snow on the shore is rare but the surrounding peaks are white.

How we picked: the 7 hotels in this guide are 4- and 5-star hotels and resorts in Lake Garda with the strongest Booking.com guest scores, weighted by how many reviews they have. Scores and review counts were checked in October 2026.