Christmas in Garda, an appointment with charm

Christmas on Lake Garda is a matter of cham: the suggestion of an ancient tradition amplified by the beauty of a landscape which seems so far away from the summer trafic. Everything is calm as in the Silent Night of the great Christmas song: the opportunity to rediscover the territory between great emotions, appointments, tastes, flavors, hidden excellences like the Divino Infante museum in Gardone Riviera, which offers an absolutely unique collection of sculptures dedicated to the “Child Jesus”. It is managed by a foundation created in 2005 by the German collector Hiky Mayr, who has dedicated more than thirty-five years of her life to the research, collection and restoration of sculptures depicting the baby Jesus. In addition to a true Neapolitan nativity scene with more than one hundred and thirty figures and numerous animals, the collection of the museum boasts more than two hundred and fifty sculptures from four centuries. The big news this year is that the Museum has signed a partnership deal with the Vittoriale degli Italiani proposing, until next January 7, a joint ticket that allows you to visit both institutions at a very advantageous price (18 euros, 13 for children under 18 and visitors over 65). Other tips for a Garda Christmas? The exhibition 100 Nativities with Mechanical Nativity at the Church of St. Antonio Abate of Lonato (December 24-January 6), and always in the same place the Living Nativity on the days of 25, 26, 31 December, 1 and 6 January. Do not miss the famous Mechanical Nativity of Manerba del Garda, a real institution visited every year by thousands of people from all over Italy, open until the end of January in the historic center of Solarolo. In Garda Trentino the big news this year is the Xmas Bus, the Christmas shuttle that connects the village of the territory where all the main events take place: from the suggestive Christmas Market in Canale di Tenno to the Santa Claus House in Riva del Garda where you can also satisfy your gourmet appetite thanks to the village Di Gusto In GUsto, (until January 7th between Piazza Battisti and Piazza Garibaldi). And finally a special New Year Eve with Hop, electronic music festival at Riva’s Palameeting, and finally the classic Befana Underwater day. Do not miss Christmas at Rocca d’Anfo: on 23rd, 24th, 26th, 30th and 31st December the Rocca will welcome visitors in an unusual winter dress for groups of minimum 15 people only by reservation (info@vallesabbia.info). Finally, in the Valle del Chiese, there is an inevitable focus on the markets of Cimego and the living nativity of Bondone (on December 26th). Merry Christmas to all by the editorial staff of Garda Expo!