How can Christmas be complete without the sparkle and joy of festive decorations and lights? Remember how your eyes glow when Christmas lights are lit throughout towns for the first time and wrap everyone up in a cheerful mood?
Christmas Markets
If you are one of those who like to dip their feet in tradition and also end up finding last-minute Christmas gifts, then the characteristic Christmas Market of Baveno will surely live up to the idea of your kind of Christmas. From satisfying your festive appetite with mulled apples, food trucks and wines to vintage car exhibitions and handicraft stalls offering special gifts, Christmas markets adorned with beautiful lights and a communal festive vibe around Lake Maggiore will surely bring you in a celebratory mood!
Where: Piazza IV Novembre, Baveno
When: 4th December to 24th December
14:00-18:00
Other Christmas markets around different parts of Lake Maggiore will open in Maggia (4th December), Ronco Sopra Ascona, and Val Verzasca (5th December), Santa Maria Maggiore (6th December) and Cugnasco-Gerra (9th and 12th December).
Christmas Runs!
What? Yes, Christmas runs are an actual thing, and around Lake Maggiore, these runs go by many names. In Stresa, it is called “Corri Come Babbo Natale”, and invites amateur as well as pioneer runners to tread circuits ranging from a comfortable 1 km to a challenging 6 km.
Indeed, these runs are a unique way of spending Christmas with your loved ones and finally putting to use the childhood lessons of the classic “A Christmas Carol”: All proceeds from the races will go to charity. So, celebrate the real Christmas spirit and let go of anything Ebenezer Scrooge!
Where: Stresa
When: 9:30, 8th December
Feeling curious: Read about the legend of La Befana
here!
Locarno on Ice
The Swiss part of Lake Maggiore is not giving any less reason to visit this Christmas. Working with the motto of “a winter village that will melt your heart”, Locarno on Ice is a magical journey with a winter wonderland that will charm you like no other. Attractions include glass igloos, skating rinks, enchanting huts with delicious Christmas-smelling goodies, locally brewed lemonade “Gazossa”, live music and more.
To top it, Locarno is also organising a Christmas run called “Corsa di Natale” ranging from 300 metres to 6 km. Participants of all ages are welcome!
Where: Piazza Grande, Locarno
When: From 2nd December to 9th January
Santa's Grotto
A magical mix of the beloved Christmas movies “The Orient Express” and “The Polar Express,” Santa’s Grotto-12th Edition in Stresa is where the animated world comes to real life. Enter into the Piroscafo Piedmont and get treated to an entertaining show by professional actors, meeting with Santa Claus and Christmas presents all wrapped up in the authentic setting of this water steamer with interiors from the early 20th Century!
No matter what the weather, Santa’s Grotto is guaranteed to take you into the world of fantasy and the local cribs sprinkled all over Isola dei Pescatori.
Where: Pier of Stresa
When: 4/5 - 7/8 - 11/12, 23 and 26 December
9:00-19:00
Remember to be a good kid at Santa’s Grotto
With many more events lined up to enjoy, don’t forget to indulge in the
Italian Christmas delicacies and a traditional pescatarian Christmas meal around lake Maggiore.
So, what are you waiting for, La Befana? Don’t worry, the good witch will visit Maggiore too but until then, you can have a look at our
best holiday homes around the lake!
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