Dig In The Magical Christmas Events At Lake Maggiore
Blog pubblicato: December, 01 2021 (Aggiornato il: October, 27 2025)Christmas cheer is already here, and Lake Maggiore is all set to welcome you with tons of exciting Christmas-themed events and a magical winter experience this year.
Some brand new and some traditional, Christmas-related events in Maggiore’s lakeshore towns comprise cherished Christmas markets, traditional runs, enchanting lighting and open-air fairs with ice-skating rinks, delicious mulled beverages and more!
So, let’s bring in the joy and find out the delightful events happening around Lake Maggiore in 2021!

Lights, cheer and a warm atmosphere in Christmas Markets
The Christmas Village or Villagio di Natale
Bake your own bread, try your hand at knitting, ride on ponies just like your favourite characters in childhood stories or bring out the athlete in you whilst playing traditional games at Villaggio di Natale. This child-sized landscape is what dreams are made of and is a fascinating experience that should be added to your Christmas itinerary, especially if you are travelling with your little ones this year.
Where: Fattoria del Toce, Verbania
When: 6th, 7th and 8th,13th-4th, and 20th-21st December. From 11:00 - 17:30.
Christmas Lights or Lucine Di Natale
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?
The panoramic route of “Lucine di Natale'' starting from Leggiuno to Laveno, is one such indelible experience. Offering skating rinks, local goods sold by traditional Lavenese traders in Christmas houses, a giant Ferris wheel and endless attractions, will definitely delight the child, adult and older soul in you!
Where: Parco Gaggetto, Laveno (tickets can be effortlessly booked online)
When: 6th December 2025 to 6th January 2026

Ride the gigantic Ferris Wheel in Laveno
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: 8th December, from 6:30 PM.
Other Christmas markets around different parts of Lake Maggiore will open in Maggia (20th December) and Santa Maria Maggiore (6th 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!
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 20th December to 6th 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.

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!