Winter events on Lake Como
This article showcases some of the main events around Lake Como in 2023, ranging from the spectacular Città dei Balocchi in Cernobbio to the charming markets in Brienno.
A collection of must-attend gatherings to fully experience the magic of the holidays in the picturesque setting of Lake Como.
1) Christmas Markets under the Porticos in Brienno
An enchanting village nestled between the lake and the mountains. Brienno, characterized by houses, churches, and corners rich in history and tradition, hosts Christmas stalls under the porticos, offering typical and original products in an atmosphere of lights, colors, and scents.
The 9th edition of the event will take place on December 2nd and 3rd, and from December 8th to 10th, 2023.
The stalls display various Christmas products, while numerous refreshment points along the route allow for savoring the culinary traditions of the area. In addition to the stalls and refreshment points, visitors can explore Santa’s House and its shop with local products. Thanks to the Alpini, it is possible to visit the Puncett Mine Gallery during the weekend, a tunnel carved into the rock as a defensive point of the Cadorna Line.
A new feature is the shuttle service from Tavernola to Argegno with stops in intermediate towns, offered at the cost of a lottery ticket (2 euros), with the draw on December 16th. Click here for timetables
The ferry will also stop in Brienno! Click here for more information.
The Markets are organized by the “Noi di Brienno” association with the patronage of the Municipality of Brienno and in collaboration with the Alpini Group of Brienno, the A.I.C.S. Circle, and the Philharmonic Society. More information here
2) Orrido Magic Christmas Lights "Candy Christmas Editions"
From December 2nd to January 28th
Embark on a magical journey that plays with the darkness of the evening, transforming an ancient canyon into a captivating place waiting to be discovered! Experience the Magic of Christmas once again…
From December 2nd, 2023, to January 28th, Orrido Magic Christmas Lights returns to Bellano’s Orrido, a resounding success over the past two years! An attraction that, as every year, will enchant both young and old with a dreamlike atmosphere.
Candy Christmas Edition
Inside the natural gorge, enter an enchanted realm where both adults and children can be carried away by the emotions of the magical Christmas atmosphere!
This year, step into a CANDY CHRISTMAS-themed location—a magical world of candy canes, gingerbread men, colorful houses, and much more awaits!
Ticket Prices and Purchase
Full Price: €6.00
Reduced (4 to 12 years): €4.00
Free: 0 to 3 years, residents of Bellano, Disability Card holders, and one accompanying person
Public transport ticket holders (train, lake navigation): €5.00
FAI and Touring members: €5.00
School groups: €4.00 per student + free accompanying teachers
Groups (minimum 12 people): €5.00 each + 1 free accompanying person for every 12 present
Opening Hours
From December 2nd to January 28th
Weekdays: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Weekends: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Special Openings:
To be determined
Closed on:
December 25th
Visit Ca’ del Diavol, the Tower of Emotions—a journey through the history and origins of the Bellano area with the guidance of multimedia exhibits, suggested to be purchased online with a chosen date and entry time.
Christmas Lights… Not Only at Orrido
Lake Como Christmas Lights
Not just lights at Orrido di Bellano. This year, Bellano joins the Lake Como Christmas Lights initiative: the lakeside of the town, with its palaces and historic buildings, will be illuminated.
Moreover, the entire town will be adorned with lights, colors, and Christmas installations.
3) Lights on Lecco
Lights on Lecco, projections, and Christmas lights in Piazza XX Settembre, Piazza Cermenati, and along the streets of the city of Lecco.
In Piazza Cermenati and Piazza XX Settembre:
Projections every day from 5:00 PM until 12:30 AM.
Light Train: the opportunity to ride and take photographs.
For the little ones: a merry-go-round and a talking tree.
On the lakeside promenade:
Illuminated Lakeside Profile.
In the city center streets:
Christmas lights along the city center streets every day from 5:00 PM until 11:30 PM.
In Piazza Garibaldi:
Ice Skating Rink organized by Ice Skating Lecco.
For more information, click here.
4)"Magico Natale 2023" in Mandello
“Magico Natale 2023” in Mandello promises to blend tradition with many innovations. The Municipal Administration, in collaboration with the Pro Loco and local merchants, has created a calendar rich in festive initiatives.
The traditional lottery, based on the collection of receipts from participating businesses, offers a jackpot of 6,100 euros with 50 prizes, and the draw will take place on January 18th at the Municipal Library. A portion of the contribution from 117 commercial activities and Confcommercio Lecco will contribute to the jackpot, while the rest will be used to decorate the town with Christmas trees and organize events.
Unlike last year, Christmas lights will make a grand return, illuminating the streets and the Moto Guzzi roundabout. Luminous installations will also be placed in the main squares. Mandello participates in the ‘Lake Como Christmas Lights’ project, contributing to the creation of the world’s largest nativity scene.
Among the novelties are creative workshops for children offered by local shopkeepers and a map that families can follow to participate in various activities. Letters to Santa will be collected after the screening of a Christmas cartoon on December 9th. The Christmas Party in Piazza del Municipio will be a celebration with music, lights, and food in anticipation of the Christmas Eve parade of festive floats, a unique event successfully resumed in 2022. The “Andando…per presepi” competition is also confirmed.
The Councilor for Tourism and Commerce, Silvia Nessi, thanks the merchants, Pro Loco, local associations, and Municipal Structure No. 1 of the Municipality of Mandello for their dedication and enthusiasm in organizing Christmas festivities.
For all the events, click here
5) Christmas markets in Colico - Piazza Garibaldi
Inauguration on Saturday 25 November at 3.00 pm
Here are all the dates:
November: 25 – 26
December: 2-3-8-9-10-16-17-23-24-26-30-31
January: 1-6-7
Hours: from 10.00 to 19.00
For more information, click here
From December 7th to January 7th, 2024, Cernobbio will host the 30th edition of “La Città dei Balocchi,” a format created by the Consorzio Como Turistica.
The Christmas and New Year Festivities in Como for 2023 are scheduled to run from November 26, 2023, through January 8, 2024.