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Festive season events in Lombardy
Experience the magic of Christmas with illuminations, traditional flavours, cultural festivals and activities on the snow
During the festive period, Lombardy is transformed into the enchanted setting for illuminated villages, markets in the snow-capped mountains, and towns decorated for the festivities all create a magical atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a concert at the theatre, or an exhibition of Nativity scenes, an occasion for relaxing and enjoying food and wine, or adventures immersed in nature, Lombardy’s provinces always have something special to offer.
Get your calendars ready and prepare to indulge in the unmissable events that make this time of year unique, with a journey through the region’s Christmas events.
MILAN
Villaggio delle Meraviglie Christmas Village - from 16 November 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Milan
In the heart of the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens in Porta Venezia, Milan shines brightly under the lights of the Villaggio delle Meraviglie Christmas village, open for nearly three months, with a range of original ideas for adults and children. Baby ice rink, rides and Christmas shows are just a taste of the packed programme to help you enjoy the magical festive season.
Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere on the official website of Villaggio delle Meraviglie
La Magia del Natale - Christmas Magic - from 8 November to 22 December - Sesto San Giovanni
Christmas lights up with new colours, in the stunning industrial spaces of the Carroponte, which becomes a delightful Christmas village every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Among the markets are Father Christmas’ House, the big wheel, a sumptuous circus tent, skating rink and many, many more surprises to entertain adults and kids alike.
For more about the Christmas Village, see the Carroponte official website
Christmas in Cassano 2024 - from 24 November 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Cassano D’Adda
Cassano d’Adda is ready to welcome visitors this Christmas with a packed programme of festive events. The streets of the town will be filled with concerts, antiques markets, workshops for children and traditional events, like switching on the Christmas tree and the living Nativity Scene, for a festive season with friends.
It’s Christmas at Palazzo Lombardia - From 3 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Milan
December sees the return of Christmas traditions in Piazza Città di Lombardia, where a full programme of events are set to create a marvellous holiday atmosphere. The immersive artistic experience of Pop Art; charity project “Giocattolo Sospeso” and exclusive access to the Viewing Point on the 39th floor are just some of the magical activities planned.
For more about the schedule see Regione Lombardia’s dedicated page
Fiera degli Oh Bej! Oh Bej! - 5 to 8 December - Milan
The historic Fiera degli Oh Bej! Oh Bej is famous Since 1500, this market has been held every year on the feast day of St Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. With its colourful stalls in the magical setting of the Sforza Castle, surrounded by aromas of panettone, nougat, and hot chocolate, this is a set date for Christmas lovers.
Corsa della Befana - 6 January - Peschiera Borromeo
Get ready for the Befana race! On Epiphany, the municipality of Peschiera Borromeo will be hosting the seventh edition of the much-loved musical walk for charity. Choose your distance (3 km or 10 km) and get your friends and family on board for this opportunity to make a difference.
Download the brochure from Corsa della Befana
BERGAMO
Christmas Design - from 23 November 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Bergamo
This Christmas, Bergamo’s most iconic piazze and locations will be hosting Christmas Design, an exhibition involving internationally famous designers with installations, sculptures and lighting effects to showcase the excellent products Made in Italy, and to add to the city’s already magical atmosphere.
Take a peek at all the works on show at the official website of Christmas Design
Sarnico Magic Christmas 2024...Christmas in Colour - from 1 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Sarnico
The lakeside is magically lit up for Sarnico Magic Christmas, back for 2024 with installations, exhibitions, concerts, markets with tastings, and plenty of activities to give you a full dose of Christmas spirit in a charming location overlooking Lake Iseo.
See the programme at Sarnico Magic Christmas 2024
Sweet Christmas Suite - 21 December - Clusone
Clusone, at the foot of Presolana, is an absolute gem in winter, where you can spend relaxing moments surrounded by snowy landscapes, art, history and good food. During the festive season, it looks even more charming, with themed events, such as the Sweet Christmas Suite concert: a quartet of voices to celebrate the joy of Christmas.
Save the date at Sweet Christmas Suite
Babbo Running - 22 December - Bergamo
Imagine the city of Bergamo as it is being crossed by lots of Father Christmases, running and walking. This is the spirit of Babbo Running, an event, just a few days before Christmas, to have fun and also to dedicate a thought to children with cancer, supporting scientific research paying a donation to take part.
All updates on the official website of Babbo Running
COMO
Città dei Balocchi Lake Como - From 2 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Como
Como is all dressed up for Christmas, getting ready to surprise its visitors with lights and art projections, lantern-light walks by the lake, jazz and gospel concerts, and fairytale choirs, surrounded by picturesque Christmas activities. A chance to spend a weekend with loved ones, under the lights of the city and just a stone’s throw from the lake.
Find out more about the events at Christmas in Como
Reflections on the lake 2024 - from 7 December 2024 to 4 January 2025 - Domaso
Imagine admiring the illuminated scenery of Upper Lake Como in a romantic boat tour, much in the style of a Venetian water taxi. You can embark in Domaso for an exclusive Christmas experience, accompanied by a qualified guide. Why not re-discover the area from a fantastic, unusual viewpoint?
To sign up or for more info, visit Reflections on the Lake 2024
LECCO
Lights on Lecco 2024 - from 23 November 2024 to 7 January 2025 - Lecco
Illuminations, Christmas projections and lighting effects: Lecco’s Christmas celebrations shine out, decorating the traditional scenery between the lake and the mountains. This event, now in its sixth year, is the result of the sense of initiative and love for the city of local businesses looking to make the most of the beautiful scenery at the most magical time of the year.
Discover the 2024 edition on the pages dedicated to Lights on Lecco
Lecco Xmas Tour by bike - 15 December
Enveloped in the colours of Christmas, Lecco is transformed into a fairytale village with plenty of surprises to explore. There are those who love to stroll through the streets and along the lake, and those who’d rather tour the town by bike. Scheduled events for cycling enthusiasts include an original bike ride, accompanied by a certified mountain bike guide to admire Lecco’s most iconic locations in the festive season.
You can find all the information you need at Lecco Tourism
BRESCIA
Natale d’incanto - an Enchanting Christmas in Salò - from 23 November 2024 to 12 January 2025 - Salò
Lake Garda is just as wonderful in wintertime, and the area of Salò is getting ready to surprise visitors with a packed programme of Christmas events, including workshops and shows for children, concerts and touring events, art and culture, and a simply stunning New Year’s Eve on the Gulf.
Explore the programme for Natale d’incanto in Salò
Natale nel Borgo in Bienno 2024 - 7 and 8 December - Bienno
Bienno, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, comes to life with Christmas markets, fairytale characters and streets dotted with Nativity scenes and entertainments. An event combining the authenticity of tradition with the magic of the festive season in the historic Camunian setting, where you can enjoy picturesque views surrounded by mountains
Let yourself be captivated on the official website of the Municipality of Bienno
Winter Opening Party - 7 December - Ponte di Legno
Ponte di Legno inaugurates the 2024/2025 skiing season with an exclusive party in Piazza XVII Settembre where you can dance and have fun to the rhythm of dance music and welcome in the festive season. An evening with friends under the stars of the splendid village in Valle Camonica.
For more info and details, visit Winter Opening Party
MANTUA
Christmas Markets - from 9 November to 26 December - Mantua
Christmas markets are the stars of Mantua’s Christmas stage, from early November to late December, making the most of the Christmas spirit. With many excellent foods and artisan-made products, every weekend the streets of Mantua will come alive with brightly-coloured stalls that you can peruse while you look for some lovely gift ideas.
Il Ducale a Natale - from 7 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Mantua
If you are looking to dedicate your Christmas to culture, then the Ducal Palace in Mantua is the perfect place for you. You can admire unique artistic spaces and travel through time with historic and cultural initiatives and themed visits. In this extraordinary 13th-century building, the Christmas period capitalises on the local history and artistic heritage.
Experience the historic charm on the official website of Ducal Mantua
CREMONA
Exhibition of Nativity Cribs - from 7 December 2024 to 12 January 2025 - Cremona
The tradition of the Nativity Crib comes back to life in Cremona, with the thirteenth edition of the iconic exhibition of Nativity cribs that brings together hand-crafted masterpieces from all over Italy. An initiative that combines the artistic value and spirituality within the walls of the stunning Church of San Pietro al Po.
Il Ponchielli per le Feste - from 26 to 31 December - Cremona
Cremona’s Teatro Ponchielli is an institution that, during the festive season, consolidates its fame with the traditional season “Il Ponchielli per le Feste”. The programme includes shows all about fun and entertainment, with operettas and musicals for engaging, elegant moments with family and friends.
Discover the shows on the dedicated page at Ponchielli per le Feste
MONZA and BRIANZA
Monza Christmas Run - 15 December - Monza
Get your running shoes on for the Monza Christmas Run, the non-competitive race for charity through the splendid avenues of Monza Park. A Sunday to wear your Father Christmas costume or accessories and to have fun with family and friends, accompanying the finish with mulled wine, DJ sets, and workshops for younger children.
Sign up at the official website of Monza Christmas Run
Insieme a Natale - Christmas Together 2024 - from 23 November 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Monza
A cloak of stars, kilometres of LED fairy lights, markets, Christmas choirs and lots of other artistic and cultural events transform Monza into a unique stage during the festive season. Walking through the streets alive with lights, you’ll be surprised with the programme of events for Christmas 2024 in the city.
Explore the Christmas calendar on the Comune di Monza website
PAVIA
Ghislieri Musica Christmas Festival - 18 December - Pavia
Pavia celebrates Christmas with the elegant, thrilling notes of concerts organised by the historic Collegio Ghislieri. A programme of unmissable events paying tribute to the cultural and musical traditions of Pavia. Perfect for lovers of classical music.
New Year’s Eve at Castello Crivelli - 1 January - Lomello
What occasion could be better than the millennial anniversary of the Basilica of Lomello than to welcome in the new year with a special guided visit of Castello Crivelli. In this celebration, the timeless beauty of the village and its manner are brought back to life surrounded by history and settings for a dedicated experience.
All the information is available at New Year’s Eve 2025 al Castello Crivelli
SONDRIO
Christmas Markets in Valchiavenna - from 17 November to 22 December - Valchiavenna
Gastronomic delights and winter landscapes where you can dedicate yourself to activities on the snow, Valchiavenna offers plenty of excitement for the winter season. In this magical period, there simply have to be Christmas markets to add their precious touch to the holiday atmosphere in the valley’s villages with lights, the scents of spices and handicrafts.
Find out more about the locations on Christmas Markets in Valchiavenna
Christmas Village - from 29 November to 24 December - Livigno
Livigno, the little Tibet in the heart of Valtellina, is a poetic setting during the winter, when the mountains are covered in snow and Christmas is just around the corner. The perfect place for a hot chocolate to accompany your strolls among the Christmas stalls as you enjoy the atmosphere outside.
Sgambeda 2024 - 15 December - Livigno
Back for its 34th edition, the historic cross-country skiing in Livigno, where free style reigns supreme. Sgambeda attracts the world’s best cross-country skiers to a thrilling 30 km challenge that sees cross-country skiing enthusiasts at an event you simply cannot miss.
Get ready for the countdown on the official website of Sgambeda 2024
I presepi delle contrade - Nativity Cribs - from 22 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Talamona
Christmas lasts the whole month through in Talamona, in against a charming backdrop between Valtellina and the Bergamo Alps. Of the many initiatives organised by the municipality the nativity cribs stand out as a firmly established tradition, over 35 years that have captured the admiration of visitors for the aster craftsmanship and more modern representations of the Nativity crib.
End of Year torch parade - 30 December - Madesimo
The day before New Year’s Eve, Madesimo gets ready to say goodbye to 2024 with a memorable torch parade on the snow. The celebrations begin in the afternoon with a DJ set before continuing with a brightly lit descent by the local ski instructors for a spectacular show.
Find out more at Valchiavenna Events
LODI
A Christmas Welcome - Christmas Concert - 15 December - Lodi
The Teatro alle Vigne in Lodi hosts a thrilling concert to celebrate Christmas with forty of the best voices from the Bernstein School of Musical Theater, Bologna. A perfect evening to surround yourself with the magic of the festive season and experience the Christmas spirit in a charming setting.
Book your seat on the official website of Teatro alle Vigne
Sagra di Santa Lucia - from 5 to 15 December - Lodi
For the Feast Day of Santa Lucia, a much-loved tradition followed throughout Italy, the city of Lodi comes to life with events to celebrate tradition and local craftsmanship. The streets will be filled with markets selling sweets and other delicious treats for a delightful event.
VARESE
Lucine di Natale - Christmas Lights - from 5 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 - Leggiuno
The spectacular Lights of Leggiuno, picturesque village on Lake Maggiore, are switched on again for a lighting spectacular to leave you speechless. As well as illuminated streets, you will find specialist food stands and events to accompany your immersive experience.
For more info and tickets, visit the official website Lucine di Natale
To discover all the events in Lombardy visit the "Events" section and filter the events according to your preferred dates and locations.
