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
