The wonder of Christmas is ready to light up!

The countdown has started in Varese , too! The first appointment is for Friday, November 21, at 6:30 p.m., in Monte Grappa Square for the lighting of the Christmas tree and lights in the city streets.

At the same time, the Christmas markets will be inaugurated in Monte Grappa Square. More than 30 festively decorated and lit wooden cottages will offer handicrafts, decorations, food specialties and typical products from all over Italy. On weekends, the Christmas village will also come alive with performances, creative workshops and entertainment for children and families. The markets will be open until January 6, 2026 every day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Christmas Eve hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas closed.

The second magical event is on Friday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m., at the Estense Palace Gardens for the inauguration of the Garden of Wonders: more than 500,000 lights and 15 km of luminous strands that will transform the public park into a fairy-tale path that can be visited until Jan. 6, 2026 daily from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

TheEstense Gardens park will also feature a skating rink from Nov. 21 to Jan. 18, open every weekday from 2:30 to 7 p.m. and holidays from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Christmas itineraries and city initiatives

Completing the Varese Christmas calendar is the "Christmas Itineraries" initiative , an itinerary designed to enhance and connect the events, proposals of merchants, restaurateurs and artisans in the city. The initiative further enriches the tourist offer, with the aim of making Varese a lively and participatory city during the holidays, to offer visitors a unique experience of light, entertainment and traditions.

Full calendar of initiatives available here

Mobility Info

From Nov. 28 to Jan. 17, 2026 on weekends (Fridays from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and the week before Christmas (Dec. 17 to 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) free parking in the Green Areas.

Learn more about the market and the schedule of events