Visiting Lombardy during the Christmas holidays is an invitation to be enchanted by its fairy-tale atmosphere.

Alpine villages are the custodians of craft markets and ancient traditions, waiting to be discovered amidst the snowy landscapes, with a glass of mulled wine.

The city squares light up for the celebrations, turning into Christmas villages with markets, performances and events for young and old. On the lakes, however, a walk becomes more romantic amidst the illuminations and art installations.

Whether for a weekend or a day trip, the provinces welcome the Christmas season with a rich selection of events, including local flavours, traditions and wonders.

BERGAMO and province 

Christmas Markets in Castione della Presolana - 15 November - 6 January - Castione della Presolana
In Val Seriana, the traditional Christmas markets return to animate the village streets in the magical setting of Castione della Presolana. Little wooden houses offer handicrafts, gift ideas and local specialities, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere for all ages. 
Find out more on the page dedicated to the Castione della Presolana Christmas Markets

2025 Christmas Village in Bergamo – 18 November - 27 December - Bergamo
Located in Piazzale Alpini, the Christmas Village transforms the heart of Bergamo into a little Christmas town, with stalls, games, lights and performances. The ideal location for Christmas shopping and enjoying the festive atmosphere in the city centre.

Christmas Village on the Sentierone - 21 November - 6 January - Bergamo
The Christmas Village on the Sentierone plunges you into Christmas with an ice rink, light shows, scenographic installations, and food stands, from Piazza Matteotti along the iconic street in Lower Bergamo. 

Christmas Design - 22 November - 6 January - Bergamo 
Christmas Design is the event dedicated to widespread Christmas design, with art installations in selected locations between Upper and Lower Bergamo. A true experiential journey combining creativity and contemporary art in an urban setting.
For more details, visit the official Christmas Design website

Lovere, the Village of Light - 29 November - 6 January - Lovere
Lovere is transformed into a light stage with artistic projections on the buildings in the village centre, making it one of the most scenic on Lake Iseo. The winter edition celebrates Christmas with entertainment, markets and guided tours.
Explore the locations of the installations on the page dedicated to Lovere, Borgo della Luce

Father Christmas’ Bergamo Home – 15 - 26 December - Clusone
A real Father Christmas house awaits young and old in the centre of Clusone. With its decorations, workshops and letters, the atmosphere is typical of Lapland. All in a mountain setting that makes the experience even more authentic.

Babbo Running - 21 December - Bergamo
The 15th edition of Babbo Running, the Santa race, populates the streets of Bergamo with hundreds of participants dressed as Santas. A sporting and solidarity event designed for the whole family, starting from the city centre with a route suitable for everyone.
Sign up now on the official website of Babbo Running

BRESCIA and province 

Winter Opening Party 2025 - 6 December - Ponte di Legno
A great free event to inaugurate the winter season with music, entertainment, and animation in Ponte di Legno's central square. A party designed for skiers and families who love the mountains.
Soak up the atmosphere on the special Winter Opening Party page

Alpe Alta Torchlit Procession - 30 December - Passo Tonale
An atmospheric torchlit hike in the snow awaits you to celebrate tradition together, setting out from the Alpe Alta hut. This lovely event will be accompanied by a fireworks display, music, and mulled wine. 
Indulge in a unique evening on the specific page dedicated to the Alpe Alta Torchlit Procession

Corno d'Aola Torchlit Procession - 31 December - Ponte di Legno-Tonale
New Year's Eve lights up with a torchlit procession on the Corno d'Aola. An exciting event involving ski instructors and visitors, with torches, lights and firework displays.
For more information, visit the page dedicated to the Torchlit Procession in Corno d'Aola

COMO and province 

Como Città dei Balocchi - 23 November - 6 January - Como
Como is transformed into an enchanted city with light effects, light installations and Christmas-themed performances, between the city centre and the lake front, with a packed calendar of initiatives for all ages. One of Italy's most famous Christmas events, and perfect for experiencing the magic of the festive season on Lake Como.

Oltre Lario Christmas - 6 - 21 December - Various locations
A Christmas journey involving five municipalities: Erba, Barni, Proserpio, Magreglio and Lasnigo for an enchanted experience with plenty of Christmas events to be enjoyed with the family among characteristic villages.
Discover all the Christmas dates for Oltre Lario

Lake Como Half Marathon – 7 December – Como
A running race along Como's lakefront, designed for athletes and enthusiasts of all ages. The route winds its way through an atmospheric setting, starting and finishing in the city centre, to experience the magic of sport just a stone’s throw from the festivities. 
Hurry to find out more details on the official website of the Lake Como Half Marathon

CREMONA and province 

16th edition of CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS - 7 and 8 December - Pizzighettone
An exhibition market dedicated to Christmas handicrafts and original gift ideas, held inside the Casematte delle Mura. With ceramics, decorations, natural soaps, wooden toys and handmade sweets, this is an opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful walled villages in Lombardy in a unique Christmas atmosphere.
Experience the magic of the festive season on the Christmas Gift Ideas page

FESTIVAL DELLA MAGIA - 31 December - Cremona
Special New Year's Eve magic show with illusionists, magicians and international artists. The Festival della Magia is held at the Teatro Ponchielli, and is designed for the whole family. A surprising evening, and a perfect way to end the year on a high note.
Explore the programme of artists on the Teatro Ponchielli official website

LECCO and province

Villa Cipressi Christmas Garden - 1 November - 31 December - Varenna
The Villa Cipressi botanical garden is transformed into an enchanted Christmas space with lights, scenography and light installations. A fascinating route, combining the nature of the lake with artistic and experiential elements.
Buy your ticket on the dedicated Villa Cipressi Christmas Garden page

Luci su Lecco - Light festival - 22 November - 6 January - Lecco
The 'Luci su Lecco' project includes light installations in the major locations throughout the city: from squares to historical monuments. An urban route to enhance the city with architectural projections, musical events and Christmas attractions in a widespread festive atmosphere.
Follow the updates on the page dedicated to Luci su Lecco

Un presepi per ogni purtun - Christmas cribs - 8 December - 6 January - Dervio
Dervio hosts a charming exhibition of Christmas cribs set up in the courtyards, doorways and windows of the village. The event is a heartfelt tradition that involves the entire local community and showcases the crib culture with creativity and passion.

Pesa Vegia - 5 January - Bellano
One of the most eagerly awaited historical re-enactments on Lake Como, with over 100 years of tradition. Costume parades, historical sets, traditional music, and the visit of the Three Wise Men animate the streets of Bellano for a folkloric event with over 400 participants. Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in local history. 
Read the story of the event on the official website of Pesa Vegia Bellano

LODI and province

Santa Lucia and Christmas Markets – 13-15 December – Lodi
For the feast day of Santa Lucia, which is celebrated in some of Lombardy's provinces  on the 13th of December, Lodi lights up with an initiative that brings together traditional farmers' markets, guided visits to the city's cultural treasures, and opportunities to taste typical products. 
Download the flyer and book your ticket

MONZA and BRIANZA

Christmas at Monza’s Civic Museums – 17 November - 6 January – Monza
A special programme at the Civic Museums with workshops, guided tours and children’s activities. The event allows visitors to discover the art collections in a festive context, with performances, lectures and special openings. 
Learn more about the artistic repertoire on the official website of the Musei Civici di Monza

Insieme a Natale (Christmas Together) in Monza – 22 November - 6 January – Monza
A packed calendar of events spread throughout the city: markets, skating rink, concerts, travelling shows and workshops. The old town dressed for the festive season and involves citizens and tourists with light installations and cultural initiatives for all age groups.
See all the locations on the official website of the Municipality Monza

2025 Monza Christmas Run (Monza) – 14 December – Monza
Non-competitive Christmas-themed run open to families and sportsmen, starting from Monza Park. Participants dressed as Father Christmas animate the city with enthusiasm and Christmas spirit for a day of fun and solidarity.
Read the regulations and register on the Monza Christmas Run