Christmas and New Year on Lake Como: A Festive Season Guide

Most people picture Lake Como in summer: sun on the water, boats in the bay, long lunches on a terrace. But from late November to early January, the lake takes on a different kind of magic. The air turns crisp, the mountains wear their first snow, and Como itself becomes one of the most enchanting Christmas towns in northern Italy.

Here is our guide to spending the festive season on the lake, from the markets and light shows to the quiet winter moments our guests love most. Visiting a little earlier? Our guide to visiting Lake Como in winter covers the quieter months too.

Como, the City of Toys

Late November to Epiphany

Every year Como transforms into Città dei Balocchi, the "City of Toys", a festival that usually runs from late November until Epiphany on 6 January. The old town fills with wooden chalets, concerts, nativity scenes and children's workshops, and the lakefront becomes the setting for the city's New Year celebrations.

Do not miss the Magic Light Festival: as the sun sets, the façades of Como's most beautiful buildings, including the Duomo, come alive with themed light projections. It is best enjoyed on a slow evening walk through the old town, with a vin brulé in hand.

Our tip: the light projections start at dusk. Head out around 5pm, wander the old town, then book dinner for 7.30 to beat the weekend crowds.

Christmas markets and ice skating

Chalets, skating and hot chocolate

Como's main Christmas market sets up in the historic centre, with stalls selling local crafts, decorations, cheeses and sweets. In Piazza Cavour, right on the lakefront, an outdoor ice rink opens for the season, so you can skate with the lake on one side and the illuminated city on the other.

Further up the lake, Menaggio and Lecco also open seasonal ice rinks, while Lecco and Colico hold their own markets. In Varenna, the gardens of Villa Cipressi become a Christmas garden filled with lights, and the dramatic gorge of the Orrido di Bellano is lit up for the holidays.

Between markets, warm up the Como way: a hot chocolate and pastries at Pasticceria Martesana on Piazza Volta, or at Cova Casabianca on the lakefront.

Stay above the ice rink. The Royal Lakeview Penthouse sits on Piazza Cavour, looking over the rink, the Christmas lights and the lake. Check dates or WhatsApp our concierge.

The lake in winter

Quiet ferries and snowy peaks

Winter is the season to see Lake Como the way the locals do. The ferries run all year round (the boats are heated, and timetables are reduced in winter), so you can still glide between Como, Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio without the summer queues. Mornings are often clear and still, with mirror-like water and snow on the peaks.

Some of the great villas close for the winter, but not all. Villa del Balbianello usually opens on selected days in December and early January, and Villa Monastero in Varenna opens over the New Year holidays. Opening days change each year, so check before you set out, or ask our concierge to arrange it for you.

For something more active, the slopes of Piani di Bobbio, above Lecco, are an easy day trip for skiing, and the funicular from Como up to Brunate rewards you with one of the best views of the lake and, on a clear day, the Alps. For more ideas, see our 10 beautiful day trips from Como.

New Year's Eve on the lake

31 December

Como sees in the New Year on its lakefront, and many of the lake's grand hotels and restaurants host gala dinners. These book up early, so if you would like a table for 31 December, let us know as soon as your dates are confirmed. For a quieter celebration, a private chef in your own home, with a view across the water at midnight, is hard to beat. For our favourite tables around the lake, see our guide to where to eat on Lake Como.

Good to know: ferries, trains and buses run a reduced service on 25 December and 1 January. Plan your travel days around them, or ask us to book a private transfer.

Where to stay for the festive season

Stay in Como town

In winter we recommend staying in Como itself. Everything is on your doorstep: the markets, the light shows, the skating rink and the restaurants, with no need to drive after dark.

The Royal Duomo Residence is a 30-second walk from the cathedral and its light projections, with three marble bathrooms and room for eight.

The Royal Lakeview Penthouse sits on Piazza Cavour itself, overlooking the ice rink and the lake, with a terrace made for a glass of something festive.

For smaller groups, The Junior Duomo Residence offers the same address in a cosier space.

Comparing different parts of the lake? Read our guide to where to stay on Lake Como, town by town.

Planning a festive stay?

Book direct for our best rate

Let our concierge reserve your New Year's Eve dinner, villa visits and transfers.