Soak up the festive cheer, with a trip to a local Christmas market...

Whether you’re staying on Lake Como or just passing through, you cannot fail but pay a visit to a festive Christmas market! Lake Como celebrates Christmas traditions with full gusto, so hop on Santa’s sleigh and start shopping for Christmas Day!

Lake Como Christmas market dates:

24 November: Tremezzo Christmas market

Sunday, 9:30am – 23:59

Via Domenico Bazzoni, 5, Tremezzina, Co

Enjoy some tempting shopping at this traditional Christmas market, set along the scenic lakeside of Tremezzo. With music, kid’s games, food and even the sound of bagpipes filling the air, this upcoming market will bring festive cheer to locals and holidaymakers alike! Easily accessible, visitors will be able to reach the market by ferry, bus or road (with a ferry and bus stop just down the road and street parking readily available). If you’re not in a hurry than Tremezzo also offers the perfect backdrop for a day of sightseeing, with Villa Carlotta just down the road and the ‘Greenway del Lago’ walking trail on the doorstep, not to mention the car-passenger ferry links of Cadenabbia; which provide the perfect starting point for discovering the ‘golden triangle’ towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio.

27 November 19’ – 7 January 20’: Como’s Christmas market

Daily, 9:30am – 19:30

Piazza Cavour, Como

One of Lake Como’s best-loved Christmas markets is back! With beautiful Christmas lights and magical decorations adorning the historical buildings and main piazza of Como, this annual market is a must-see attraction. With over 40 Christmas stalls to take in, the scene is set for a jolly shopping trip. Selling everything from artisan gifts, decorations, authentic seasonal food and festive regional wines, to the dedicated refreshment bars and stunning wooden Toy town along ‘Via Plinio’, you’ll easily be able to while away a family-friendly day or evening here. Indeed, the Christmas market is one of the most popular in Europe, attracting millions of visitors every year - so make sure you’re one of them!

1 December: Argegno Christmas market

Sunday, 10:00am – 18:00

Via Milano, 14, Argegno, Co,

This traditional Christmas market enjoys a scenic location along the riverside, in the historical heart of Argegno. With proximity to the local passenger ferry stop, bus stop and parking, you’ll easily be able to get here too. The romantic lake town is steeped in charm, with cobbled backstreets meandering up the hillside and Lake Como’s only river (the River Telo) passing through. The quaint, main piazza is lined with cafes and a very good contemporary-Italian food restaurant, ‘Ristorante La Piazzetta’, so do make time to stop for lunch! Nearby sights also include the Pigra funicular and the only island on Lake Como, the L’Isola Comacina in Ossuccio.

7 December: Civenna Christmas market

Saturday, 9:30am – 18:00

Municipo, Piazza Milano, 6, Civenna, Co

Held at the local Town Hall, this Christmas market offers a charming day for locals and visitors alike, with traditional gifts and free hot chocolate on tap! Whilst you’re here, check out the authentic atmosphere of this hillside town and pop into the local wine shop for goodies. If you’re not in a hurry, then don’t forget to dip into nearby Bellagio (7.7km away), for a picturesque lakeside lunch and memorable (out-of-season) sightseeing moment. Civenna is easily reached by car or bus, from Lecco city.

21 December: Santa Claus arrives in Lezzeno

Saturday, 15:30am – 23:59

Piazza Roma, 5, Lezzeno, Co

This merry event is held in the heart of Lezzeno village, along the unspoilt eastern shore of the western branch of Lake Como. If you’re with the kids, then you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the authentic village and spot Santa Claus himself! With games, activities and free gifts, this event promises to bring a magical dose of festive cheer to your little elves! If you’re heading to Lezzeno from Como city, you’ll be able to enjoy the sedate pace and pretty charm of the passing villages, either by car or bus (the most beautiful villages include Faggeto Lario and Pognana del Lario). A passenger ferry service also operates to Lezzeno, so if the weather is kind that day, hop on!

"Happy Christmas shopping!"