Christmas on Lake Como
In Como's city center from November 27th to January 6th, 2022, dozens of surprises await children and adults in the 28th edition of Città dei Balocchi (Toys' Town). As part of the Como Magic Light Festival, the city's buildings are illuminated with Christmas images, creating a wonderful magical nativity scene enjoyed by both adults and children alike!
There are over 30 wooden stalls selling traditional Christmas foods from all over Italy at the Christmas Market, located in Cavour Square and Plinio Street. Additionally, you can find Santa Claus' Post Office and several shops that sell incense, perfumes, lavender, etc. Cavour Square also has an ice-skating rink for children and their families.
There are, however, two very important events for children: On December 24th, hundreds of families attend Santa Claus’ arrival in Piazza Duomo, where children can receive gifts directly from him, and on January 6, Befana - a mythical old lady who delivers gifts to Italian children on Epiphany Eve - also arrives in Piazza Duomo.
In fact, Christmas celebrations start in late November around the lake, so there are plenty of things to do. It is possible to enjoy the traditional nativity by visiting the churches or visiting the Pontifical Gallio College cloistera. Various artists display their nativity scenes, which, while maintaining their original meanings, are often variations on the most classic themes in terms of materials and artistic inspiration, from the most traditional compositions to the most personal.
THIS LINK DIRECTS YOU TO THE OFFICIAL LAKE COMO XMAS PROGRAM SITE
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TO GET AROUND USE THE FERRIES
CHECK THIS LINK FOR FERRY TIMETABLES
-There are ferry services along the western branch and northern end of the Lake (between Colico or Piona and Como town), with additional shuttles to the mid-lake area.
-Fast services that follow broadly the same route, but use faster hydrofoils, stop less frequently, and cost extra.
-Ferries that run only between the popular mid-lake villages of Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna, plus Cadenabbia. Some of these ferries carry vehicles as well as passengers. Lake Como weather can be humid but the lake stabilises the average daily temperatures range which are about 3-4C in January to 23-24C in July.