Celebrate Christmas in Cernobbio: Full Event Programme
Cernobbio, one of the most beautiful towns on Lake Como, is adorned with Christmas magic, transforming into a fairytale setting with a rich programme of events and initiatives celebrating tradition and festive sharing. Alongside the activities at Villa Bernasconi, from 6th December to 6th January, the festive atmosphere will envelop the entire town, from Piazza Risorgimento to the surrounding areas, thanks to markets, concerts, shows, and creative workshops, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in an experience filled with twinkling lights, timeless melodies, and moments of togetherness.
The festivities in Cernobbio will commence on Friday, 6th December, with the inaugural lighting of the Christmas lights in Piazza Risorgimento at 5:00 PM. This event will kick off the magic of the most anticipated time of the year. The square (piazza Risporgimento) will be the heart of the Cernobbio celebrations, hosting a Christmas market and the initiative “Grandparents’ Games” throughout the day, evoking the warmth of past traditions. The atmosphere will be enriched by a concert featuring students from the “Don Umberto Marmori” secondary school at the exclusive House of Wonders, a new temporary space dedicated to elegance and hospitality.
House of Wonders is a 300-square-metre greenhouse accommodating up to 200 people, located in the picturesque Piazza Risorgimento in Cernobbio, which will provide the perfect backdrop for exclusive events until the end of the festive season. The House of Wonders offers a versatile and scenic environment for corporate dinners, meetings, and private events, ensuring a refined atmosphere that can be adapted to guests’ needs.
Continuing on Saturday 7th December, Piazza Risorgimento will come alive with roaming performances by jugglers and illuminated stilt walkers, brightening the afternoon with their artistry. In the afternoon, children and families can enjoy an exciting concert featuring the Sulutumana, while the evening will be graced by the music of the Moltrasio Musical Band, performing at the House of Wonders.
Sunday 8th December will see the return of the traditional event “A Walk with Santa Claus” along Via 5 Giornate, an occasion that will enchant both young and old with festive cheer. Meanwhile, at Villa Bernasconi, a creative workshop for children will celebrate imagination with the “A Little Horse Just for Me” activity, organised in collaboration with Orticolario and the Como Puppet Theatre.
From 9th to 11th December, Villa d’Este will open its doors to schools with a theatrical performance entitled “The True Story of Santa Claus”. The mornings will be dedicated to younger children, who will have the opportunity to experience Christmas magic in a unique setting.
On Saturday 14th December, when a craft market and performances of juggling, stilt walking, and live music will animate Piazza Risorgimento. In the evening, the House of Wonders will host a concert by the Rovenna Musical Band, with melodies that will warm the hearts of attendees. Meanwhile, in Piazza Santo Stefano at 6:00 PM, there will be a performance of the Living Nativity, organised by the Blessed Virgin of Bisbino Pastoral Community.
Sunday 15th December will provide another chance to enjoy good music: in Piazza Risorgimento, Mariachi bands will bring a breath of traditional Mexican music mixed with classic Christmas themes. At the same time, the Gold Skate Academy will enchant audiences with its Christmas show at the Palazzetto dello Sport.
The following Sunday, 22nd December, will be marked by the arrival of Santa Clauses in Piazza Risorgimento, accompanied by the wandering music of the Zampognari and a fire show. Meanwhile, from 2:00 PM onwards, the ancient village will be animated by the Living Nativity featuring ancient trades from the San Bartolomeo Val Cavargna Association. These special events will culminate in days filled with magic, designed to bring families closer to the true spirit of the holidays.
Also on Sunday 22nd December, at 9:00 PM, a free concert by the Almo Collegio Borromeo Choir will take place in San Vincenzo Church, maintaining a centuries-old tradition and currently conducted by Maestro Marco Berrini, one of Italy’s most active and important choral directors. The concert is organised by the Fondazione La Società dei Concerti.
On 26th December, the Church in Piazza S. Stefano will host the traditional concert, featuring the Lady Gospel Choir, which will deliver intense emotions through its powerful harmonies.
The festivities will conclude on 6th January with a day dedicated to Epiphany, when the Befana will make her entrance in Piazza Risorgimento, bringing sweets and candies for the little ones.
When: December 6, 2024 End: January 6, 2025
Main Location: Piazza Risorgimento, Cernobbio
Elena Markova | Editor-in-chiefFollow me on Instagram: @comolaketoday and Twitter @ea_markova
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