Winter in Como means strolling through decorated streets with the lake and snow-capped mountains as the backdrop. It’s a beautiful destination, especially during the cooler months when the skies are clear and there are fewer crowds.
This guide to the Lake Como Christmas Market covers key details, such as dates, opening hours, locations and regional specialities to try.
Lake Como Christmas Market at Piazza Cavour
Dates and Location
Lake Como dates: 22nd November 2025 to 6th January 2026 (unconfirmed).
Location: Piazza Cavour, Viale Corridoni, Piazza Grimoldi, Piazza Volta.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 8pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch on date announced.
Tree: Piazza Duomo.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Piazza Cavour.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Scenic lakeside location; rich history and culture; artisan crafts; Italian treats.
Recommended tour: If this is your first time in the city, you might like this guided walking tour.
Specialities: Panettone, pandoro, polenta, mostarda di frutta, amaretti cookies and vin brulé.
Where to stay: DBH Boutique Hotel is located onle 4-minutes’ walk from the piazza.
Convenient Hotels
DBH Boutique Hotel is a great choice for a cosy yet luxurious stay. It offers a spacious room, comfortable beds, high-end amenities and a convenient location near the event.
Recommended Tours
Start your visit with this tour of Como city centre. It’s also nice to visit the many small towns on the lake and the beautiful villas that line the water. Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta and the picturesque town of Bellagio are well worth visiting.
Alternatively, you might want to take this food tour of Lake Como to get an overview of the local culture through its delicious cuisine.
Discover more destinations with my Italian Christmas Markets List. This guide is designed to help you plan where to go and what food and gift specialties to look out for.
Other Events
- Città dei Balocchi: Piazza Risorgimento – 4th December to 6th January 2026 (unconfirmed).
- Bellagio Lights Magic: December 2025 (unconfirmed).
What to Expect
Regional Specialties
- Panettone: A sweet, fluffy bread loaded with dried fruits and raisins. I love it with butter, but you can also try it with Nutella.
- Pandoro: Similar to panettone, but without fruits or nuts, this golden, star-shaped cake is dusted with powdered sugar.
- Torrone: A delicious nougat with toasted nuts.
- Polenta: Available in several different ways, it’s always nice to try.
- Mostarda di Frutta: An unusual preserve flavoured with mustard oil, ideal for pairing with cheeses and bread.
- Pizzoccheri: A vegetarian pasta dish made with buckwheat noodles, potatoes, vegetables and melted cheese.
- Amaretti Cookies: Almond-flavoured biscuits that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. These are often gluten-free, but ask before you buy if that’s of concern.
At the Food Stalls
- Arancini – Crispy, fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce, a delicious Italian snack.
- Chestnuts: Roasted over an open fire, a classic winter treat.
- Cannoli: Crispy, fried pastry tubes filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, a Sicilian specialty.
- Vin brulé: An Italian mulled wine infused with spices and citrus.
- Bomboloni: Decadent, sugar-coated Italian doughnuts often filled with jam, custard, or Nutella.
- Gelato: Even in winter, indulge in Italian ice cream, which is sometimes available in special seasonal flavours.
- Bruschetta: A classic Italian appetiser that you can sometimes find as street food.
- Churros: Indulge in these Spanish specialties at one of the stalls.
What to Buy
- Silk products: Lake Como is renowned for its silk production; expect to find scarves, ties and accessories.
- Hand-painted ceramics: Beautiful, locally crafted ceramic pieces featuring traditional Italian designs and motifs.
- Olive oil: Savour the taste of high-quality, locally-produced olive oil.
- Leather goods: Find finely crafted wallets, belts and bags made from premium Italian leather.
- Murano glass: Admire the intricate artistry of Venetian glass jewellery, vases and ornaments.
- Limoncello: Bring home a bottle of this zesty, lemon-infused liqueur, a popular souvenir, typically from Southern Italy.
- Wooden toys: Look out for sustainable, handcrafted wooden toys and puzzles.
- Artisan chocolates: Loads to choose from.
Sustainability Tips
- Green hotels: For a lower-impact stay, choose a hotel that prioritises renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power.
- Reducing food waste: Be mindful of portion sizes when eating out.
- Ethical consumption: Support local artisans and small businesses when shopping in Como.
- Sustainable diets: Enjoy plant-based meals at vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and stalls.
- Sustainable transport: To reduce your carbon footprint, use public transportation, such as ferries or trains, or explore the lakeside towns by bike or on foot. There are regular train services if you are visiting Como from Milan.
I’ve visited Lake Como on several occasions and would happily visit again. It’s especially beautiful and more peaceful in winter.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have questions on events in Bellagio or would like to report any inaccuracies.
—
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Leave a Reply