Magical and evocative moments, typical Christmas characters, events designed for all ages, with music, films and events dedicated to children. And then prizes and competitions. As per tradition, also this year in Lugano nothing is missing!

The Christmas Market

From 01.12 to 23.12, every day from 11:00 to 19:00 and on Christmas Eve, from 11:00 to 17:00
Local handicraft products, Christmas decorations and gastronomic specialties are the protagonists of the market. There are over 60 traditional wooden houses that will animate the center: in Piazza Manzoni, Piazza Dante along via Nassa and in Piazza San Carlo.

The tree

The tree will light up on December 1st in Piazza della Riforma. The usual lighting ceremony is not foreseen but during the day there will be itinerant entertainment with music and artistic performances in the streets of the Center to start the Christmas holidays. There will be activities dedicated to children in the Patio of the Town Hall.

Chalet of taste

From 01.12 to 01.01.2022, from 16:00 in Piazza della Riforma, appointment under the tree dedicated to gastronomy.
An ideal destination to savor winter delicacies, accompanied by a pleasant background music.

Christmas at the Patio

From 01.12 to 09.01.2022, in the structure set up in the Patio of Palazzo Civico, there will be many events for everyone: music, Christmas films and events dedicated to children. From December 24 to January 9, from 11:00 to 18:00, the tent hosts the Family Village, a space dedicated to families with games for all ages.

Enchanted Forest

From 01.12 to 09.01.2022, a luminous path through trees and flower beds leads to suggestive views and panoramic points of the Ciani Park. Accompanying the walk, the family of bright animals, which this year has new nice members.

Submerged nativity scene

From 19.12 to 06.01.2022, the charm of the submerged crib returns: once again this year the lake of Lugano hosts the floating statues of the Friends of the submerged crib. Until 6 January it will in fact be possible to admire the traditional figures of the nativity scene: Mary, Joseph, the Baby Jesus and the Magi. While during the day they seem to vanish into the lake water, in the evening it is possible to grasp their beauty thanks to powerful lights that illuminate them.
The project was carried out in collaboration with the Fishing Section of the Gulf of Lugano, the Lugano Sub Underwater Sports Center, the Federal Gymnastics Society of Lugano and Amici del Lago Ceresio.

Digital initiatives

From December 01.12 to December 24.12, the magic of Christmas can also be experienced with fun digital initiatives and fantastic prizes: the Advent calendar, the competition, and the Christmas treasure hunt.

Shopping in the city center

On 5, 8, 12 and 19 December, from 10:00 to 18:00, you can take advantage of the extraordinary openings of the shops in the center for your purchases.

The statements

Roberto Badaracco , Deputy Mayor and Head of the Department of Culture, Sports and Events: "This year, the city of Lugano will be able to experience the special Christmas atmosphere that defines this time of year through the market, traveling music, numerous events for adults and children, food chalets, and New Year's celebrations. Despite the organizational challenges posed by the current situation, the City is able to present a rich program, while respecting safety measures."

Claudio Chiapparino , Director of the Events and Conferences Division: "We thank all our collaborators for their great organizational work, carefully crafting attractions that ensure greater safety, even though we had to forgo some to avoid crowds and potentially risky situations. We also thank the residents and guests who will take advantage of these opportunities, thus contributing to the human warmth we so expect from these occasions."