With the arrival of December, Lugano once again transforms into a bright and welcoming setting thanks to the Christmas in the Square events, the event that will liven up the city centre until January 6th With lights, stalls, food stalls, and activities designed for audiences of all ages, the first week of the month, from December 1st to 7th, offers a packed calendar of events, including musical performances, cultural events, charity initiatives, and family attractions.
Markets, chalets and attractions in the heart of the city
The main streets host the traditional Christmas market, with stalls spread across Via Nassa, Piazzetta Maraini, Piazza Dante, and Via Luvini , alongside a shop in Piazza Manzoni that will remain open until January 6th. The food stalls in Piazza della Riforma , open until late at night, offer fondue, raclette, and seasonal specialties, adding to the square's convivial atmosphere.
In Ciani Park , the ice skating rink and mini-golf course are among the most popular attractions. Next door is the Winter Garden , with a crêperie and the Baracca au Fromage , where you can enjoy traditional dishes in a charming setting.
The RSI Chalet and daily live broadcasts
From 1st to 24th December it Chalet RSI returns to Piazza della Riforma with live broadcasts from Monday to Friday, between 17:00 PM and 19:00 PM. Real time of Rete Uno and The Charlatans from Rete Tre will accompany visitors in the late afternoon hours, while each day a box in the Advent calendar will reveal one of the faces of RSI.
A special link of the broadcast is scheduled for Monday, December 1st We are out on RSI LA1, live between 17:00 PM and 18:00 PM.
Christmas events in Lugano's main square from December 1st to 7th
Signature panettone
Saturday 6 December theCiani Asylum home Signature panettone, an event dedicated to the excellence of Ticino's master bakers and pastry chefs. From 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m., the public can taste artisanal products and visit the market.
Organization: Quality Guarantee Mark Commission SMPPC – Society of Master Bakers, Pastry Chefs, Confectioners of the Canton of Ticino.
Telethon in Piazza Rezzonico
On December 6th, starting at 11:30 a.m., Telethon is hosting a fundraising initiative to support children and families affected by rare genetic diseases. The day will culminate with the traditional Santa Claus Motorcycle Parade , which will wind through the city center.
Concerts in the churches of the center
On December 6 and 7, the churches of S. Antonio, S. Carlo, S. Maria degli Angioli, S. Rocco and dell'Immacolata will host A Christmas Carol , a series of short choral concerts dedicated to Christmas carols.
Children's workshops at Ideatorio
Always on December 6th and 7th, at theIdeatorio of Cadro Creative workshops are offered dedicated to the creation of animated Christmas cards.
Information: ideatorio.usi.ch
Workshop at the LAC
Sunday, December 7th, at 10:30 am, LACedu organizes a workshop inspired by the Richard Paul Lohse exhibition currently underway at the Museo d'arte della Svizzera italiana. Participants will make decorations for the LAC's tree.
Subscribers: luganolac.ch
Coca-Cola Christmas Truck
On Sunday, December 7th, from 14:00 PM to 20:00 PM, the famous Coca-Cola Christmas Truck returns to the lakeside . Visitors can take a photo with Santa, personalize a can, send a postcard from the North Pole, and experience a virtual ride on his sleigh. For the event, the lakeside will be closed to traffic from 10:00 AM to 22:00 PM.
A digital Advent calendar
From December 1st to 24th, Lugano Eventi's digital Advent Calendar will be available again , published daily on Instagram: @luganoeventi . Prizes and surprises are up for grabs.
Activities and opening hours
Christmas market
Nassa Street, Maraini Square, Dante Square, Luvini Street
November 27.11th, 23.12.2025 – November 10th, 00 | 18:00 a.m. – XNUMX:XNUMX p.m
24.12.2025 | 10: 00 - 17: 00
Piazza Manzoni
November 27, 2025 – January 6, 2026 (closed December 25)
11:00 – 19:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun)
11:00 – 20:00 (Thu, Fri, Sat)
24.12.2025 | 11: 00 - 17: 00
December 25, 2025 | closed
Gastronomic Chalets – Piazza della Riforma
27.11.2025 - 04.01.2026
3.00pm – 12.00am (Mon, Tue, Wed)
15:00 PM – 01:00 AM (Thu, Fri, days before holidays)
11:00 – 01:00 (Sat)
11:00 – 22:00 (Sundays, holidays)
Projections – Piazza della Riforma
November 28.11.2025th, 06.01.2026 – November 17th, 00 | 01:00 a.m. – XNUMX:XNUMX p.m
Ice Village (rink and minigolf) – Ciani Park
27.11 - 22.12.2025
4pm – 9pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri)
12:00 – 21:00 (Wed)
10:00 – 21:00 (Sat, Sun)
23.12.2025 - 06.01.2026
Every day 10:00 – 21:00
07.01 - 01.02.2026
12:00 – 21:00 (Wed)
10:00 – 21:00 (Sat, Sun)
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In case of bad weather, the track and minigolf course remain closed.
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The park closes at 22:30 pm.
Partners and sponsors
The event is organized by the Events and Congress Division of the City of Lugano , with the support of BancaStato, Lugano Region, AIL, and media partner RSI. The screenings in Piazza della Riforma are made possible thanks to the support of UBS, BancaStato, and BG Suisse Private Bank.
