Christmas in Lugano comes alive with a long weekend of events in the evocative setting of Piazza della Riforma. With the traditional decorated tree as a backdrop, the square is transformed into a magical place, full of Christmas markets, gastronomic delights, live music and activities for the whole family.
Wednesday 6 December: discovering Robert Wilson's animal stories
Wednesday opens with Robert Wilson's fascinating exhibition, “Panther Owls Elk – Animal Stories,” at LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura from 11 a.m. to 00 p.m. An immersive experience among snowy owls, black panthers and Rocky Mountain elk.
Christmas markets and culinary delights extend across the city centre, with Rudolph – Winter Bistrot in Piazza Manzoni and the charming Chalet del Gusto in Piazza della Riforma, open until midnight.
Furthermore, don't miss the San Nicolao Cruise at 14pm, starting from the central Lugano Imbarcadero, and the musical event "Let's wait for Christmas with Musicantis" at the Baita di Piazza Manzoni at 40pm, 15pm and 00pm: 16.
The day ends with the evocative "Enchanted forest and story-telling tree" in Ciani Park from 17pm to 00pm.
Thursday 7 December: music and Christmas atmosphere
Thursday is dedicated to the Christmas markets that enliven the city center and Piazza Manzoni. Don't miss the DJ set under the tree with DJ Giorgina and Sax Bella in Piazza della Riforma from 18pm to 30pm.
The “Enchanted Forest and Storyteller Tree” in Ciani Park continues from 17pm to 00pm, offering moments of magic and poetry.
Friday 8 December: creative workshops and markets
Friday begins with the Food and Flower Market in various squares of the city, followed by the Christmas markets and culinary offerings in various squares, including the Chalet del Gusto open until midnight in Piazza della Riforma.
For the little ones, appointment with the "Christmas storytelling in English" at 11:00 and the creative laboratory "A World Full of Winter Stories and creative Lab" at 16:00, both at the Baita di Piazza Manzoni.
The day ends with musical events in different parts of the city, including “White Carols” and “Zampognari del Piano” in the city centre, GL.EM Acoustic Duo in Piazza della Riforma and a DJ set under the tree with DJ Tom Alemanno from 20pm to 00am.
Saturday 9 December: lights, markets and the magic of Christmas in Lugano
Saturday opens with the evocative "Video Mapping Show" on the facade of the Town Hall in Piazza della Riforma from 17pm to 00pm. Light projections create a fantastic scenario accompanied by Christmas music.
The day is full of events, with antique and craft markets, Christmas markets, and culinary offerings in various squares. At the Baita di Piazza Manzoni, children can have fun with the workshop "A chalet made of bricks!" from 11:00 to 17:00.
There is no shortage of music with the band, DJ sets under the tree and other traveling performances.
Sunday 10 December: surprises and family atmosphere
Sunday is dedicated to families with the "Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour" in Piazza Manzoni from 14pm to 00pm. The Coca Cola Christmas truck brings with it gifts and surprises for adults and children.
The Christmas markets extend to the Maghetti District and the city center, while the Chalet del Gusto in Piazza della Riforma remains open until midnight. At the Baita di Piazza Manzoni, the Teatro della Zucca presents animated readings and creative workshops for the little ones.
The music closes the weekend with performances by the Quintettensemble in various areas of the city and a DJ set under the tree with DJ Asamö from 20pm to midnight in Piazza della Riforma.
For more details on events, visit dedicated website and participate in the prize competition of Digital advent calendar. For Family activities at the Baita di Piazza Manzoni, places are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
