Città dei Balocchi — Christmas in Como
Como's grand Christmas with markets, lights, and videomapping
About Città dei Balocchi
The Christmas that lights up Como
Città dei Balocchi is the most important Christmas event in Como and one of the most well-known in Lombardy. Organized by the Consorzio Como Turistica with the support of the city, it enlivens the historic center for over a month, transforming it into a large festive village with lights, decorations, and widespread events.
Christmas Markets, Ice Rink, and Duomo Tree
The heart of the celebration is the Christmas markets, with wooden stalls offering crafts and food in Piazza Perretta and Piazza Cavour, the ice-skating rink, and the lighting of the large tree in Piazza Duomo, a symbolic moment marking the event's start in early December. There are also workshops, magic shows, and entertainment for children.
The Magic Light Festival
The most spectacular element is the Magic Light Festival: evocative videomapping projected onto the monuments of the center—the Broletto, Porta Torre, historic facades—which attract thousands of people every evening with light shows and visual storytelling. Between concerts in the Cathedral and New Year's Eve celebrations on the lake, Città dei Balocchi makes Como, in the province and region, one of the most beloved destinations for Italian Christmas. Admission is free.
Città dei Balocchi — edition 2026
Città dei Balocchi 2026-2027 returns to light up Como's Christmas from Advent until January 6th. Confirmed are the Christmas markets with artisan and food stalls, the ice-skating rink, the lighting of the tree in Piazza Duomo, and the Magic Light Festival with videomapping on the historic center's monumental buildings. Among concerts, workshops, and children's entertainment, the event reaffirms its widespread and free formula. Precise dates will be announced by Consorzio Como Turistica.
Programme Città dei Balocchi 2026
The event unfolds throughout the entire Christmas period, from late November 2026 to January 6, 2027. The main elements are:
- Christmas markets in Piazza Perretta and Piazza Cavour (artisan and food stalls)
- Lighting of the tree in Piazza Duomo, in early December
- Magic Light Festival: evening videomapping on monuments (Broletto, Porta Torre, historic facades)
- Ice-skating rink
- Workshops, magic shows, and entertainment for children
- Christmas concert in the Cathedral and New Year's Eve celebrations on the lake
The detailed calendar and times will be published by Consorzio Como Turistica closer to the start.
Highlights Città dei Balocchi 2026
The Magic Light Festival with videomapping on the city's monuments and the lighting of the tree in Piazza Duomo.
Prices Città dei Balocchi 2026
Practical information — Città dei Balocchi
Getting Here
The event takes place in the historic center of Como, reachable by train (Como San Giovanni and Como Nord Lago stations) and by car from the A9 motorway (Como Centro or Lago di Como exits). During the event, parking is available (Autosilo Valmulini, Sant'Abbondio, Centro Lago, Villa Olmo) with shuttle services.
Admission
Access to the markets, lights, and Magic Light Festival is free. Some activities, such as the ice-skating rink, require a fee.
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Where does it take place — Città dei Balocchi
Centro storico (Piazza Duomo, Cavour, Perretta, Broletto)
Centro storico, 22100 Como