Città dei Balocchi — Natale a Como
Como's grand Christmas with markets, lights, and videomapping
About Città dei Balocchi
The Christmas that lights up Como
La Città dei Balocchi is Como's most important Christmas event and one of Lombardy's best-known. Organised by the Consorzio Como Turistica with the city's support, it enlivens the historic centre for over a month, transforming it into a large festive village with lights, decorations, and widespread events.
Markets, Ice Rink, and the 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 city centre—the Broletto, Porta Torre, historic facades—which draws thousands of people every evening with light shows and visual storytelling. With concerts in the Cathedral and New Year's Eve celebrations on the lake, La Città dei Balocchi makes Como, in its province and region, one of the most beloved destinations for Italian Christmas. Admission is free.
Città dei Balocchi — edition 2026
La Città dei Balocchi 2026-2027 returns to light up Como's Christmas from Advent until January 6th. Confirmed are the Christmas markets with craft and food stalls, the ice-skating rink, the lighting of the tree in Piazza Duomo, and the Magic Light Festival with videomapping on the monumental buildings of the city centre. Among concerts, workshops, and children's entertainment, the event reaffirms its widespread and free formula. Precise dates will be announced by the Consorzio Como Turistica.
Programme Città dei Balocchi 2026
The event runs throughout the Christmas period, from late November 2026 to January 6, 2027. The main elements are:
- Christmas markets in Piazza Perretta and Piazza Cavour (craft 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 schedule and times will be published by the Consorzio Como Turistica closer to the start date.
Highlights Città dei Balocchi 2026
The Magic Light Festival with videomapping on the city centre'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 centre 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, are subject to a fee.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Città dei Balocchi
Centro storico (Piazza Duomo, Cavour, Perretta, Broletto)
Centro storico, 22100 Como