Lights and Notes of Christmas
Edition 2026 Music Folk traditions Folklore

Lights and Notes of Christmas

Christmas in Desenzano del Garda with illuminations, music, and an ice rink

Desenzano del Garda — Brescia (017)
Dates 28 Nov โ€” 06 Jan 2027
Location Desenzano del Garda (017)
Prices Free
Status โ€”

About Lights and Notes of Christmas

From late November until Epiphany, Desenzano del Garda lights up with "Lights and Notes of Christmas": illuminations, craft markets, an ice-skating rink on the lakefront, and a packed calendar of concerts and shows. Piazza Malvezzi hosts the tree and the lighting ceremony, Piazza Matteotti hosts gospel concerts and musical events, and Piazza Cappelletti hosts the ice rink. Santa's Workshop comes alive at the Castle, while the floating Nativity scene is on the water in the harbor. A widespread Christmas that transforms the lakeside town into a stage of magic and lakeside atmosphere.

Christmas on Lake Garda

As winter arrives, Desenzano del Garda (province of Brescia) dons its most sparkling attire thanks to "Lights and Notes of Christmas", the Christmas event that enlivens the historic center and the lakefront from late November until January 6th. Promoted by the Municipality along with local associations and businesses, the festival combines illuminations, music, markets, and attractions for families in one of the lake's most picturesque towns.

The Squares of the Celebration

The pulsating heart is Piazza Malvezzi, where the Christmas tree is located and where the illuminations are switched on with a traveling opening show. Piazza Matteotti is the stage for concerts, from gospel choirs to musical performances, including New Year's Eve events. In Piazza Cappelletti, children and enthusiasts will find the ice-skating rink, one of the season's most beloved attractions.

Santa's Workshop and the Nativity Scene on the Water

Among the unmissable stops is the Castle of Desenzano, which hosts Santa's Workshop with the reindeer station, the elves' workshop, and photo areas for children. On the lakefront, the floating Nativity scene in the harbor offers one of the most evocative images of Christmas on Lake Garda, a symbol of the deep bond between Desenzano and its lake.

Markets, Exhibitions, and Atmosphere

Along the streets and the lakefront, Christmas markets offer artisan products and gift ideas, while the Civic Gallery "G. B. Bosio" hosts themed exhibitions. The artistic lighting, musical performances, and the crisp lakeside air create an intimate and cozy atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll among the lights. "Lights and Notes of Christmas" is now a regular event that attracts residents and visitors from all over the Brescia and Garda region.

Lights and Notes of Christmas โ€” edition 2026

The 2026 edition of "Lights and Notes of Christmas" will once again animate Desenzano del Garda from late November until Epiphany, featuring illuminations, an ice rink, Santa's Workshop at the Castle, markets, and a calendar of concerts in Piazza Malvezzi and Piazza Matteotti.

In 2026, Desenzano del Garda is preparing to experience its widespread Christmas with "Lights and Notes of Christmas." The event will again feature the lighting of the illuminations and the tree in Piazza Malvezzi, the ice-skating rink in Piazza Cappelletti, Santa's Workshop at the Castle, and the floating Nativity scene in the harbor. Piazza Matteotti will host gospel concerts and musical events until New Year's. The detailed program, with dates and times for shows, markets, and attractions, will be published by the Municipality in the weeks preceding the event's start.

Programme Lights and Notes of Christmas 2026

The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced by the Municipality of Desenzano del Garda in the weeks preceding the event's start (late November).

Usual Structure

  • Lighting of the illuminations and the tree in Piazza Malvezzi with a traveling opening show
  • Ice-skating rink in Piazza Cappelletti
  • Santa's Workshop at the Castle (reindeer station, elves' workshop, photo areas)
  • Floating Nativity scene in the harbor
  • Gospel concerts and musical events in Piazza Matteotti
  • Christmas markets and exhibitions at the Civic Gallery "G. B. Bosio"
  • New Year's Eve celebrations in the square

Highlights Lights and Notes of Christmas 2026

Illuminations in Piazza Malvezzi; ice-skating rink; Santa's Workshop at the Castle; floating Nativity scene; gospel concerts.

Prices Lights and Notes of Christmas 2026

Free scattered events; ice rink and some attractions are paid.

Practical information — Lights and Notes of Christmas

Where

Historic center and lakefront of Desenzano del Garda (BS): Piazza Malvezzi, Piazza Matteotti, Piazza Cappelletti, Castle.

When

From late November to January 6th. Lighting ceremony and traveling opening show in late November.

Admission

The scattered events are free; the ice rink and some attractions have a fee.

How to get there

Desenzano is served by the train station on the Milanโ€“Venice line and by the A4 highway exit. The historic center is reachable on foot.

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Where does it take place โ€” Lights and Notes of Christmas

Centro storico e lungolago di Desenzano

Piazza Malvezzi, 25015 Desenzano del Garda

Contact Lights and Notes of Christmas

Lights and Notes of Christmas in brief

Music Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Art crafts Crafts Outdoor Night Brescia

History of Lights and Notes of Christmas