Luci e Note di Natale
Edition 2026 Music Folk traditions Folklore

Luci e Note di Natale

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

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

About Luci e Note di Natale

From late November until Epiphany, Desenzano del Garda lights up with "Luci e Note di Natale": Christmas lights, artisan 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 in the harbour. A widespread Christmas that transforms the lakeside town into a stage of magic and lake atmosphere.

Christmas on Lake Garda

With the arrival of winter, Desenzano del Garda (province of Brescia) dons its most sparkling attire thanks to "Luci e Note di Natale", the Christmas event that enlivens the historic centre and the lakefront from late November until January 6th. Promoted by the Municipality together with local associations and traders, the festival combines Christmas lights, music, markets, and family attractions in one of the most picturesque towns on the lake.

The Squares of the Festival

The beating heart is Piazza Malvezzi, where the Christmas tree is located and where the lighting ceremony takes place with a travelling 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 Floating Nativity Scene

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 harbour offers one of the most evocative images of Christmas in the Garda region, 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 «G. B. Bosio» Civic Gallery hosts themed exhibitions. The artistic lighting, musical performances, and the crisp lake air create an intimate and cosy atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll among the lights. "Luci e Note di Natale" is now a regular event that attracts residents and visitors from all over the Brescia and Garda regions.

Luci e Note di Natale — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of "Luci e Note di Natale" will once again animate Desenzano del Garda from late November until Epiphany, with Christmas lights, an ice rink, Santa's Workshop at the Castle, markets, and a calendar of concerts between Piazza Malvezzi and Piazza Matteotti.

In 2026, Desenzano del Garda is preparing to experience its widespread Christmas with "Luci e Note di Natale". The event will again feature the lighting of the Christmas lights 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 harbour. Piazza Matteotti will host gospel concerts and musical events until New Year's Eve. 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 Luci e Note di Natale 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 Christmas lights and the tree in Piazza Malvezzi with a travelling 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 harbour
  • Gospel concerts and musical events in Piazza Matteotti
  • Christmas markets and exhibitions at the «G. B. Bosio» Civic Gallery
  • New Year's Eve celebrations in the square

Highlights Luci e Note di Natale 2026

Christmas lights in Piazza Malvezzi; ice rink; Santa's Workshop at the Castle; floating nativity scene; gospel concerts.

Prices Luci e Note di Natale 2026

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

Practical information — Luci e Note di Natale

Where

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

When

From late November to January 6th. Lighting ceremony and travelling 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 Milan–Venice line and by the A4 motorway exit. The historic centre is reachable on foot.

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Where does it take place — Luci e Note di Natale

Centro storico e lungolago di Desenzano

Piazza Malvezzi, 25015 Desenzano del Garda

Contact Luci e Note di Natale

Luci e Note di Natale in brief

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

History of Luci e Note di Natale