Patronal Feast of Saint Nicholas
Lecco celebrates its patron saint around the Basilica
About Feast of Saint Nicholas
The Patron Saint of Lecco
Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Lecco and his liturgical feast day falls on December 6th. Devotion to the saint is ancient and inextricably linked to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the city's mother church, whose very tall bell tower, nicknamed "il matitone" by the people of Lecco, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the urban landscape overlooking Lake Como.
A Week of Celebrations
The patronal feast is not confined to December 6th alone: for about a week, the center of Lecco buzzes with a dense series of religious and civil events. The central moment is the Solemn Holy Mass in the Basilica on the patron saint's day, but the calendar also includes concerts by the Philharmonic and the Choral Academy, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives at Palazzo delle Paure.
Civic Honors and the San Nicolò d'Oro
Among the most cherished events is the ceremony for the conferment of civic merits, with the awarding of the San Nicolò d'Oro to citizens who have distinguished themselves through social, cultural, or solidarity efforts. It is the way the Lecco community, on its patron saint's day, recognizes those who work for the common good.
The Start of Christmas
The Feast of Saint Nicholas also marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the city: the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza Mazzini, the inauguration of the Nativity Scene Exhibition, and the lights in the city center accompany the people of Lecco towards the holidays. It is a moment that blends the religious dimension with the community and festive one, in the heart of the Province of Lecco and the Lombardy Region.
Feast of Saint Nicholas — edition 2026
The 2026 Patronal Feast of Saint Nicholas takes place in Lecco around December 6th, the city's patron saint's day. As per consolidated tradition, the celebrations are spread over about a week, with the central moment being the Solemn Holy Mass in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas.
The calendar usually includes the ceremony for the conferment of civic merits with the awarding of the San Nicolò d'Oro, concerts by the Philharmonic and the Choral Academy, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and the inauguration of the Nativity Scene Exhibition. The precise program for the 2026 edition will be communicated by the Municipality of Lecco closer to the date.
Programme Feast of Saint Nicholas 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Municipality of Lecco in the weeks preceding the feast. The traditional structure of the celebrations includes:
- Inauguration of the Nativity Scene Exhibition at Palazzo delle Paure and lighting of the Christmas tree in the square
- Ceremony for the conferment of civic merits with the awarding of the San Nicolò d'Oro
- Solemn Holy Mass in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas on December 6th
- Concerts by the Giuseppe Verdi Philharmonic and the Lecco Choral Academy
Highlights Feast of Saint Nicholas 2026
Prices Feast of Saint Nicholas 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Nicholas
How to Get There
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is located in the historic center of Lecco, a few minutes' walk from the train station. The city can be reached by train from Milan and Bergamo and by car from the SS36.
Celebrations
Masses and religious ceremonies take place in the Basilica; concerts and exhibitions are held in city venues (Palazzo delle Paure, Centro civico Pertini). Events are generally free to enter.
Tip
Take advantage of your visit to climb to the panoramic terrace of the Basilica's bell tower, when open, for a unique view of the lake and mountains.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Nicholas
Basilica di San Nicolò
Piazza San Nicolò, 23900 Lecco