Why This December You Shouldn’t Miss "Como Città dei Balocchi" Event
Image via Como Città dei Balocchi Facebook page
Let’s face it: at Christmas we all turn kids again, somehow.
This is even more true if you think that Como Città dei Balocchi (literally “City of Playthings”) festival, last year, gathered 2.300.000 people in Piazza Cavour (and more than 500.000 in Piazza San Fedele - Source: comozero.it), all looking up at the magical lights show that gave life to historical centre of Como.
This long-awaited event, this year at its 26th edition, is organized by Como Consorzio Turistica and will start on November 23rd up to January 6.
Image via Como Città dei Balocchi Facebook page
The core of the event is the Magical Light Festival, with colorful lights dressing the monuments and the charming buildings in the centre of the city; last year, the monuments literally came to life with voices that explained to the huge audience their stories. It’s a matter of fact: the architectural projections and video mapping enchant everyone, from children to adults.
But you won’t find just the lights show: there are more than 100 Christmas markets - all organized in lovely wooden little houses - selling local specialties and unique craft products. Wandering around them with a scalding mulled wine is one of the best way to dive into the holiday mood! It may interest you to know that the Christmas markets of Como are among the most visited of Italy!
For all children (and adults, why not), you’ll also find the traditional ice rink; finally, the panoramic wheel will enable you to get an unforgettable view over the city and the lake.
Practical tips to enjoy the event in Como at its best
Image by Bob Cullinan
A quite important tip from us: avoid this event on 8th/9th of December (Immaculate). Last year our team went there and it was pretty much impossible even to walk and see the products of the markets. Those are definitely the must-avoid holiday days to enjoy the festival in Como. Better if you find a way to go there during the weekdays, avoiding the hordes of the weekend tourists.
Parking is another issue you have to take into consideration. Forget your car at home and consider to take the ferry or the bus to reach the city! For all information on this, monitor the official website of the event, where the full program - including all the logistic tips to reach the event - will be published.
What’s more… Lake Como Christmas Light
Image by Monica Arnott (via Como Città dei Balocchi Facebook page)
Do you think that’s all for the unmissable events at Lake Como this Christmas? It’s not.
Alongside the huge event in Como, this year, from November 29 the Lake Como Christmas Lights festival will illuminate the villages of the centre area of the lake. The dynamic is pretty much the same of the one used in Como: we’re talking about the technique of the artistic architecture.
So the charming waterfront hamlets of our coasts will have a special, shiny dress during these holidays: you’ll see, in particular, some of the most popular and romantic spots - like the Civera bridge in Nesso, Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello in Tremezzina, to name but a few - flooded with a breathtaking trick of lights. The locations involved are 40, including Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Menaggio, Tremezzina, Bellagio, Varenna, Torno, Argegno, and many more.
Interestingly, it will be possible to enjoy this show with special cruises organized during the weekends by Navigazione Lago di Como.
Ready to see Lake Como villages and their exclusive locations become little, colorful nativities for a month? We are!
Image via Como Città dei Balocchi Facebook page
Preview post Image credit: Qui Como
Are you planning a trip to Lake Como during Christmas holiday for your house hunting and you need helpful tips to enjoy the best of the lake?