Christmas in Ticino is magical. Imagine palm trees by the lake, the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, coloured lights and the enveloping smell of cinnamon in the air. Panettone in every shape and form and Christmas events capable of entertaining the public, from the youngest to the oldest.

As Christmas in Ticino is a very special occasion, I have decided to propose some initiatives and activities that you can do during the month of December, until the Epiphany. Starting from a walk...

Vira and its cribs

Vira is a small village on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Old houses and narrow streets characterise the centre of the village, which during the Christmas period becomes the village of cribs. The perfect place to visit if for you Christmas means family, meeting, joy and serenity.

Locarno On Ice

The most magical winter atmosphere can be found in Locarno with Locarno on Ice. This is an event in which Piazza Grande becomes an open-air living room, with red carpets, a romantic ice skating rink and igloo bars to shelter from the cold, sipping a nice hot chocolate or mulled wine, but where pleasant aperitifs are also organised. The centre of Locarno is thus enveloped in a magical atmosphere and the impression is that of being in a fairy tale, with lots of lights and Christmas decorations, as well as a stage on which artists and singers perform. At the same time, small chalets offer typical local products.

Gospel & spirituals in Bellinzona

Christmas is not Christmas without a Gospel concert and that is why in Bellinzona, for thirty years, the Free Green Music has organised six Gospel concerts during the month of December. It will be possible to listen to some of the best groups of the international artistic scene that will perform in a tour in Ticino between Losone, Bellinzona, Locarno, Airolo and San Bernardino.
Tickets are available for pre-sale and due to the high demand it is better to reserve your seats in advance.

The crib street in Moghegno

Those who want an artisanal experience should go to Moghegno, which has been presenting its own personal vision of the nativity scene in the streets of the town centre for over thirty years. The route starts at the parish church and then continues - follow the red arrows - through the village. For those who wish, there is also a map on which all the attractions of the crib trail are indicated.
The inauguration is on 11 December, and entertainment and concerts are organised on the occasion of this event, starting at 17:00.

Lugano & its lights

From 1 December Lugano lights up with warm lights and colourful decorations that transform the city into a magical place. Piazza della Riforma is set up with a large Christmas tree and numerous luminous applications make the centre more welcoming during the festivities. Ciani Park will also host joyful attractions for children, who will be able to venture into an enchanted forest, a path with many corners to discover to spend a cheerful evening with the whole family. In addition, from 1 December to 6 January, Lugano organises Christmas in the Square with shows and events, such as the Christmas market that will warm up the streets of the centre. In the small wooden houses, located between Piazza Manzoni, Piazza della Riforma, Piazzetta Maraini, Piazza San Carlo and Dante, and Via Nassa, it is possible to go shopping, buying typical products, but also Christmas decorative objects.

A maze of lights, scents and sounds for the joy of the whole family; the perfect place to shop before the holidays, find interesting gift ideas or simply spend a pleasant evening in an engaging environment. All the unmissable events of the Christmas season are posted in the Christmas tent at the Patio: numerous concerts, Christmas films, digital events and competitions with prizes such as a treasure hunt. Since mid-December the city has been offering a special display that can only be seen in Lugano, the Underwater Crib. It consists of installations depicting Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the Magi, positioned on the shore of Lake Maggiore. During the day, the statues are almost completely covered by water, but at night - thanks to powerful floodlights - they express all their beauty. To encourage Christmas shopping, the shops in the centre remain open on Sundays in December, making Lugano lively and active even at weekends.

Christmas foods not to be missed

Traditions are also related to food, and at Christmas there are some delicacies that cannot be missed. The typical Christmas meal that is cooked today in Ticino is very different from what was prepared in the past. The past centuries were characterised by simplicity and poverty, so Christmas was one of the few occasions when meat could be eaten "ul di da la carna", a dialect expression indicating the day when meat is eaten. On the peasant tables they served risotto, a special bread made with sultanas and walnut oil, ricotta, mortadella with potatoes, goose, game, capon and then for dessert panettone and spampezi, a typical Leventina cake made with walnuts, honey and spices. Today's culinary tradition is a little different, but just as exciting.

The starter usually starts with fish, canapés and salads dressed with salmon, octopus or scallops. The first course - cooked by most Ticino families - is broth with tortellini, but many follow the oldest canons, opting for risotto. Usually, as the main course, it is back to meat, with a capon stuffed with chestnuts and sausages. There is also the dessert par excellence: panettone. The occasion to remember that this year the society of Mastri Panettieri Pasticcieri Confettieri del Cantone Ticino celebrates its 100 years and will award the prize for the best panettone in Ticino, a choice made hard by the excellent quality present throughout the territory.

Happy holidays to all and I wish you a magical Christmas
Pamela Pintus

Further information:
Nativity scenes in Vira: www.ticino.ch
Locarno on Ice: www.locarno-on-ice.ch
Gospel & Spirituals in Bellinzona: www.freegreen.ch
Via dei Presepi Moghegno: www.ticino.ch
Lugano: luganoeventi.ch