The winter season is getting closer and closer, and many will already be wondering what to organise for their Christmas holidays. So why not spend the winter in Ticino and enjoy days with pleasant temperatures, immersing yourself in a picturesque world that, especially during the winter months, offers a magical and suggestive atmosphere?

Ticino can offer unique emotions even in winter, and in this section, you can discover some of the most popular experiences in this region located south of the Swiss Alps.

The ice village in Locarno

Locarno, from 18 November 2022 to 8 January 2023

From November - until the first week of January - it will be possible to visit "Locarno On Ice", a fantastic ice rink set up on the Piazza Grande and wholly immersed in the warm Christmas atmosphere. Many wooden “little houses” will offer typical local products, a hot chocolate, or a glass of mulled wine. Throughout the period, evening events with live music will be organised, and entertainment shows for children in the afternoon.
www.locarno-on-ice.ch

Christmas is in the air on the streets of Lugano

Lugano, every Saturday, from 3 Dezember 2022 to 7 January 2023

For a whole month, starting from the first week of December, the streets of Lugano will breathe festive and Christmas air; it is impossible not to be enchanted by the thousands of coloured lights, Christmas markets and the splendid tree set up in Piazza Riforma. The streets of Lugano will change the atmosphere and take on a different scent, the unmistakable smell of cinnamon sweets and mulled wine. For those madly in love with Christmas, it is unthinkable to miss the free city tour called "Christmas is in the air," which starts from Piazza Riforma.
www.luganoregion.com
www.myswitzerland.com

Enchanting theatrical performances in Bellinzona

Bellinzona, from 13 to 14 January 2023

Lovers of ice skating will not be able to miss the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful shows ever: on January 13, and 14 in the Bellinzona Sports Center are scheduled two evenings that will take your breath away. "Music on Ice" is a skating show and is considered among the most beautiful and unique because it combines two categories: athletes and actors. The performance takes place entirely on ice, and the theatrical artistic performances, scenography services, costumes, catering, lighting, sound, and media contribute to creating a new vision of the shows.
www.incitta.ch

Mendrisio & its markets

Christmas markets are an unmistakable icon throughout Ticino; certainly, Mendrisio can be no exception. In the Piazzale area and around the city's Town Hall on the first Saturday of the month, all the artisans and restaurateurs will set up wooden "little houses" in typical Christmas style.
All attending can taste the local cuisine or observe wonderful carving works and decorations.
www.mendrisiottoturismo.ch

Hiking trails

For lovers of nature and beautiful landscapes, there is the Airolo - Pesciüm trail, which is located on the Gotthard massif. From here, hikers can enjoy a unique view and admire the whitewashed Swiss Alps. The spot can be reached by cable car that takes you to the top of the mountain and then descends via the circular trail traverses the wilderness completely relaxingly.
The Verzasca Valley Winter Trail is another outstanding route for hikers, and the valley can be admired in all its glory during the least crowded time of the year. The trail runs along the valley floor beyond the famous double-arched bridge in Lavertezzo. Not far from the road axis, the flow of the Verzasca River makes for a unique and invigorating atmosphere. Green waters colour the calm, whitewashed landscape.
www.airolo.ch
www.ascona-locarno.com

Whether you are a hiker or a lover of Christmas and the various typical markets or looking for good food or a magical and relaxing atmosphere, Ticino is undoubtedly the ideal place to spend this time of year.

Have a wonderful winter and a magnificent happy new year by Pamela Pintus