Christmas 2024 in Locarno promises to be an extraordinary experience: the city will be transformed into a veritable “winter wonderland,” with sparkling decorations and numerous events designed for all ages!
Decorations and Christmas Atmosphere
The streets of the Old Town will be decorated with warm, festive lights, while shop windows will be decked out with charming Christmas decorations. Along the lake promenade, lights reflecting on the water will help create a fairytale atmosphere. Houses and streets will be enveloped in the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, a classic that evokes the warmth of the festive season.
Attractions: Winterland 2024/25
One of the main new features this year is Winterland, an event that will take place from November 21, 2024, to January 6, 2025, in Piazza Grande. Among the main attractions are:
- Audiovisual show “Un abbraccio di stelle” (A hug of stars): a luminous fairy tale projected onto the facade of the Town Hall every hour starting at 5:30 p.m., transforming the square into an open-air theater.
- Ice skating rink: access to the rink is free, with skate rental available for only CHF 5.
- Kamikice: a spiral slide for the more daring, ideal for those looking for an adrenaline rush (5 CHF per ride).
- Handcrafted carousel: a traditional double-decker carousel, perfect for adults and children (5 CHF per ride).
- Live concerts: local and international artists will perform in a transparent pavilion, ensuring shows even in case of bad weather.
- Gastronomy and pop-up restaurants: from chalets offering cheese fondue to an igloo for fondue chinoise, the culinary options are numerous. There is no shortage of street food stalls offering winter specialties, crêpes, raclette, and unique cocktails.
The Christmas Market
The Old Town will host the traditional Christmas Market, an unmissable opportunity to find unique gifts and handcrafted products. The stalls will offer art objects, Christmas decorations, and culinary delicacies, from sweet specialties to traditional dishes such as raclette and minestrone.
