10 tips for getting the very best out of December

Enjoy the festive season in the mild climate of the south

Tips for December and around Christmas

The month of December is an exciting time in Ticino. The south of Switzerland is known for its sunny weather, mild climate and Mediterranean winters. Both Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano sparkle in the winter sun, with the lights of the beautifully decorated Christmas trees vying to outdo each other to brighten up the regions’ town centres. And although the days may be getting shorter, there’s still plenty of time to walk around the colourful stands of Ticino’s Christmas markets to find that perfect gift for a loved one and to enjoy a handful of hot, aromatic roast chestnuts. The run-up to Christmas sees a packed calendar full of events, concerts and exhibitions that are well-worth taking a few moments out of your Christmas preparations to enjoy. Here are a few tips and experiences that visitors can experience in Ticino in December. It’ll be difficult to choose between them all! 

1. Try a delicious panettone

1. Try a delicious panettone

Quite simply, this is the traditional Italian Christmas cake (originating in Milan). According to the legend, a baker by the name of Antonio created it to show just how much he was smitten by his beloved. Panettone can be found in numerous bakeries across Ticino, where it is baked with love using the finest ingredients. It is best enjoyed at the end of a celebratory meal surrounded by your loved ones. The recipe is a well-kept secret unique to each baker.

2. Take in the Christmas air in Lugano

  • Lugano

2. Take in the Christmas air in Lugano

“Christmas is in the Air” is a guided city tour around the festively decorated city centre of Lugano. Not only does the lakefront promenade with its stunning views over the snow-capped peaks and wintry glittering Lake Lugano below really show off its best side, the alleyways of the city centre and the evergreen Parco Ciani city park also delight visitors on the walk. The Via Nassa is the perfect place to try and find that perfect Christmas gift, either in one of its delightful boutiques or from the traditional Christmas market. Takes place every Saturday in December upon reservation.

3. Enjoy a gospel concert in Bellinzona

  • Bellinzona

3. Enjoy a gospel concert in Bellinzona

Gospel concerts have taken place in the southernmost area of Switzerland for over 30 years. This cherished tradition delights both locals and visitors alike. Enjoy getting swept along with the energy and spiritual cheerfulness of the music with its heartfelt performance that never fails to cheer the heart of every visitor. This is just the tip for you if you’re looking to really get in the Christmas spirit. The concerts take place on different dates in and around Bellinzona.

4. Cribwith at Corippo

4. Cribwith at Corippo

Corippo is a delightful village in the heart of the Verzasca Valley. Life in this village, an architectural monument protected since 1975, is synonymous with quiet, nature and peace. It has just over 10 inhabitants and has made headlines for the opening of the Albergo Diffuso, a hotel with rooms in characteristic rustic buildings scattered throughout the village and a cosy tavern. During the Christmas period, you can visit a beautiful nativity scene set up by a group of volunteers in the village church.

5. Gift a little piece of Ticino in December

5. Gift a little piece of Ticino in December

Looking for a good tip for a small gift for a loved one? Then make sure you check out the Ticino Shop. It’s full of great gifts to either help remind a loved one of holidays in Ticino or to get them in the mood for an upcoming visit to the region. A fine Merlot, for example, tastes much better in Ticino red wine glasses or any home office would be proud to boast a vintage tourist poster hanging on the walls. Take a look in the “Set” section and see if anything catches your eye.

6. Give into temptation of local Christmas biscuits

6. Give into temptation of local Christmas biscuits

Of course you can find biscuits all across Ticino’s traditional bakeries or at one of its Christmas fairs – these sweet treats can be found practically everywhere. Typical Ticino biscuits such as pastefrolle from the Val Bedretto region or farina bona biscuits can be enjoyed year-round. But why not surprise your loved ones at Christmas with home-baked biscuits! Here is a small selection of typical Christmas treats that every self-respecting Ticino local has at least one pack of under the tree.

7. Take a stroll along the Nativity trail

  • Vira

7. Take a stroll along the Nativity trail

Between mid-December and up to the Feast of the Epiphany in January, don’t miss a visit to the centre of Vira Gambarogno. The mild weather in December is perfect for spending a little time outside. Every year, the village’s inhabitants decorate the narrow streets, squares and doorways with lovingly made Nativity scenes. Each one is completely different and can be found in some very unexpected places in these Ticino houses, but you can be sure that all of them have been set up with the greatest care and attention. Do not miss out on this magical depiction of the famous story of the Nativity when visiting Ticino in December.

8. Breathe in the sparkling winter air

8. Breathe in the sparkling winter air

Ticino is the southernmost canton in Switzerland and enjoys a mild climate even in winter. Even if the days are short, it is pleasant to be outdoors and take walks in a Mediterranean environment. If you are in the mood for real winter, just climb up. The peaks of Ticino are beginning to turn white and invite you to go hiking on beaten winter trails or in the fresh snow with snowshoes on your feet. Here are some routes, also available in the SwitzerlandMobility app, for wonderful winter hikes.

9. Ascona runs

  • Ascona

9. Ascona runs

Since 1980, the legendary 'Corsa da Natal' has been held on the Sunday before Christmas. This popular race runs through the festively decorated streets of the picturesque village of Ascona and is the oldest of its kind in the canton. The romantic Christmas-decorated streets transport the runners into a fairytale world that enchants them year after year. From toddlers to grandparents, professionals to amateur runners: there is something for everyone. Warm up your muscles and take part in this special experience!

10. Mingle with the locals at a Christmas market

  • Ticino

10. Mingle with the locals at a Christmas market

The largest Christmas markets in the main towns of Ticino are open throughout the whole month of December. However, there are also numerous small, local Advent markets on different dates which are often run by local parents’ groups, school initiatives and non-profit associations. Sometimes they can be weather-dependent, but are generally meant to take place on a particular date. How good is your Italian? Speaking a few words might help make it easier to purchase that gift you’ve got your eye on. If not – just gesture with your hand and feet in an Italian fashion to get your message across. Here is a list with the numerous small village markets which will be held in the run-up to Christmas in Ticino. Just take a look!

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