A city touched with hints of light
During Christmas time Varese lights up with elegant lights,
a sophisticated touch to underline the magic of Christmas.
A city touched with hints of light
Corso Matteotti in centro a Varese
I Giardini Estensi illuminati dalle luci di Natale
Piazza Monte Grappa
Mercatini di Natale in piazza Monte Grappa
Via San Martino a Varese
Dettaglio di un presepe
Alberto di Natale al Palace
Il Palace d'Inverno
Varese has always been a discreet and elegant city.
Lively in terms of culture and attractions, but never looking in a show-off way.
On the contrary, it claimed the saying “less is more”.
The only exception, albeit with the typical sophisticated approach, is Christmas, when some parts of the city are dressed in lights that enhance the charm of the night.
The lights, strategically set to magically dress the beauties of the city and the most beautiful artistic places of the province, offer a show that attracts thousands of people every year.
Probably the most evocative place is the Palazzo Estense, with its gardens: we invite you to find out a path that seems to welcome you into a fairy world, just when daylight falls.
The clear-cut geometries of the Italian garden give way to soft luminous spheres: these are the bushes, decorated with garlands of lights, that seem to come to life during the transition from day to evening.
Every year, some details of the layout changes, and you might happen to see a few reindeer in the avenues.
From the center of the park, bundles of light rise from the fountain towards the sky, in a meaningful momentum.
The decoration of the city center is lively: the walk under the lights becomes an opportunity to taste local specialties, to buy last-minute gifts or simply giving yourself a gift, because sometimes it’s nice to pampering yourself.
The square and the streets of the center are decorated with garlands and lights, but we suggest you in particular to cross via S. Martino, which is decorated with luminous phrases, which reproduce the text “At Christmas you can …”
An impressive setting.
The attractions in the Province of Varese are not far behind the city’s ones: traditional festivals, craft markets, nativity scenes set up in churches and on street corners offer starting points to enjoy every weekend in December.
There are also several music initiatives: from gospel choirs to the characteristic “Zampognari Arconatesi” players, you will experience the different shades of Christmas.
A walk along the lakeside in the late afternoon or in the evening is a must: each village is decorated by illuminations, a sight not to be missed.
The lights of Laveno Mombello shine in particular, creating an extraordinary and suggestive luminous path inside the historic village.
After so many activities, at the end of the day the Palace Grand Hotel is ready to welcome you: the Art Nouveau building, already fascinating for its architectural structure and history, becomes even more welcoming with decorations that bring alive tradition.
And if snow should fall and cover the city, the feeling of living in a fairy tale is guaranteed
