Christmas 2025 with grottadibabbonatale.it in Ornavasso, Baveno, and Verbania

The best Christmas experiences on Lake Maggiore: day trips or weekend getaways

After the excitement of Santa Claus's Grotto in Ornavasso, you can choose to enjoy another activity on the same day or transform your visit into a splendid Christmas weekend in the heart of Lake Maggiore, amidst lights, nativity scenes, illuminated villages, and breathtaking landscapes.

All destinations are just a few minutes from Ornavasso, where Santa Claus's Grotto is located, and easily reachable by car.

Nativity scenes at the Boden Sanctuary – Just 5 minutes away (by shuttle)

Perfect for day trips: after the Grotto, you can quickly reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Boden, where you can explore the Sanctuary, the collection of votive offerings, and the "Mille Presepi al Boden" exhibition, featuring over 1,000 nativity scenes from around the world. The largest collection in Italy. Direct shuttle service departs from the Grotto entrance from 10:30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 4 pm (last stop is at the Sanctuary). Tickets are available on-site (no reservations required) and cost €3 for adults and €2 for children up to 14 years old. Alternatively, you can walk approximately 900 meters.

Christmas Motorboats to Isola Pescatori – Baveno (15 minutes away)

A unique experience, after sunset, in the most beautiful lake gulf in the world, perfect either after a day visit to the Grotto, or as a special activity for those staying for the weekend or for a self-contained experience even as a couple, with friends, at all ages.

The Christmas Motorboats depart from the Molo delle Luci in Baveno, taking you to the splendidly illuminated Isola Pescatori. Fire pits, a heated lounge area, hot chocolate, and breathtaking views make the trip unforgettable.

The Golden Christmas House – Villa Fedora, Baveno (15 minutes away)

In the Villa Fedora park, you can stroll among the golden lights of the Golden Christmas House, an installation designed and created by Santa's Grotto for the municipality of Baveno. Admission is free until January 6th. You can also participate in free events and performances organized by the municipality and Baveno associations. Villa Fedora is a 5-minute walk from Piazza IV Novembre in Baveno, where you'll find free parking and the Christmas Motorboats dock. This free activity is ideal after visiting the Grotto, but it's also a perfect stop on your Christmas weekend on Lake Maggiore, even if you're staying at one of the many hotels. It can be combined with a trip to Isola Pescatori on the Christmas motorboats (departures at 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, and 6:30 PM - book here with just one click) and a free visit to the nativity scenes in the Romanico hamlet (10 minutes away).

Magic Under the Tree – Villa Giulia - Verbania (20 minutes away)

In the city of Verbania, you'll find the most scenic Christmas trails on Lake Maggiore: with light installations on the buildings, decorations, an ice skating rink, and the extraordinary Holographic Fountain on the lake dedicated to the Nutcracker. In the enchanting setting of Villa Giulia (Corso Zanitello 10), be enchanted by Magic Under the Tree, an immersive Christmas trail, designed and created by Grotta di Babbo Natale for the municipality of Verbania. It features Santa's Sleigh, a letter-writing area, a Hall of Mirrors, a magic piano, giant pin art, and wooden games for ageless challenges.

Theatrical performances and magic shows are also on the program.

Free entry (the Villa is open from 2pm to 6pm on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from November 29th to December 21st, also open December 8th, December 26th-27th-28th - January 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th-5th-6th

Santa Claus's Post Office also awaits you in the city, complete with a creative workshop in the Palazzo Pretorio (Piazza Ranzoni, free admission – open 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Verbania is a perfect stop after visiting the Grotto, but also ideal as a central stopover or for a stay in one of the many hotels during a family Christmas weekend.

Christmas Shows at Villa Giulia – Verbania (20 minutes)

At Villa Giulia in Verbania (Corso Zanitello 10) - 20 minutes from Santa's Grotto in Ornavasso, in addition to the installations and games of Magie sotto l'albero (always free admission and openings on the dates and times listed here), Santa's Grotto, in collaboration with the municipality of Verbania, also offers a series of Christmas shows for families, free (with admission subject to availability) and with reduced tickets at €3.50 €1.50 advance booking fee - Free for those born between 2025-24-23 - places are very limited. Online booking is strongly recommended. Click here to reserve your place.

Here is the program of the event:

Two performances per date: 2.30pm and 4.30pm


November 30th

Family Musical "TIC TAC 24 DAYS TO CHRISTMAS"

December 7th

Family Musical “WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY”

December 14th

Magic Show “THE MAGIC TOYMAKER”

December 21st

Family Musical “THE ICE QUEEN”


MAGICAL ANIMATIONS at Villa Giulia, with Magician Ivan (organized by the Municipality of Verbania)

 

4pm – Free admission, online reservations not possible – subject to availability

 

December 13th

THE MENZIALIST – Magical-comic-crazy show

December 26th

ABOUT CIRCA – A circus all in a suitcase

December 27th

BUBBLE CONCERT – Soap bubbles in concert

December 28th

THE MENZIALIST – Magical-comic-crazy show

JANUARY 2

ABOUT CIRCA – A circus all in a suitcase

JANUARY 3

BUBBLE CONCERT – Soap bubbles in concert

JANUARY 4

THE MENZIALIST – Magical-comic-crazy show

JANUARY 5

BUBBLE CONCERT – Soap bubbles in concert


Frequently asked questions about Christmas experiences on Lake Maggiore

Here you'll find practical answers to help you plan your visit to Santa's Grotto and related activities on Lake Maggiore.

What activities can I do immediately after visiting the Village and Santa Claus Grotto?

You can choose from a variety of experiences, from those directly connected to the Grotto by shuttle, such as a visit to the Nativity scenes at the Boden Sanctuary, to those reachable in 15-20 minutes by car from Ornavasso.

How can I reach the destinations recommended by the Grotto?

All destinations are easily accessible by car. Baveno is 15 minutes away (take the Baveno-Stresa exit on the highway towards Milan) and Verbania is 20 minutes away (take the Gravellona Toce exit and continue towards Verbania along the provincial road).

Are the activities suitable for children?

Yes, the experiences are designed for families with children, but also for adults, couples, friends, and groups.

Is it possible to participate in multiple activities on the same day?

Yes, many activities are short and close to each other, allowing you to combine multiple experiences in a single day, or organize a complete Christmas weekend on Lake Maggiore.

In Verbania and Baveno you will also find many hotels to stay in.

Are there additional costs for activities after Santa's Grotto?

Most experiences, such as the Casa d'Oro di Natale in Baveno and admission to the Magic of Christmas at Villa Giulia in Verbania, are free, while others require a ticket for the motorboats, the shuttle, or some shows.

Plan your Christmas day or weekend

Choose a single experience to add to the Grotto or create a true Christmas weekend in Ornavasso, Baveno, and Verbania: spectacular landscapes, illuminated villages, nativity scenes, lights, shows, and magic for the whole family.