December on the lake
As December blankets Lake Como in festive charm, its towns and villages come alive with twinkling lights, artisanal markets, and cultural events. From the magical Città dei Balocchi in Como to the cozy charm of the Menaggio Christmas Village and the elegant performances of the LacMus Christmas Festival, this month offers something special for everyone. Plus, explore our Ingredient of the Month: Honey, a golden touch for your holiday table, along with an indulgent recipe to try at home.
Christmas Markets and Festive Activities on Lake Como
Below are the dates and locations of a few local festivals, markets and activities taking place this December on Lake Como:
1. Città dei Balocchi (City of Toys) – Como
Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Location: Como city center, including Piazza Cavour, Piazza Duomo, and surrounding streets.
Why Go: The Città dei Balocchi is the most iconic Christmas festival on Lake Como, drawing visitors from near and far. Highlights include:
Christmas Market: Discover artisan stalls offering handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and seasonal delicacies like panettone and vin brulé (mulled wine).
Light Projections: Watch stunning holiday-themed light shows illuminate the Cathedral of Como and other historic landmarks.
Ice Skating and Santa’s House: Families will love the outdoor skating rink in Piazza Cavour and Santa’s cozy house, perfect for children.
Festive Music and Performances: Enjoy live holiday music, carolers, and cultural performances scattered throughout the festival.
For more information: Città dei Balocchi Official Website
2. Menaggio Christmas Village
Dates: December 2–24, 2024
Location: Piazza Garibaldi, Menaggio.
Why Go: Menaggio’s Christmas Village offers a cozy and festive atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and seasonal fun. Highlights include:
Artisan Stalls: Shop for handmade gifts, holiday decorations, and locally crafted goods and Seasonal Treats of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and delicious Italian pastries
Ice Skating: The ice rink in Piazza Garibaldi is a hit for families, with skate rentals available on-site.
Christmas Concert: On December 22, enjoy a traditional holiday concert at the Chiesa di Santa Marta, featuring festive music in an intimate and serene setting.
More Information: Menaggio Official Website
3. LacMus Christmas Festival 2024 – Tremezzina
Dates: December 14 and December 22, 2024
Location: Villa Sormani Marzorati Uva (December 14) and along the Christmas Greenway (December 22).
Why Go: The LacMus Christmas Festival brings elegance and holiday spirit to Lake Como through classical music performed in breathtaking settings. This year’s highlights include:
December 14, 2024 – Natale in Villa Sormani Marzorati Uva: An intimate concert featuring sacred and holiday-inspired classical music in the opulent Villa Sormani Marzorati Uva, beautifully adorned for the season.
December 22, 2024 – Christmas Greenway: A scenic musical journey along the Greenway del Lago di Como, with live classical music performances at historic churches, outdoor locations, and piazzas in Tremezzo, Mezzegra, and Lenno.
More Information: LacMus Christmas Festival Official Website
Ingredient of the Month: Honey (Miele)
Honey has been a cherished ingredient in Italian cooking for centuries, and during the festive season, it adds a touch of sweetness to holiday meals and treats. Whether drizzled over desserts, used in savory glazes, or incorporated into traditional recipes, honey’s versatility makes it a star of the season. Here are four festive Italian recipes featuring honey, plus one indulgent Recipe of the Month to try at home.
Here are four ways to enjoy honey in seasonal Italian recipes:
Panettone with Honey Butter: Elevate the beloved Italian Christmas bread by serving it with honey-infused butter. To make, mix softened unsalted butter with honey and a dash of cinnamon or orange zest. Spread this creamy mixture over toasted slices of panettone for a luxurious holiday breakfast or dessert accompaniment.
Ricotta and Honey Crostini: These festive bites combine creamy ricotta cheese, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts or pistachios on toasted Italian bread. Perfect as an appetizer for holiday gatherings, this dish is both simple and elegant, with the honey adding a sweet, floral note.
Honey-Glazed Chestnuts: A holiday twist on roasted chestnuts, this dish features chestnuts roasted until tender and tossed in a glaze of honey, butter, and a pinch of sea salt. Serve them warm for a cozy winter treat that pairs beautifully with a glass of mulled wine.
Honey-Poached Pears with Amaretti Crumble: Gently poach pears in a mixture of honey, water, and cinnamon until tender, then serve them with crumbled amaretti cookies for a festive dessert. Add a dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream for extra indulgence. The honey enhances the natural sweetness of the pears while the amaretti add a crunchy holiday touch.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Honey and Almond Torrone
No Italian Christmas is complete without torrone, the chewy and nutty nougat traditionally made with honey, almonds, and egg whites. This homemade version highlights the rich flavor of honey and the crunch of toasted almonds, making it a perfect treat for the holidays or a thoughtful edible gift.
Ingredients:
1 cup honey (wildflower or chestnut honey works best)
1 cup sugar
2 egg whites
1 ½ cups toasted almonds
Edible rice paper (available in specialty stores or online)
Instructions:
Prepare the Pan: Line a baking dish with edible rice paper, ensuring it covers the bottom completely.
Heat the Honey and Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the honey and sugar over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens, turning a light amber color (about 15 minutes).
Whip the Egg Whites: While the honey mixture cooks, beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold the egg whites into the honey mixture, stirring constantly to create a fluffy, smooth texture.
Add the Almonds: Stir in the toasted almonds, ensuring they are evenly coated in the honey mixture.
Pour and Set: Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Cover the top with another sheet of edible rice paper and press gently.
Cool and Slice: Allow the torrone to cool completely at room temperature (about 2–3 hours). Once set, slice it into squares or bars using a sharp knife.
Store and Enjoy: Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Why We Love It: Honey is the perfect ingredient to bring warmth and sweetness to the holiday table, and when paired with a dessert wine, it creates a symphony of flavors that embody the festive spirit of Italy. Whether you’re serving appetizers like Ricotta and Honey Crostini or ending the evening with a chewy bite of torrone, this pairing is a delightful way to toast the holiday season.
Wine Pairing: Vin Santo (Holy Wine). A traditional pairing for many honey-based Italian desserts, it is a sweet, amber-hued dessert wine from Tuscany. Made from dried grapes, it features notes of honey, dried fruits, and caramel that complement the richness of honey-based dishes, especially the Honey and Almond Torrone and the Honey-Poached Pears with Amaretti Crumble. Serve it slightly chilled alongside these desserts for a luxurious holiday indulgence.
This December, let honey take center stage in your kitchen. From appetizers to desserts, honey’s warm and golden flavor brings a festive touch to every dish. Wishing you a joyous and sweet December! As always, we look forward to sharing more seasonal recipes and culinary inspiration with you next month!
See you on the lake,
The Lake Como Kitchen Experience Team