All I want for Christmas… is an Advent trip to Lugano. We harness the reindeer to the sleigh, dress warmly and toast the largest city in Ticino with egg liqueur.
Teaser image: Igor Besic
The smell of biscotti, panettone and cinnamon fills the air on the streets of Lugano. During the Advent season, the Mediterranean charm and southern flair are particularly magical here. The people of Ticino have been hard at work as helping elves preparing for Christmas so that the festivities can begin on the first of December. In the middle of Piazza Riforma stands the traditional Albero di Natale, crowned with a brightly shining star. Small wooden stalls sell handmade goods with heart and soul, and we feast on specialties on every corner: In the typical Grotto Canvetto Federale, we enjoy fresh pasta, followed by a cozy dessert with espresso in the Sass Café. We recommend Cucina Elsa as a special insider tip for fish. During the festive season, there will also be plenty of music to celebrate: Lugano Arte e Cultura performs classics such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. In addition to the palate and the ears, the eyes are also spoiled: we continue on the red train towards the lake promenade, where the Parco Ciani enchanted forest is already waiting for us. If you haven’t been in the Christmas spirit yet, you’ll be in for a treat when you see this light spectacle. After a walk through this enchanted forest, you’ll feel like a fairy in love on a snowflake. However, our highlights are Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore: we reach the sugared Swiss peaks by ski lift and from here we have a breathtaking view over the valley in a winter wonderland look. After a long, icy day, the Vecchia Dogana Guesthouse gives us a warm welcome. If you want to treat yourself to the complete package: The View Lugano will pamper you with a bubble bath and neck massage while it snows outside. For Christmas enthusiasts, Lugano is like winning the lottery at this time of year!
So that you know where you can get the best night’s sleep and eat the best, we reveal our favorite hotels and restaurants here:
Hotels
Vecchia Dogana, Ara Dogana 5, 6999 Astano
Guesthouse Castagnola, Salita degli Olivi 2, 6976 Lugano
Hotel Bigatt, Via Carona 41, 6900 Paradiso
Wellness hotels
The View, Paradiso CH, Via Guidino 29, 6900 Lugano
Villa Sassa, Via Tesserete 10, 6900 Lugano
Kurhaus Cademario, Lisone 12, 6936 Cademario
Hotel Arbostora, Riva da S. Carlo 16, 6922 Morcote
Restaurants
Sass Cafe, Piazza Riforma 9, 6900 Lugano
Antica Osteria del Porto, Via Foce 9, 6900 Lugano
La Cucina di Elsa, Piazza G. Piattini 13, 6932 Breganzona
Fattoria Monucchetto, Via Crivelli Torricelli 27, 6900 Lugano
Canvetto Federale, Paradiso CH, Via Guidino 29, 6900 Lugano
You can find more information about the festivities in Lugano here: luganoregion.com
