Castiglione del Lago, one of the most beautiful villages in central Italy, proudly stands on the shores of Lake Trasimeno (Umbria). And just as the most beautiful time of the year approaches, the lighting of the Christmas decorations becomes a spectacle for the eyes. Immersed in a mix of magic, ancient history, a monumental Nativity scene, and Santa’s house, the spotlight is on the lake, the true protagonist of the Christmas decorations. You can breathe in the Christmas atmosphere throughout the Umbrian village, transforming it into a veritable Christmas village throughout December.
The featured event is Luci sul Trasimeno (Lights on Trasimeno Lake) which includes a rich program with various attractions to bring the magic of Christmas to everyone, from the young to the young at heart.
The Christmas Tree, Built on the Waters of Lake Trasimeno
From December 8th to January 6th, 2024, the waterborne Christmas tree on Lake Trasimeno steals the show. Lit up traditionally on the day of the Immaculate Conception, the tree is the true star of this edition of Luci sul Trasimeno.
The silhouette is delineated by 2400 perimeter lights and 250 inside lights for ornamentation and it is supported by a system of 166 supporting poles planted on the lake bed. In brief, the final project utilized a staggering 7 kilometers of electrical cables, creating a true floating monument. At any rate, the lights will remain on from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Santa’s Village
The heart of the festivities focuses on Lake Trasimeno, but the Eventi Castiglione sul Lago Association offers about 200 events, including the popular Santa’s Village.
The village welcomes all children and anyone eager to savor the traditional Christmas charm. Welcoming us are friendly and busy elves, waiting to watch an animated film together that tells the story of how the Christmas tree on the water was born and to write a letter to Santa. Thereafter, it will always be the elves accompanying us to Santa’s charming cottage to take a photo and share our wishes. But beware! Santa cannot wait for us all day; the village’s opening hours are from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. until January 6, 2024.
Nativity Scene Exhibition at Palazzo della Corgna
Italian tradition pays close attention to the installation of artful nativity scenes and lights to celebrate Christmas, often organizing beautiful living nativity scenes in villages. Until January 7th, an exhibition titled The Nativity in the History of Art will be open, offering a guided tour through the history of the nativity through the works of various contemporary and non-contemporary artists. The marvelous Palazzo della Corgna and its rooms host the event every day from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Immersive Multimedia Journey
At the Medieval Fortress of Castiglione del Lago, an immersive multimedia journey projects a magical Christmas story onto the ancient stone walls. A message of joy and hope for a better future, visible every day from 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM until January 6, 2024.
The Story of Pi
The young Pi lives isolated in his room, away from social life and relationships, sheltered from external reality. The holidays approach, but his existence is marked by loneliness. One day, during a storm, a black cat named Kokai burst into his life. This sudden encounter breaks his self-imposed seclusion, leading him into dreamlike adventures. The cat becomes his companion, opening the door to wonder and breaking the chains of confinement. With the arrival of Christmas, Pi, accompanied by Kokai, prepares to open the door of his soul, embracing the joy of the holidays.
The show will be visible every day, continuously, from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 PM until January 6, 2024.
Christmas Markets
Certainly, it’s not Christmas without characteristic and delightful markets along the snowy village streets. For the Lights on Trasimeno event, markets await along the avenue leading to the tree path in Via Belvedere. Here, you can find everything our artisans have to offer during this period: characteristic food products from central Italy, handmade fabrics, leather goods, and Christmas decorations!
The markets will be open from December 8th to 10th and from December 15th to January 6th at the following times: from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends.
The Paw Tree
This idea stems from the desire to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and counteract the brutal abandonment of dogs or cats. From December 8th to January 6th, the solidarity event for our four-legged friends is active. The Paw Tree is promoted by Vitakraft in collaboration with the RandAgiamo project of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Perugia. It is under the patronage of the Umbria Region, Ausl Umbria1, and the Sportello a 4 zampe of the Province of Perugia.
In particular, in the historic center of the town, workers set up a real 7-meter-high fir tree in Piazza Mazzini. Each one will have the name of a dog or cat to be adopted from those present in the kennels and catteries in the area. At the base of the tree, visitors can find information and advice on adopting a four-legged friend and QR codes that link to the website with all the profiles of dogs and cats looking for a family.
In this rich Christmas program, the skating rink will also be operational throughout the Christmas period, along with other Christmas events that can be consulted here.
Hence, in this enchanting Christmas setting in Castiglione del Lago, Lights on Trasimeno offers a unique experience that embraces the magic of Christmas. With spectacular events, artful nativity scenes, a floating tree, and a message of hope in Pi’s story, the Umbrian village becomes the ideal place to fully immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere. A blend of tradition, creativity, and solidarity makes this celebration unforgettable for both young and old. Don’t miss it if you have the opportunity, and especially if you find yourself in these parts during the holidays. Happy holidays to all!
