Lonato del Garda, overlooking the shores of Lake Garda, is preparing to welcome the winter festivities with an exceptional holiday program, running from November 23, 2025, to January 25, 2026. The local administration has unveiled a calendar filled with Christmas and cultural events designed to engage residents and visitors of all ages, transforming the area into a vibrant stage of celebrations and traditions. ## A Broad Lineup of Music, Art, and Tradition The festive season in Lonato del Garda features a diverse array of offerings, ranging from sacred and symphonic music to family theater performances, from art exhibitions to traditional and mechanical nativity scenes. This richness is the result of close collaboration with local associations and cultural and artistic entities in the area. The initiatives will take place in various iconic locations, including the historic center, the surrounding districts, the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista, the Teatro Italia, and the Rocca di Lonato, thus enhancing the entire local heritage. ## The Melodies of Christmas: Concerts and Carols Music plays a central role in the event calendar. The Basilica of San Giovanni Battista will host numerous appointments, including a concert on November 23, “Christmas Harmonies” on December 13 with Gardart and the Anima Vocis Choir, and another Christmas concert on December 26 featuring the Arcangelo Choir from Lonato. The “Città di Lonato” Musical Corps will take center stage on December 20 with a concert at the Teatro Italia and the “Pastorella Itinerante” on December 24, which will enliven the historic center and surrounding districts. The new year will kick off with the “Gospel Concert” on January 1, performed by the One Soul Project Choir, also in the Basilica, and will continue with Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater” on January 17, presented in the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista. ## The Magic of the Stage: Shows and Stories The theater will be a key element of the celebrations, with offerings dedicated to a broad audience. The Teatro Italia will host “The Grinch” by the Zeronoia Theater Company on November 30, “A Christmas Carol” by the Le stanze di Igor Company on December 28, and the “Brilliant Show” by Il Nodo Teatro for children and families on January 24. The Rocca di Lonato will serve as the stage for the “Chocolate Theater” series, which will include “From a Suitcase” by the Viandanze Company on January 4, “The Tailor of Gloucester” by Il Sipario Onirico on January 11, and “Once Upon a Time… Wolf!” by Il Sipario Onirico on January 25. ## Traditions and Entertainment for the Little Ones Numerous activities have been designed for children and to celebrate local traditions. These include “Creative Christmas Workshops” at the La Stazione Cultural Center, “Christmas Readings for Children” at the municipal library, and the “Dreamcatcher” workshop at the “Casa del Podestà” Museum. The arrival of Santa Lucia will be celebrated with events and parades on December 7 and 12 in various locations. The “Artistic Nativity Scene Exhibition” will be held at the Sant’Eurosia Church starting December 21, and the “100 Nativity Scenes Exhibition” at the Sant’Antonio Abate Church from December 21 to January 6. On December 21, the “Mercantico” will take place in the historic center, and on January 6, the “Befane Walk,” a traditional event to bid farewell to the festivities, will occur. ## A Wish for Community and Sharing Mariangela Musci, the Councilor for Culture, Tourism, and Events, expressed her hopes for the festive season: “My wish is that every initiative can become an opportunity to come together, rediscover the beauty of our territory, and experience the true spirit of Christmas. To all citizens, I hope you can participate enthusiastically in the proposed initiatives, and a special thank you to the associations, volunteers, artists, and everyone who contributes, with commitment and passion, to make this season special.” Italian Version
