The Bassa Valtellina is dressed in magic thanks to the charm of winter and the Christmas holidays, with a calendar full of events, activities, and itineraries immersed in nature. An invitation directed at both residents and tourists to experience the territory through the numerous events that will animate Morbegno, the villages of the area, and the transverse valleys.

In Morbegno, lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas Art

As the winter season approaches, Morbegno prepares to immerse itself in the magic of Christmas. With the lighting of the Christmas tree and the decorations, squares and streets transform into a sparkling pathway that guides citizens and guests throughout the city.

While the ice skating rink at Giardinetti Cortivacci is already operational, on December 8th a trail with 21 distributed nativity scenes will begin, an itinerary that connects the city center to the neighborhoods through creative installations that narrate, in different forms, the Christmas tradition.
On December 7th and 8th, within the picturesque ex-Convent of Sant’Antonio, Christmas Art returns, an event featuring markets curated by associations, hobbyists, and small artisan producers accompanied by creative workshops for children and families, moments dedicated to art and craftsmanship, concerts, and a charming Village of Santa Claus animated by games for the little ones.

In the area: nativity scenes, events, and Christmas Chocolate & Wine

The Christmas atmosphere embraces all the villages of the lower Valtellina, where communities prepare to celebrate the holidays through authentic traditions and timeless atmospheres.

In Val Masino, the three tours of Camminando per Presepi will commence, paths that lead to the discovery of 48 nativity scenes set up in the villages of San Martino, Filorera, and Cataeggio. An opportunity not only to admire the representations of the Nativity but also to rediscover history, traditions, and hidden corners of the valley.

In Talamona, the festive air is palpable: on Saturday, December 6th, a day filled with games, performances, and Christmas creations for both adults and children is scheduled, culminating in the lighting of the tree. Meanwhile, starting December 20th, one of the most attractive tourist initiatives in the area returns: the Nativity Scenes of the Contrades, now in its 36th edition. Among the installations is the beautiful Presepe Cà di Giuan, which, built on the Roncaiola stream and made at a scale of 1:2, allows visitors to walk among the wooden huts while traversing settings that reconstruct past rural life. There is also a mill that operates all the "machines" of the nativity scene using the water from the stream.

In Valgerola, on Saturday, December 6th, Christmas trees will be lit in Sacco, Mellarolo, Cosio Valtellino, and Gerola Alta. In Gerola Alta, a walk along the nativity scene route is planned, ending in a convivial moment with mulled wine and sweets for everyone. In the Orobie village of Albaredo per San Marco, starting from the day of the Immaculate Conception, the nativity scenes will be revealed one after another, accompanied by lights and the magic of Christmas that will envelop the entire village.

In Traona, the Christmas Chocolate and Wine event scheduled for December 21st offers a path through courts and cellars that combines tastings, local wines, chocolate, traditional sweets, and convivial moments, for the joy of both young and old. The Christmas markets will help transform the village into a must-visit stop for those who love flavors and ambiance.

 Winter sports and alpine culture

Winter is also about sports and mountains. The Ski Area Pescegallo, in Valgerola, opens the season on December 6th with the opening of the ski slopes and the children's area Gallopark. With its ski slopes and views of the Orobie Alps, Valgerola is an ideal destination for a great day on the slopes.

In addition to downhill skiing, the area offers numerous routes for snowshoeing and ski mountaineering, increasingly appreciated by those seeking an authentic contact with the winter mountain. Among the options are the trail towards Monte Olano in Valgerola, with a panoramic route over the surrounding peaks, or the itinerary starting from the hamlet of Biorca, in Val Tartano, entering Val Corta to reach Dosso Pàia, or even Alpe Piazza, which offers breathtaking views in the Bitto Valley of Albaredo.

From December 9th to 14th, Morbegno Alps’ Festival returns, a week dedicated to alpine culture and the relationship between man and mountain. The event features conferences, exhibitions, performances, concerts, and meetings with local figures and outdoor activities. A true mountain festival, designed to involve citizens, enthusiasts, and tourists. Among the highlights is the Festa delle Guide Parco in collaboration with the Parco delle Orobie Valtellinesi, the screening of the docufilm I cento giorni – racconto di transumanza in Valgerola by Carlo Limonta, and the exhibition Neve e identità: il secolo bianco della Valtellina, in collaboration with the Museo dello Sci e della Montagna di Aprica.

Experiences to enjoy even in winter

Among the most iconic experiences to enjoy in the area is certainly the Ponte nel Cielo in Val Tartano, one of the highest Tibetan bridges in Europe (140 meters high, 234 meters long), which offers breathtaking views and sunsets even during the winter season.

There is also a rich offer of excursions, including easy walks, such as the walk from Dazio to the top of the Colmen, allowing for a vast panorama over the valley floor. Don't overlook the Via dei Terrazzamenti and the Natural Reserve of Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola, a protected area of great natural value nestled between Bassa Valtellina, Lake Como, and Valchiavenna.

The Bassa Valtellina experiences a winter rich in lights, events, traditions, and nature. Morbegno and the surrounding villages combine Christmas spirit, authenticity, mountains, and culture, offering original and welcoming experiences for residents, families, and tourists.