Waiting for Christmas at Villa Carlotta

Christmas is a magical time, and as tradition goes, Villa Carlotta is ready to celebrate it with a full calendar of events for adults and children alike - from concerts and creative workshops to special guided tours of the park and exhibitions, all the way to sweet festive moments.
Join us from Saturday, December 6 to Monday, December 8 for three days of Christmas joy at Villa Carlotta!

★ MUSIC

• 🎵 December 6, 3:15 PM - Concerts by the Basci Academy
  Students from the *“Don Carlo Basci-Aps” Academy* will perform a festive concert. The program will be introduced by the artists themselves during the performance.
  Limited seats.
  Event included with museum and garden admission ticket
• 🎵 December 8, 2:30 PM - Jingle Bells
  In collaboration with the *Musical Association “Coro Sing a Song”*, under the artistic direction of *Maestro Brenna*, the choir presents a varied repertoire drawing from swing, jazz, pop, rock, and musical theater. A special focus will be on Christmas music from diverse traditions: American, sacred, spiritual/gospel, and Anglo-Saxon.
  Included with admission ticket.

★ GUIDED TOURS

• 🌿 December 6-7, 10:30 AM - Greenhouses and Winter Gardens
  A special Italian-language tour led by one of Villa Carlotta's gardeners through the gardens and greenhouses. Discover the hidden life of the garden during its winter rest and the dedication of those who care for it. The visit ends inside the greenhouses built in the 1970s - the *hot house, large greenhouse, cold house,* and *succulent house* - where guests can enjoy a Christmas aperitif.
  Duration: 90 minutes. Limited seats. Booking required.
  Cost: admission ticket + €7
• 🖼 December 8, 11:00 AM - The Bisi Family Salon. A Family of Artists in Romantic Milan
  A special guided visit marking the closing of the exhibition dedicated to the Bisi family, led by the museum's curator. Explore the artistic legacy of this 19th-century dynasty of painters, sculptors, and engravers connected with leading figures of their time - from the Samoyloff princess to Hayez, Giuditta Pasta, Cattaneo, and Manzoni.
  Duration: 90 minutes. In Italian.
  Included with admission ticket. Booking required.

★ WORKSHOPS

• 🌸 December 6, 2:00 PM - Christmas Wreath
  Creative workshop for adults
  Welcome Christmas by creating your own handmade wreath to hang on your door. With the guidance of Villa Carlotta's gardeners, learn the technique and craft your personal festive decoration.
  Bring: garden shears and gloves.
  Cost: admission ticket + €7. Booking required (discounts for local residents and cardholders: [segreteria@villacarlotta.it](mailto:segreteria@villacarlotta.it)).
  
• 🍪 December 7, 2:30 PM - The Elves' Kitchen
  Cooking workshop for children
  Discover the secret recipe for delicious Christmas cookies! We'll bake and decorate together, and each child can take their sweet creations home.
  For ages 3-12 (children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult). Limited seats. Booking required.
  Cost: admission ticket + €7.
• 🎁 December 8, 11:00 AM - Handmade Gift Wrap
  Workshop for all ages
  The activity begins with a short winter walk in the gardens to explore seasonal blooms and plants preparing their spring buds. Inspired by nature, participants will design and print their own personalized wrapping paper for Christmas gifts.
  Limited seats. Booking required.
  Cost: admission ticket + €7.
• 🌿 December 8, 2:30 PM - Create with Nature
  Looking for sustainable Christmas decorations? After a short stroll in the park, participants will collect natural shapes, colors, and textures to use in a creative hands-on workshop.
  Recommended: gloves and pruning shears.
  Limited seats. Booking required.
  [Cost: admission ticket + €7.

★ SWEET MOMENTS
☕ December 6 & 8, 4:00 PM - Christmas Tea Time
At the Villa Carlotta Bistrot
To celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception - marking the start of the Christmas season - Villa Carlotta invites you to enjoy a cozy afternoon with traditional sweets, warm tea, and festive treats.
Event organized in collaboration with Cooperativa Azalea Onlus.
Included with admission ticket.