For the first time in its history, the magic of Christmas comes alive at Villa Monastero in Varenna. From November 6, 2026, to January 10, 2027, this iconic residence on Lake Como will be adorned with light as part of ''A Dream of Light'' (*Un sogno di luce*)-an evocative Christmas display promoted by the Province of Lecco to showcase the House Museum and its botanical garden during the winter season.
Warm lights, dramatic installations, and traditional festive elements guide visitors along an immersive path, designed to harmonize perfectly with the historic setting and surrounding landscape. The result is a series of fairytale-like vistas that preserve the unique identity of this monumental complex. For this special occasion, the botanical garden will extend its opening hours until 8:00 PM, offering a rare opportunity to stroll amidst glowing lights and their shimmering reflections on the lake's surface.
A Special Inauguration
The official lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 6. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, admission to the Villa will be free, allowing the public an exclusive first look at this enchanted scene.
The journey through the light begins at the entrance gate, decorated with garlands and ornamental spheres, and continues through the loggia and along the main pathway, which is brought to life by illuminated animal sculptures. Deeper within the garden, visitors will discover a grand, sparkling carriage, while carefully curated lighting highlights the beauty of the small temple and the monumental staircase. At the heart of the Loggia and Glorietta area stands a Christmas tree approximately seven meters tall, framed by lakeside columns bathed in warm, inviting tones. Between Light, Art, and Memory
The holiday season offers a perfect opportunity to weave the magic of lights together with the cultural narrative of the Villa, through three special exhibition itineraries:
Visit the website www.villamonastero.eu for the full calendar of scheduled events.
We look forward to welcoming you to Villa Monastero to experience the magic of Christmas.
Warm lights, dramatic installations, and traditional festive elements guide visitors along an immersive path, designed to harmonize perfectly with the historic setting and surrounding landscape. The result is a series of fairytale-like vistas that preserve the unique identity of this monumental complex. For this special occasion, the botanical garden will extend its opening hours until 8:00 PM, offering a rare opportunity to stroll amidst glowing lights and their shimmering reflections on the lake's surface.
A Special Inauguration
The official lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 6. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, admission to the Villa will be free, allowing the public an exclusive first look at this enchanted scene.
The journey through the light begins at the entrance gate, decorated with garlands and ornamental spheres, and continues through the loggia and along the main pathway, which is brought to life by illuminated animal sculptures. Deeper within the garden, visitors will discover a grand, sparkling carriage, while carefully curated lighting highlights the beauty of the small temple and the monumental staircase. At the heart of the Loggia and Glorietta area stands a Christmas tree approximately seven meters tall, framed by lakeside columns bathed in warm, inviting tones. Between Light, Art, and Memory
The holiday season offers a perfect opportunity to weave the magic of lights together with the cultural narrative of the Villa, through three special exhibition itineraries:
- Threads of Memory… and Light: an exhibition born from a project of the same name, dedicated to Marco and Rosa De Marchi. Here, an everyday object-the necktie-is reclaimed and transformed into a work of art and a fashion accessory, thanks to a collaboration between a local fashion school (Istituto Superiore Grafica Moda Design in Lecco), the social tailoring workshop of the non-profit organization *Laorca Lab*, and various neighborhood workshops. Through upcycling techniques and textile manipulation, the exhibition fosters a creative dialogue between different generations and local community groups.
- Marco and Rosa De Marchi: A Villa, a Collection, a Love Story (running until January 31, 2027): an exhibition curated by Anna Ranzi that retraces the lives of the couple who bequeathed this residence to the public.
- The Christmas Table (starting December 1st): in the dining room of the House Museum, a period-style festive table is set, featuring a rare dinner service from the *Richard* manufactory (dating back to 1897) and matching crystal glassware, all on loan from private collectors.
Visit the website www.villamonastero.eu for the full calendar of scheduled events.
We look forward to welcoming you to Villa Monastero to experience the magic of Christmas.