Paying a visit Santa is a must for kids in the run up to Christmas and, if you have found a vacation rental in the Lake Maggiore area, you will be presented with the unique opportunity to see him on his very own boat!
According to local legend, Santa Claus has arrived in Milan at the end of November each year since 1400 to deliver toys and gifts to each child in the city. Next, he is said to hop on his boat, leave the city, and head up the Navigli and Ticino River to make his way to Lake Maggiore. He visits all of the lakeside towns before stopping and settling in the village of Intra until Christmas.
According to local legend, Santa Claus has arrived in Milan at the end of November each year since 1400 to deliver toys and gifts to each child in the city. Next, he is said to hop on his boat, leave the city, and head up the Navigli and Ticino River to make his way to Lake Maggiore. He visits all of the lakeside towns before stopping and settling in the village of Intra until Christmas.
It is Intra where he has moored his massive boat and visitors to the boat will be given a guided tour of his bedroom, throne room and a multimedia area before eventually getting to meet the big man himself! During your meeting with Santa Claus on his boat, he will personally receive and approve children's letters and then ensure that they are forwarded on to the post office and elves at home in Lapland.
Adults among you, don't feel too left out, however! In addition to the visit to see Santa, there is also a traditional Christmas market, plenty of delicious food and tasty treats to try, performances and events such as mime, troubadour and acrobat shows, random flash mobs and more.
A busy, buzzy festive event steeped in unique local legend, it makes for a wonderful family day out over weekends from 10am to 6pm in the run up to Christmas (closing on the 23rd of December). If you are spending time in this part of Italy over the holidays, be sure to swing by with the kids (and kids at heart).
Santa Claus Boat (Il Battello di Babbo Natale)
Porto di Intra
Verbania
+39 338 6786915
Tickets:
€3 for kids
€5 for adults
Adults among you, don't feel too left out, however! In addition to the visit to see Santa, there is also a traditional Christmas market, plenty of delicious food and tasty treats to try, performances and events such as mime, troubadour and acrobat shows, random flash mobs and more.
A busy, buzzy festive event steeped in unique local legend, it makes for a wonderful family day out over weekends from 10am to 6pm in the run up to Christmas (closing on the 23rd of December). If you are spending time in this part of Italy over the holidays, be sure to swing by with the kids (and kids at heart).
Santa Claus Boat (Il Battello di Babbo Natale)
Porto di Intra
Verbania
+39 338 6786915
Tickets:
€3 for kids
€5 for adults