• Winter Lights Festival (December–January) – Como town goes all out with huge festive projections on historic buildings, an ice rink in the main square, and enough Christmas cheer to melt even the iciest Grinch heart.

• Bellagio and Varenna Christmas Markets (December) – Picture fairy lights twinkling over cobbled streets, the scent of mulled wine in the air, and stalls packed with handmade gifts. Bonus points if you arrive by ferry for the full festive-film effect.

• Sagra di San Giovanni (June) – A dazzling fireworks display over the lake, best watched from a boat or a comfy lakeside spot with an Aperol in hand. Bellagio is the place to be for this one.

• Festival di Bellagio e del Lago di Como (June–September) – A summer-long series of concerts and cultural events that pop up in gorgeous venues around the lake, from villas to piazzas. Think live music with a serious backdrop game.

• Palio del Baradello (September) – Step back into the Middle Ages with this week-long historical reenactment. Expect knights, parades, flag-throwers, and plenty of hearty Italian feasts to keep your energy up.

• Sant’Abbondio Festival (August) – Como’s patron saint gets a proper celebration with colourful processions, live music, and a food market serving all the local hits. It’s like a big village party… with better views.

Lake Como holidays might be all about the serene villas and postcard views by day, but when the lights go down, they trade the daytime hush for a more glamorous, glass-clinking kind of energy. You won’t find superclubs here — instead, it’s all about stylish bars, live music lounges, and waterfront hangouts that know how to keep the spritzes flowing.

• Lido di Bellagio – Equal parts beach club and nightspot, this lakeside favourite kicks into gear after dark with DJ sets, cocktails, and dancing right by the water. Perfect for when you want a bit of a party without going full Ibiza.

• Terrazza 241 – Rooftop goals. Sip a Bellini or signature cocktail while soaking up panoramic lake views, twinkling lights, and just the right amount of glamour.

• Bar Il Molo – A cosy lakeside bar that’s all about relaxed evening vibes — think mellow music, Aperol Spritz in hand, and the lake lapping at your feet.

• Harry’s Bar – The grande dame of Como nightlife. Expect perfectly chilled Prosecco, live music nights, and the occasional celebrity sighting.

• Lido di Cernobbio – By day it’s a chic sunbathing spot; by night it transforms into an alfresco cocktail lounge with lake views and a fashionable crowd.

Lake Como’s menu is a love letter to Lombardy, with fresh lake fish, rich mountain cheeses, and just enough indulgence to make you forget about your waistband. Here are a few must-tries before you head for the gelato counter on your Lake Como holidays:

• Risotto con Pesce Persico – creamy risotto topped with golden-fried perch fillets fresh from the lake.

• Missoltini – sun-dried lake shad grilled and drizzled with olive oil, a true taste of Como tradition.

• Polenta Uncia – comfort food in its purest form — polenta layered with butter, garlic, and mountain cheese.

• Sciatt – bite-sized buckwheat fritters oozing with melty cheese, usually served as a starter with a glass of wine.

• Torta Miascia – a rustic, fruity bread pudding that turns day-old bread into pure magic.

We've given you a taste for the dishes, but how about where to bag 'em? Whether you’re here for a lazy lakeside lunch or a once-in-a-lifetime tasting menu, these spots are worth putting on speed dial:

• Locanda La Tirlindana, Sala Comacina – a postcard-perfect terrace right on the water where the risotto con pesce persico is basically a rite of passage.

• Il Gatto Nero, Cernobbio – candlelit tables, sweeping lake views, and a menu that’s lured everyone from locals to Clooney himself.

• Ristorante Mistral, Bellagio – Michelin-starred dining with molecular gastronomy twists on Italian classics, served alongside jaw-dropping views.

• Trattoria del Glicine, Cernobbio – rustic charm, handmade pasta, fresh lake fish, and a wine list that could tempt you into staying all night.

• La Darsena, Tremezzo – modern Italian plates in a chic lakeside setting where you can literally arrive by boat.

• Osteria del Beuc, Cernobbio – friendly, fuss-free, and full of flavour — a local go-to for hearty Lombard fare at prices that leave room for extra gelato.