Halloween in Stresa: What to Do over the All Souls' Day Weekend

Halloween is a great opportunity to plan a short holiday on Lake Maggiore and discover Stresa at a particularly charming time of year. With autumn colours, walks along the lakefront, events for children and excursions in the surrounding area, even the end of October offers plenty of opportunities to spend a few days away from your daily routine.

In 2026, Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, followed by All Saints' Day on Sunday, November 1, and All Souls' Day on Monday, November 2, also known in Italy as the Festa dei Morti (Feast of the Dead).

These three days can become the perfect opportunity to enjoy a weekend in Stresa, take part in local events and experience some of the best activities Lake Maggiore has to offer before winter arrives.

Halloween in Stresa 2026: Scheduled Events

For anyone wishing to celebrate Halloween in Stresa, the first recommendation is to check the events scheduled for October 31. The programme includes cultural initiatives and family activities, while nearby towns offer additional opportunities to enjoy the day.

Halloween Storytime at Stresa Library

Among the confirmed events for Saturday, October 31, 2026, is Biblio Letture di Halloween, organised at the A. Zapelloni Civic Library in Stresa, at Via Principessa Margherita 58.

The event will begin at 10:30 am and feature Halloween-themed storytelling, accompanied by sweets and a creative workshop. Children are also welcome to come in costume, making this event particularly suitable for families who want to start their Halloween celebrations in the morning.

For further information, you can contact the library on 0323 31917.

Halloween Events Near Stresa

Baveno, just a few kilometres from Stresa, is also organising an event for younger children. On Saturday, October 31, at 11:00 am, the Olga Ginesi Civic Library will host animated Halloween-themed storytelling sessions for children aged 3 to 6.

Throughout the day, visitors can also look for other events and activities in towns around Lake Maggiore, keeping in mind that the programme may be updated with additional events.

To make the most of your stay, we therefore recommend checking our section dedicated to events in Stresa and on Lake Maggiore, where we collect festivals, activities and opportunities to experience the area throughout the year.

What to Do in Stresa at Halloween and During the All Saints' Day Holiday Weekend

You don't need to attend a costume party to enjoy a Halloween weekend on Lake Maggiore. The period between October and November is particularly interesting for those who love nature, cultural visits and outdoor activities.

Temperatures are generally cooler than in summer, but when the weather is favourable, it is still possible to organise excursions, visits to the main attractions and short boat trips.

Visit the Borromean Islands in Autumn

One of the most interesting experiences during Halloween weekend is a visit to the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella, with Palazzo Borromeo and its gardens, and Isola Madre, known for its botanical heritage, offer the opportunity to spend a few hours surrounded by history, art and nature.

In 2026, both attractions are scheduled to remain open until November 8. From October 25, the last admission is at 4:00 pm, so it is advisable to plan your visit for the morning or early afternoon.

To reach the islands, you can consider one of the boat tours on Lake Maggiore offered by Loving Stresa in the Experiences section, checking in advance which departures are available during the autumn season.

Sailing on the lake at the end of October allows you to admire the mountains and villages along its shores from a different perspective, as the changing colours of the vegetation begin to transform the landscape.

A Walk Among the Autumn Colours of Parco Pallavicino

For families spending Halloween in Stresa with children, another option is to visit Parco Pallavicino, which is particularly interesting during the autumn season.

The park is home to numerous animal species and a rich botanical heritage, with large trees, lawns and paths surrounded by nature. It is an ideal destination for spending a few hours outdoors, combining animal watching with a walk among the colours of the season.

Parco Pallavicino will also remain open until November 8, 2026, with last admission at 4:00 pm from October 25 onwards.

Although it is not an attraction specifically dedicated to Halloween, it is an activity that fits perfectly into an autumn weekend, especially for families.

Explore Lake Maggiore by E-Bike

Those who prefer a more active experience can take advantage of good weather to explore the area by bicycle. Among the activities selected by Loving Stresa is e-bike rental on Lake Maggiore, departing from Solcio di Lesa. The service allows visitors to rent an electric bicycle for half a day or a full day, freely choosing their own itinerary.

Thanks to electric assistance, it is easier to tackle uphill sections and spend more time discovering the villages, panoramic views and scenic spots along the lake.

In autumn, this experience becomes particularly appealing thanks to the changing colours of the vegetation and temperatures that are generally more suitable for cycling than the hottest summer days.

Of course, it is important to check the weather conditions and rental availability for your preferred dates, as well as choose a route suited to your abilities.

An Evening in the Historic Centre of Stresa

After a day spent exploring and sightseeing, Stresa's historic centre is the ideal place to spend the evening.

The streets around Piazza Cadorna are home to restaurants, bars and other establishments where you can enjoy an aperitif or dinner. At this time of year, you can also appreciate the heartier dishes of Piedmontese cuisine and seasonal specialties.

For those wishing to celebrate on the night of October 31, it is worth checking whether restaurants and bars are organising Halloween-themed dinners or evenings, without assuming that every venue will offer special events. Alternatively, a relaxed dinner followed by an evening stroll through the centre can be a pleasant way to end the day.

Halloween in Stresa with Children: A Few Tips

Planning Halloween in Stresa with the family means being able to combine themed activities with visits to local attractions.

The programme can easily be adapted to the children's ages and the time available. For example, you could attend the Halloween storytelling session on the morning of October 31, spend the afternoon walking around the historic centre and set aside the following day for an excursion.

Parco Pallavicino is one of the most suitable options for younger visitors, while a boat trip to the Borromean Islands can make the weekend even more interesting. Given the season, however, it is advisable to bring warm clothing and plan an indoor alternative in case of rain.

Where to Stay in Stresa for Halloween and the All Souls' Day Weekend

For visitors travelling from Milan, Turin or other cities in Northern Italy, Stresa is an appealing destination even for a short break. Staying for one or two nights allows you to attend the events on October 31 and spend the remaining days exploring the area.

Choosing where to stay in Stresa in a location close to the centre makes it easy to reach restaurants, shops and the lakefront, allowing you to leave your car parked for much of your stay.

Those wishing to add some activities to their trip can also browse the experiences offered by Loving Stresa, checking which ones are available during the Halloween period.