Isole di Luce 2026–2027 in Stresa

From December 4, 2026, to January 10, 2027, Isole di Luce returns as one of the most enchanting Christmas events on Lake Maggiore. For its fourth edition, the event is expanding, transforming the Borromean Gulf and several locations on Lake Orta into a trail of artistic installations, projections and light displays.

It will not only be Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori lighting up the winter evenings: the project will also involve Baveno, Verbania and Orta San Giulio, creating a route that brings together landscape, architecture and cultural heritage.

The installations will be illuminated every evening from 5:00 pm to 12:30 am, offering a special opportunity to visit Stresa during the Christmas holidays and admire Lake Maggiore in a completely different atmosphere.

Isole di Luce 2026–2027: The Theme of the Canticle of the Creatures

The 2026–2027 edition is entitled “Un Cantico d'acqua e luce” (A Canticle of Water and Light) and draws inspiration from the Canticle of the Creatures by Saint Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death.

Water, the sun, the moon, the wind and the earth become the central elements of a visual story brought to life through artistic lighting and video mapping, enhancing the architecture and landscapes of the area.

The project, created and promoted by the Distretto Turistico dei Laghi, Monti e Valli dell'Ossola, has received the patronage of the National Committee for the Celebrations of the 800th Anniversary of the Death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Isola Bella: The Sun, the Moon and the Harmony of the Cosmos

Isola Bella will feature the installation Il sole, la luna e l'armonia del cosmo (The Sun, the Moon and the Harmony of the Cosmos), highlighting the Baroque architecture of Palazzo Borromeo and its famous terraced gardens.

The lighting will shift from the warm tones of amber and gold to the deeper shades of the night, creating a visual dialogue between the historic buildings, the sky and the waters of the lake.

Isola dei Pescatori: Sister Water

On Isola dei Pescatori, a historic village belonging to the Municipality of Stresa, the theme will be Sorella acqua (Sister Water).

The characteristic fishermen's houses, narrow streets and stone surfaces will be enhanced by light displays evoking the movement of water and waves. The result will be a small, illuminated village seemingly suspended over Lake Maggiore, where the installations blend into the landscape while respecting its identity.

Isole di Luce Also Arrives in Baveno, Verbania and Orta San Giulio

One of the main new features of the 2026 edition is the expansion of the event to the mainland, with new installations offering the opportunity to discover other locations in the area.

In Baveno, the monumental complex of Saints Gervasius and Protasius will host Madre Terra generatrice (Mother Earth the Creator). The Romanesque façade will be transformed through video mapping inspired by the earth and nature, with references to Baveno's pink granite and the Nativity scene of Greccio depicted by Giotto.

In Verbania, Fratello vento (Brother Wind) will come to life on the façade of Pallanza Town Hall, with a light installation interpreting the movement of air and the natural elements.

The route will finally reach Orta San Giulio, on Lake Orta, with the project Borghi di luce (Villages of Light). In Piazza Motta, projections inspired by the Canticle of the Creatures and the Nativity will take centre stage, while Isola di San Giulio will also be illuminated.

The entire project will therefore offer an experience extending beyond the Borromean Gulf, connecting some of the most characteristic towns and villages of the two lakes.

Where to See Isole di Luce from Stresa

You do not need to reach the islands to enjoy the spectacle. Thanks to Stresa's panoramic position, the illuminated installations on Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori will also be visible from the mainland.

One of the best viewing points is the Stresa lakefront, particularly along Corso Italia, Corso Umberto I and around Piazza Marconi. From here, visitors can admire the Borromean Gulf with its two illuminated islands, enjoying a walk while watching the lights reflected on the water.

Continuing towards Carciano, along Via Giacomo Borromeo to Piazzale Lido, you can get even closer to the islands. This is one of the most interesting locations for anyone wishing to photograph the light installations, offering a particularly close view of Isola Bella. Those who prefer a wider panorama can instead head to the hilly areas of Carciano and Someraro, which offer sweeping views of the Borromean Gulf and its islands.

Evening Mini-Cruises to Admire Isole di Luce 2026–2027

For those who wish to experience the event directly from the lake, the Ecomuseo della Pesca e dell'Isola dei Pescatori is organising several evening mini-cruises, accompanied by storytelling and musical atmospheres inspired by the Canticle of the Creatures. Two itineraries are planned:

• Sorella acqua (Sister Water): December 4, 11, 18 and 27, 2026, and January 3, 2027. The cruise will take place between Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori, with a stop on the latter and a visit to the Fishing Museum.
• Da Sorella acqua a Sorella Madre Terra (From Sister Water to Sister Mother Earth): December 7 and 28, 2026. The itinerary will include a cruise between the islands and a stop in Baveno to admire the light installation at the monumental church and visit the Granum Museum.

Departures are scheduled from Lido di Carciano in Stresa, near the Idrovolante, at 5:30 pm, except on December 4, when departure will be at 6:30 pm. The experience lasts approximately one and a half hours, with tickets costing €15 for adults, €10 for children aged 4 to 12, and free admission for children up to 3 years old.

Booking is compulsory by 12:00 pm on the chosen day. For information and reservations, you can contact the Ecomuseum at info@ecomuseoisolapescatori.org or call 0323 840809.

It is also possible to arrange dinner at a traditional restaurant on Isola dei Pescatori, with a dedicated menu.

Isole di Luce: An Opportunity to Visit Stresa at Christmas

Isole di Luce 2026–2027 offers another reason to spend a day or a weekend in Stresa during the Christmas holidays. You can start with a walk through the historic centre, stop at one of the town's restaurants and head to the lakefront after sunset, when the installations begin to illuminate the Borromean Gulf.

For those spending a few days on Lake Maggiore, the event can also be combined with other initiatives organised during the Christmas season. To find out what is scheduled, you can check the calendar of events in Stresa and on Lake Maggiore.

From December 4 to January 10, the lake landscape will be transformed into an illuminated trail highlighting the islands, monuments and villages of the area, offering an original perspective on Lake Maggiore even during winter.

Disclaimer: Archive images from previous editions