Discover Stresa
Lake Maggiore · Ornavasso · 25 min from Stresa
Santa's Grotto in Ornavasso 2026: tickets and booking
The real Santa's Grotto on Lake Maggiore
Since 2009, Santa's Grotto in Ornavasso has been one of the most eagerly awaited Christmas events for families in Northern Italy. You ride a little train up through the woods, walk through the elves' village and, at the end of the trail, enter a tunnel carved into the mountain where Santa Claus is waiting for the children. Ornavasso is about 25 minutes from Stresa: perfect for a Christmas day out or a festive weekend on the lake.
The experience at a glance
Where
Ornavasso (VB)
When
21 Nov – 26 Dec 2026
Ideal for
Families with children
Why you'll love it
A real underground grotto
About 200 metres inside the mountain, among installations and lights, all the way to Santa Claus.
The Twergi Forest
A woodland trail inhabited by Santa's gnome helpers, with themed installations.
The Elves' Village
Live shows and entertainment, covered and heated areas, refreshments and a baby-changing room.
The Renna Express train
From the village up to the Chiesa della Guardia in about 10 minutes: the little ones' favourite moment.
Memories to take home
A printed family photo with Santa, a gift for the children and the Good Child Diploma.
FLEXI ticket included
Change your date up to 8 days before, or use the credit for 12 months on other events.
Christmas on Lake Maggiore. Stay in Stresa and turn the Grotto into a weekend away: Santa in Ornavasso in the morning, the lakefront lights in the evening.
The route, step by step
The time you choose when booking is the time of your meeting with Santa: arrive in the square at least an hour earlier to enjoy the whole route.
-
Piazza XXIV Maggio, Ornavasso
Meeting point and ticket office, where you collect your pre-booked tickets.
-
Renna Express to the Chiesa della Guardia
About 1.5 km uphill: 10 minutes by train or 30 on foot. At the church you'll find the large 2026 nativity scene and an art exhibition.
-
Elves' Village
Shows, entertainment, Santa's Flying Sleigh, refreshment points and covered, heated areas.
-
Twergi Trail
About 600 metres through the woods to the Grotto entrance. There is an alternative paved route for pushchairs.
-
Santa's Grotto
Two hundred metres into the heart of the mountain, then the meeting with Santa: hot tea for everyone, a printed family photo and a gift for every child.
-
Santuario del Boden Optional
By shuttle or a 20-minute walk, to visit the "Thousand Nativity Scenes from Around the World" exhibition.
What's included in the ticket
Included
- Entry and meeting with Santa in the Grotto at your booked time
- Trail and installations in the Twergi Forest
- Entertainment and shows in the Elves' Village
- 2026 nativity scene and exhibition at the Chiesa della Guardia
- Christmas tea
- 1 printed family photo with Santa
- Gift for the children and Good Child Diploma
- FLEXI ticket valid for 12 months
Not included (paid on site)
- Renna Express train: €5 adults, €3 children up to 10, free for babies in arms
- Santa's Flying Sleigh ride
- Shuttle to the Santuario del Boden (return €3 adults, €2 children)
- Food and drinks
- Online booking fee (€1.90)
2026 dates: every weekend from 21 November to 20 December, plus Monday 7, Tuesday 8 and Saturday 26 December. Limited places per time slot.
Book your visit
Real-time availability and prices.
€21.90€18.90
- Date and timeChoose the day and time of your meeting with Santa.
- TicketsEnter adults and children: those born 2024–2026 go free.
- Secure paymentComplete your purchase on the official booking page.
🔒 Secure booking via Planyo · FLEXI ticket included · Limited places
Meeting point and how to get there
The meeting point and ticket office are in Piazza XXIV Maggio in Ornavasso, a few minutes from the Lake Maggiore expressway exit.
Piazza XXIV Maggio · 28877 Ornavasso (VB)
Get directions →
Frequently asked questions
What time should I arrive in Ornavasso?
The time on your ticket is the time of your meeting with Santa in the Grotto. We recommend arriving in Piazza XXIV Maggio at least an hour earlier, so you have time to go up by train or on foot and walk through the Twergi Forest.
How much is the ticket and do young children pay?
There is a single ticket for adults and children, with dynamic pricing from €18.90 to €21.90 plus a €1.90 online booking fee: the earlier you book, the less you pay. Children born in 2024, 2025 and 2026 go free.
Is the train included in the ticket?
No, the Renna Express train is paid on site with no booking needed: €5 for adults, €3 for children up to 10, free for babies in arms. Alternatively, you can walk up in about 30 minutes.
Is the route suitable for pushchairs?
Yes. Pushchairs can go on the train, and there is an alternative paved route from the Elves' Village to the Grotto. To walk all the trails, a baby carrier is more practical. There is a heated baby-changing room in the village.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are welcome if kept under control. However, medium and large dogs must wait outside the underground Grotto.
Is the experience accessible to people with disabilities?
As it is a nature route with trails and uphill sections, it is not accessible to people with reduced mobility, frail people or women in late pregnancy.
Can I change the date after booking?
Yes, the FLEXI ticket is included: you can change the date up to 8 days before, and the first two changes are free. Alternatively, the credit remains valid for 12 months on other events by the same organiser.
How far is Santa's Grotto from Stresa?
Ornavasso is about a 25-minute drive from Stresa. It's easy to combine the visit with a stay on Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands.