Christmas Motorboats – “Islands of Light” 2025–2026: the magic of Christmas among water, lights and

Even this year, Christmas becomes an unmissable opportunity to experience something out of the ordinary. If you are looking for an idea different from the usual one that can entertain you and your children, the Islands of Light on Lake Maggiore are ideal. From December 5th, 2025 to January 6th, 2026, the edition “Water Patterns – Islands of Light” will take place, an extraordinary event that will illuminate the famous Fishermen’s Island and transform it into a fairy-tale village. Lake Maggiore, with the arrival of Christmas lights, prepares to dress in its most evocative attire. However, the most beautiful experience is the evening cruise on board the “Christmas Motorboats”, which we will explore in the article.

An island that shines with history and lights

Fishermen’s Island is the only inhabited one among the Borromean Islands, and it stands out for its beauty in the suggestive Borromeo Gulf even when it is bare of lights, with its stone houses and steep alleys. With “Islands of Light 2025-26” this island becomes a real jewel: the lights, installed on houses, arcades and pedestrian paths, pay homage to the fishing tradition that has always characterized the place.

In this edition, the theme “Water Patterns” has been chosen, recalling fishing nets, their structure, knots and dyeing, a luminous story visible from every corner of the island. But the most beautiful experience is the one lived from the motorboat: slices of wonderful lights will enchant you, leaving you breathless.

An evening on the lake: the “Christmas Motorboat” experience

The experience begins in Baveno, in Piazza IV Novembre, at the Pier of Lights, where a heated lounge with braziers welcomes visitors before boarding. While the evening starts to fall outside, adults and children can relax in front of the lake and prepare for the crossing. For the children there is a special snack: roasted marshmallows and hot tea; for the adults, instead, I’m sorry, but no snack. In compensation, a warm and welcoming atmosphere awaits you.

The motorboat departures are scheduled in three evening slots: 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM. A short navigation (about 5–10 minutes) allows passengers to enjoy the light show while comfortably seated. Once close to the island, a brief panoramic stop will offer the possibility to take stunning photographs.

Among alleys, nativity scenes and authentic flavors

Once landed on the island, you will wander among the stone alleys, and the houses, arcades and courtyards are decorated with handcrafted nativity scenes, created by the inhabitants themselves. This makes the trip a true journey into the local culture and community.

To complete the experience, you can also enjoy a delicious culinary stop with the “Fisherman’s Dish”: fried lake fish and golden potatoes, prepared and served hot by the historic Ruffoni family at Ristorante Italia.

Organization, costs and practical advice

The ticket for this Christmas cruise has a cost of €18.90 for adults, €12.90 for children up to 9 years old, while the youngest ones (born 2023-2025) will be able to live the experience for free. To the ticket price €1.50 of pre-sale is added. The price includes navigation, the snack or tasting, the visit and the walk on the island.

The experience lasts overall about 1 hour and 30 minutes, a reasonable time to live the visit and fully enjoy it. The motorboats for the return from Fishermen’s Island to Baveno depart approximately every 15 minutes, giving flexibility to the schedules. Watch out to book the motorboat in advance: the seats are limited and the demand is very high. By clicking on this link you will be able to book them calmly.

Another advice is to book also the restaurant in advance: the place is cold and the warm places where to eat are not many, given the small size of the island. It is advisable to dress in layers to avoid freezing in the cold of Lake Maggiore.

This initiative is not a simple tourist attraction: it is a sensory experience, a combination of nature, tradition, community, flavors and amazement. It is not a set created ad hoc, but a real village, with a living community and a real history, made even more magical by the Christmas lights.

The best way to spend a different Christmas, romantic, wrapped in lights, where adults will find an enchanting place and the youngest ones a fairy-tale atmosphere.

For those who look for a magic out of the ordinary, “Christmas Motorboats – Islands of Light” on Lake Maggiore is a perfect idea: an evening to remember, made of reflections on the water, Christmas lights, fishing history and lake flavors.