New Year in Lugano - Holiday Season Guide 2025

New Year in Lugano
How Lugano Sets the Tone for the 2026

written SARAH ARENDTS

The days leading into the new year often carry a quiet expectation. People look for places that allow them to reset, to shift into the next chapter with intention. In Lugano, the hotels of the DOT Lifestyle Collection create exactly that kind of environment. Each property approaches hospitality from a different angle, yet they share a sense of ease and clarity that feels right for the holiday season. Their locations above and around the lake give guests an immediate connection to light, stillness, and the rhythm of the city in winter.

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo has a presence shaped by its history and by its position overlooking Lake Lugano. The building once served as a private residence; today it offers a setting where the final days of the year feel spacious and grounded. Guests arrive to a house that moves at its own pace. The team focuses on creating an atmosphere that supports long dinners, conversations that extend into the evening, and mornings that unfold gradually. New Year’s Eve here is structured around time spent together at the table. The kitchen develops a menu that reflects Italian technique and local ingredients, and the evening becomes a sequence of moments. On New Year’s Day, breakfast on the terrace or in one of the salons sets a calm tone for the year ahead.

Higher up in the hills, the Kurhaus Cademario offers a different rhythm. The property is known for its wellness focus, and it becomes especially relevant in late December when people look for quiet and clarity. The indoor and outdoor spa areas create long stretches of time where guests can detach from the usual pace. The view across the valley and the lake adds to that sense of distance from daily life. Dinner on New Year’s Eve follows a refined but understated approach. The cooking centers on regional products, seasonal flavors, and a style that feels aligned with the house’s emphasis on balance. For guests who want to start the year with intention rather than intensity, the Kurhaus becomes a fitting choice.

Back in Lugano, the Villa Sassa sits closer to the center and carries a more urban energy. The hotel brings together people who want movement, light, and a social environment while still staying within a relaxed setting. Evenings here often stretch into small gatherings at the bar or on the terrace when weather allows. For the holiday season, the atmosphere becomes slightly more festive without losing its sense of ease. New Year’s Eve is lively, shaped by music and a more dynamic dinner service. On the first morning of the year, the long brunch with a view of the lake gives the experience a calm finish.

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

Villa Principe Leopoldo
Lago di Lugano

Taken together, the three hotels form a clear recommendation for anyone planning the holiday season or the transition into the new year. Villa Principe Leopoldo for presence and elegance, Kurhaus Cademario for quiet restoration, and Villa Sassa for a more social and energetic stay. Lugano in winter has a specific charm, and the DOT Lifestyle Collection offers three distinct ways to experience it—with time, space, and attention to detail. Enjoy!

discover more Villa Principe Leopoldo

Discover Lugano Riviera in 2025

Lugano's Hidden Charms
*Sunshine, Art, and the Taste of Luxury

Lugano blends Mediterranean ease and Swiss chic, radiating over 2,300 hours of sunshine each year. Luxury is woven into vibrant art scenes, immersive experiences, and gourmet delights.

Here, days are graced by an ever-present sun, illuminating the turquoise waters of Lake Lugano. The region invites travelers to indulge their senses—whether through leisurely strolls along picturesque promenades, encounters with Renaissance masterpieces, or dining in the refined ambiance of local gastronomy. Every moment in Lugano is a refined encounter, a harmonious interplay between nature, culture, and especially luxury.

Parco Ciani Lugano
Lugano Region
seen by Antonio Ravazza

Hotel Principe Leopolde
Lugano Region

An Artistic Voyage in Lugano

Lugano is a haven for art enthusiasts, a region where creativity is embedded in everyday life. At MASI Lugano—the Museo d’arte della Svizzera italiana—visitors explore collections that span antiquity to contemporary expressions, displayed within the elegant Palazzo Reali and the dynamic LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura center. These prestigious institutions are pivotal in showcasing classic Swiss and international contemporary art, offering exhibitions that stimulate reflection and aesthetic pleasure.

Venture beyond the city center and discover Montagnola, home to the Hermann Hesse Museum. Dedicated to the German literary giant Hermann Hesse, who lived and created here, the museum illustrates the profound influence this serene landscape had on his masterpieces, such as Siddhartha and The Glass Bead Game. An upcoming exhibition, "In Hesse's Gardens: On Compost, Art, and Mindfulness," promises to captivate visitors by linking the physical act of gardening with profound literary insight.

Unique Experiences Await

Lugano elevates traditional tourism by offering interactive and memorable experiences. For those seeking sensory engagement, Art-Alchemy presents a one-of-a-kind gin workshop, merging creativity with alchemical mysticism. Led by artist Gaba Müller and alchemist Mattia Regazzoni, participants craft their personalized gin and custom-designed bottles, creating tangible memories wrapped in a unique blend of artistry and aroma. Wine lovers and pottery enthusiasts find common ground in the "Wine and Clay" experience at Momento Ceramics. This activity pairs blind wine tastings with hands-on pottery, motivating participants to sculpt their creativity while savoring select local wines. It's an intimate moment of inspiration, taste, and of craftsmanship.

Gourmands are equally spoiled with the "Taste my Swiss City Lugano" experience, which provides a self-guided culinary journey through Lugano’s hidden culinary gems, featuring stops from traditional Gastronomia Bernasconi to sophisticated Grand Café al Porto. It’s an authentic exploration designed for those eager to taste the true flavor of Lugano beyond the typical tourist routes.

The View Lugano
Lugano Region

Villa Castagnola
Lugano Region

Natural Splendors and Scenic Routes

Lugano's nature invites exploration, boasting over 900 kilometers of hiking trails and 400 kilometers of mountain biking paths. Monte Brè offers breathtaking vistas from a height of 935 meters, including a glimpse of Lugano's twin mountain, the iconic Monte San Salvatore. The charming artist village Brè entices visitors with quaint stone houses and enchanting alleyways leading down to Gandria, a historic fishermen’s village.

Back in Lugano’s heart, the Parco Ciani offers floral abundance and lake views, culminating in the bustling Piazza della Riforma, where pastel-hued palaces frame idyllic evening aperitivos. Here, one discovers the essence of Lugano’s Italian soul expressed through architectural grace and the rich palette of regional cuisine.

To fully embrace Lugano’s luxury, your accommodations should match the destination’s grandeur:

The View Lugano – A contemporary retreat that epitomizes exclusivity. Set atop a hillside, each suite offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Lugano, blending modern design with impeccable comfort.

Villa Castagnola – Housed in a historic villa surrounded by lush gardens, this elegant hotel merges Mediterranean charm with Swiss precision. It’s renowned for its fine dining and cultural refinement, offering guests a stay that’s both relaxing and inspiring.

Hotel Principe Leopoldo – A residence of noble origins, Hotel Principe Leopoldo exudes classic luxury. Overlooking the lake and mountains, it provides guests with impeccable service, outstanding cuisine, and an ambiance of timeless elegance.

Monte Bre Primavera and Monte Brè
Lugano Region

Lugano offers an exceptional luxury experience, where art, culinary delights, and nature harmoniously merge. Sophistication is present in every sun-drenched vista and elegantly plated dish. Lugano awaits—ready to enchant you with its blend of Swiss precision and Italian joie de vivre. It is a luxurious discovery, crafted from the essence of unforgettable experiences. Enjoy!

visit Lugano Region www.luganoregion.com