December 2023…// Hilton Lake Como is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. From now and into the New Year, the beautiful lakeside hotel is offering guests a sackful of seasonal experiences to celebrate the most wonderful time of year. There’s no better time to experience Lake Como and Hilton Lake Como is perfectly located for exploring the nearby atmospheric lakeside villages which really do transform themselves into enchanting, fairy-tale hamlets.
New for this festive season at Hilton Lake Como, the garden area of the Taffeta lounge has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland complete with a brand-new ice-curling rink. Foodies will also have the opportunity to pick up tips from the hotel’s top chefs and mixologists during seasonal Culinary Masterclasses, while the heated rooftop pool and jacuzzi offers guests a chance to unwind as they take in unparalleled views across the lake.
New Experiences for Christmas and New Year 2023/24 include:
Winter Wonderland
Guests can try their hand (and feet) at the quirky Olympic sport of curling on the new ice curling rink in the garden area, just off the Taffeta lounge. The rink, created from environmentally friendly artificial ice, is not only open to hotel guests but locals too, across the entire winter season. Once off the ‘ice’, guests can warm up with a glass of vin brulè, wickedly good hot chocolate, tea, cakes and small bites, all served from an adorable, festive wooden hut.
From December 6th 2023 until March 2024. Open daily from 12pm (noon)-7pm.
Culinary Masterclasses
Learn from the masters at Hilton Lake Como. The hotel’s experts will be on hand to impart some of their secrets during an array of Culinary Masterclasses including:
‘The Art of Pasta’
During the ‘Art of Pasta’ Masterclass, held in the hotel’s fully equipped private kitchen, guests will learn the difference between a penne and a tortiglioni, as well as techniques guaranteed to have you serving up dishes only Mama could make.
From December-January, every Wednesday and Friday from 6.30pm. Price 45 Euros. Reservations are required a minimum of 72 hours in advance.
Biscuit Decoration
Guests of all ages will love piping and decorating their festive biscotti with an array of icings, colors, sprinkles and authentic Italian toppings during this lovely class. The test will be avoiding the temptation to sample too many along the way!
Biscuit Decoration classes will take place at 11am on Saturday December 9th, 23rd and 30th 2023, free of charge for in-house guests and suitable for all ages.
Mixology Masterclass
Learn the difference between shaken and stirred during a Mixology class led by Hilton Lake Como’s talented mixologists from Terrazza 241. During the hour-long class, held in Terrazza 241, participants will learn the smoking, dry ice, bubbling and other decorative techniques worthy of a top mixologist. They will re-create the show stopping Signature Smoked Negroni served in a bell jar.
Mixology classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30pm at the Taffeta Bar. Price 45 Euros. Reservations are required a minimum of 72 hours in advance.
Seasonal Cocktails
Set against a backdrop of rolling mountains, hopefully dusted in Winter snow by now, and with the glistening waters of Lake Como below, Terrazza 241 offers the ultimate romantic setting for a seasonal cocktail.
Thanks to the glass house structure, the bar allows guests to delight in the breath-taking views, as they sink into a snug armchair with a cocktail. Hot for this winter are the Sensorial Experience cocktails including the Nova, featuring Fifty Pounds Gin, Anise and Green tea and Ego, a sweet concoction of Vermouth, Apple and Prosecco. Alternatively, guests can Mix & Match, from a selection that includes Beet Drop with Demonio Pisco Tacoma, Beetroot and Yuzu and aptly-named The Wise Guy, with Maker’s Mark, Homemade orange cordial and Disaronno. After dinner, why not order a cocktail for two such as a Turkish Moka with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Chocolate Bitter and Coffee. For those who prefer something ‘lighter’, the warming Zen, can be also modified as a mocktail, and features green tea, ginger and lemon.
Nearby Natale Celebrations and Excursions
Guests at Hilton Lake Como are spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying a true Italian-style Christmas, thanks to the wonderful seasonal celebrations nearby.
A short walk away, in nearby Cernobbio, guests can wander through the stunning Città dei Balocchi from December 7th 2023 – January 7th 2024. This spectacular winter wonderland features a truly sensational light and sound show, an ice rink, a Christmas Circus, toy train and of course, Santa sleigh rides.
In the charming town of Como itself guests can wander through the new brand Natale a Como, the facades of ancient buildings take on an ethereal air bathed in the soft glow of lights. There are traditional markets, street performers and choirs dotted about this enchanting city.
Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at 350 Euros per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.
