Back in Stresa, near the ferry dock and overlooking Piazza Marconi, Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac has a wonderful free exhibit of Pinocchios set up on their veranda. The pieces on loan are part of a large collection (more than 500) owned by collector Brasca Ambrose.

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Also in this piazza, a giant whale has been created and installed. Inside the whale children can discover Pinocchio's creator, Geppetto, who will greet and speak with them. Around the whale, completing the festive atmosphere in the piazza, a small market will be selling foods and other gifts.

But speaking about foods, they are everywhere in Stresa this weekend. Today there is the "Degustanto" festival. All around the center of Stresa restaurants are handing out samples of food, all free of charge. More than 100 merchants are participating, preparing diverse local favorites such as a chocolate fountain, lentils and salami, Margheritine cookies, Prosecco, Bagna Cauda with vegetables, panettone, trippa, and so much more. As you walk around, three different bands are providing live musical accompaniment, and those beautiful blazing fire logs will keep you warm.

Up on Mottarone, Alpyland is open for toboggan runs, and yes there is some snow on the ground to help create the perfect winter view. Restaurants atop the mountain are open as well, to warm you up with traditional winter fare.

And tonight, a free baroque concert up in the Stresa hamlet of Magognino, and a theatre performance at the Palazzo dei Congressi, "American Lessons". 

Quite a full day!