Bologna Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Bologna and surrounding areas
Bologna transforms for the festive season with Christmas lights strung across the Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore hosting Christmas markets and caroling events that bring holiday activities to the city center. Seasonal offerings include Le Feste a Bologna and traditional gatherings like Roghi delle Befane. Between porticoed streets and the Quadrilatero food stalls, families find Santa visits, festive attractions, and cozy performances that celebrate Bologna's rich culinary and cultural traditions in winter.
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Christmas Markets
40 eventsNumerous Christmas markets across the city center
Christmas Shows
7 eventsBeethoven's Ninth Symphony New Year's Concert
Christmas Parties
5 eventsIconic artist Skin DJing for New Year's Eve
Christmas Lights
5 eventsIlluminated gardens with Santa Claus and festive treats.
Christmas Activities
38 eventsNew Year's Eve fireworks spectacle at Castello Estense.
Editor's Picks (6)
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Holidays in Bologna 2025
Numerous Christmas markets across the city center
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Incendio del Castello Estense
(Ferrara)
New Year's Eve fireworks spectacle at Castello Estense.
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New Year's Concert with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony
(Parma)
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony New Year's Concert
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Le Feste a Bologna 2025
Iconic Christmas tree in Piazza del Nettuno and numerous city markets.
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New Year's Eve in Piazza Modena with Skin
(Modena)
Iconic artist Skin DJing for New Year's Eve
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New Year's Eve in Parma with Colapesce and Dimartino
(Parma)
New Year's Eve concert with Colapesce and Dimartino
Events Happening Soon (3)
Bologna Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Bologna
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Bologna!
Bologna Christmas FAQ
The most significant annual Christmas event is typically the large market held in Piazza Maggiore, which draws many visitors. Various other festive activities and light displays also contribute to the city's holiday atmosphere.
While sharing many Italian traditions, Bologna often emphasizes its rich culinary heritage during the holidays, with special regional dishes and festive food markets. The city's historic architecture provides a beautiful backdrop for these celebrations.
The historic center, especially around Piazza Maggiore and Via dell'Indipendenza, is beautifully illuminated. Many residential neighborhoods also put up charming, locally-decorated displays.
The main Christmas market in Piazza Maggiore is a prime spot for finding local makers and unique crafts. Smaller artisan markets can also pop up in various squares and neighborhoods throughout the holiday season.
Wandering through the illuminated streets and squares of the city center is a wonderful free activity. Browsing the Christmas markets and enjoying the festive window displays also costs nothing.
Families often enjoy visiting the Christmas markets for treats and browsing, looking for local Santa meet-and-greets, and exploring the festive lights. Many theaters also offer child-friendly holiday performances.