Last updated: 11 November 2024
Welcome to the complete guide to Christmas events in Bologna, your essential resource for discovering all the festive period events in the Emilian capital. From centuries-old traditions to new initiatives, we'll guide you through Bologna's Christmas celebrations.
The heart of the celebrations develops around Piazza Maggiore, where the traditional Christmas market extends to the streets of the Quadrilatero. From Palazzo d'Accursio to the Basilica of San Petronio, Christmas lights adorn the historic porticoes, while in Piazza Minghetti and Piazza Santo Stefano, artisanal markets offer typical products from Emilia-Romagna. The historic center's streets come alive with music, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
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Bologna Holiday Light Displays
Nativity Scene in Via Azzurra 10
- What to Expect
- Nativity scene with animated figurines and precise details.
- Description
- The Nativity Scene at Via Azzurra 10 is a 13th-century Christmas art piece, characterized by precise and detailed figurines made of wood, terracotta, and papier-mâché. The scene includes clothing and animals, creating a richly traditional atmosphere.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Nativity Scene in Via Azzurra 10
Bologna Holiday Markets and Shopping
Santa Lucia Fair
- What to Expect
- Ancient Christmas tradition with artisan stalls and traditional sweets.
- Description
- The Fiera di Santa Lucia is one of the main Christmas fairs in the Emilia-Romagna region, held under the portico of the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Bologna. It offers a wide range of Presepe figures, Christmas decorations, sweets, and gift items. The tradition dates back to the 16th century and has been accompanying families in their Christmas preparations for centuries.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Santa Lucia Fair
French Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- French products and handicrafts in a festive setting.
- Description
- The French Christmas Village offers a variety of French products, such as croissants, cheeses, wines, and handicrafts, in a welcoming and festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : French Christmas Village
Christmas Fair
- What to Expect
- Christmas market with artisanal items and sweets.
- Description
- The Fiera di Natale is a traditional Christmas market held in the heart of Bologna's historic center, offering decorations, gift items, and artisanal sweets from around the world.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Christmas Fair
Antique Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Unique and valuable gifts among antique and modern items.
- Description
- The Antique Christmas Market is a holiday market in Bologna's historic center where you can find unique and valuable Christmas gifts among antique, modern, and decorative items.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Antique Christmas Market
Christmas Market at FICO
- What to Expect
- Light displays and children's shows.
- Description
- The Christmas Market at FICO offers a wide range of holiday decorations and traditional sweets, along with shows and attractions for all ages.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Christmas Market at FICO
Christmas Market in Piazza XX Settembre
- What to Expect
- Christmas market with a carousel for children
- Description
- The Christmas Market in Piazza XX Settembre offers a wide range of clothing and accessories, gift ideas, and other attractions for all tastes. The square comes alive with a small carousel for the joy of children.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Christmas Market in Piazza XX Settembre
Solidarity Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Sale of second-hand items to support the Basilica.
- Description
- The Solidarity Market is an annual event held in the cloister of San Francesco Basilica in Bologna. During this event, second-hand items such as furniture, clothing, shoes, and garden equipment are sold. The proceeds from these markets support the structures of the Basilica and specific missions of the Franciscan Order.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Solidarity Christmas Market
Christmas Market in Il Quadrilatero
- What to Expect
- A unique gastronomic itinerary combining history and culinary tradition.
- Description
- The Quadrilatero del gusto is a gastronomic itinerary that winds through Bologna's historic center, offering a variety of typical Emilian and Bolognese culinary experiences. The area is characterized by small shops specializing in gastronomy, including Bologna's oldest osteria, Osteria del Sole, and the Mercato di Mezzo.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Christmas Market in Il Quadrilatero
Bologna Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nativity Scene Exhibition
- What to Expect
- Exhibition of nativity scenes by local artists.
- Description
- The XXIX Rassegna del Presepio is an important exhibition of nativity scenes created by local artists, hosted in the Loggione Monumentale of the Church of San Giovanni in Monte. The exhibition features a variety of nativity scenes in different styles and materials, making it an inspiring display of craftsmanship.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Nativity Scene Exhibition
Bologna Carnival
- What to Expect
- Allegorical float parades and mask performances in the square.
- Description
- The Bologna Carnival is a rich event in tradition and spectacle, featuring allegorical floats, masks, and street parties. The events take place from February 8 to 13, 2024, with the Carnival Fair on February 11 and 13.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Bologna Carnival
Bologna Other Holiday Activities
Epiphany Fair
- What to Expect
- Multilingual and multicultural celebration with traditional gifts.
- Description
- The Epiphany Festival is a religious and cultural event celebrating the visit of the Magi to Jesus Christ, featuring a Mass with readings and songs in various languages and the presentation of traditional gifts from local ethnic communities.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Epiphany Fair
Ice Skating Rink at FICO
- What to Expect
- Indoor ice rink within the Christmas Village.
- Description
- The ice rink at FICO is a perfect place for both kids and adults to enjoy together. The rink is open during the operating hours of the Christmas Village and offers a unique ice skating experience.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Ice Skating Rink at FICO
Visit to the Madonna di San Luca
- What to Expect
- Historic procession of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca through the city.
- Description
- The Visit to the Madonna di San Luca is a religious event celebrating the Blessed Virgin of San Luca, Patron of the City and the Archdiocese of Bologna. The image of the Madonna will descend from St. Peter's Cathedral and ascend to the Sanctuary on Colle della Guardia, accompanied by celebrations and processions through the city.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : Visit to the Madonna di San Luca
New Year's Eve Celebration in Piazza Maggiore
- What to Expect
- New Year's Eve celebration with traditional music and dances.
- Description
- The New Year's Eve celebration in Piazza Maggiore is an event that celebrates the start of the new year with music, dances, and local traditions.
- Where
- Bologna | More Info : New Year's Eve Celebration in Piazza Maggiore