Last updated: December 01, 2024
Discover the complete festive program of Gravina di Catania with our practical guide to Christmas events. We'll guide you through the most appreciated celebrations of the season, from local traditions to cultural manifestations.
The historic center transforms during the holidays, with the traditional Christmas market in Piazza Libertà and the light displays adorning Via Etnea. The Basilica of Sant'Antonio Abate hosts the living nativity scene, while nearby, the municipal park offers shows and family entertainment. Just minutes away, Catania enriches the Christmas experience with its famous Fiera dei Morti and celebrations in Piazza Duomo.
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Gravina di Catania Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Illuminations
The Christmas Illuminations in Catania feature the lighting of a large Christmas tree in Piazza Università, over 15 meters tall, positioned among the artisan market stalls and Christmas lights on Via Etnea. The Christmas lights have been divided into four areas of the city, creating a scenic effect that encourages confidence and optimism for all citizens.
Gravina di Catania Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market in via Minoriti
The Christmas markets in via Minoriti offer gift ideas, traditional food products, holiday decorations, and handmade jewelry. The event is animated by games and workshops for children and two special attractions in Piazza Università.
Christmas Market at Palazzo Biscari
The Christmas Market at Palazzo Biscari features a wide range of Sicilian artisanal products, presented in a unique and elegant baroque setting. Artisans showcase their traditional handmade items, the result of skill and passion passed down through time. The event also includes moments of entertainment and culture, such as music and artistic performances, enriching the experience.
Siracusa Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Siracusa is a holiday event offering a wide range of gift ideas, including Christmas items, ethnic handicrafts, plants, and sweets. It is located within the cloister of the convent of Siracusa and offers a unique stroll through the narrow ancient streets of Ortigia's historic center.
Gravina di Catania Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Nativity Scenes at the Basilica della Collegiata
The Nativity scenes at the Basilica della Collegiata are a tradition that evokes the history and spirituality of the Christmas festival. The artworks and decorations created by local artists create a serene and refined environment.
Guided Tour of Mount Etna
Explore Mount Etna with a guided tour that takes you to the summit craters using the cable car and 4x4 option. This excursion offers a full day of adventure and nature, with the possibility of tasting local products.
Christmas Concerts
Candlelight Christmas concerts in Catania offer a unique experience with classical music and soundtracks performed by professional musicians in a suggestive atmosphere lit by thousands of candles.
Christmas Celebration in Nicolosi
The Christmas Festival in Nicolosi is an event rich in traditions and activities that transforms the historic center into an open-air market. Among the activities, there are the Christmas market, Sicilian street food stands, Santa's house, and Christmas music concerts.
Gravina di Catania Other Holiday Activities
Visit to Traditional Sicilian Christmas Sweets
Visit traditional Sicilian sweets and taste authentic treats like cannoli and cassata in a traditional setting.
Feast of Saint Lucy
The May 2024 Feast of Saint Lucy is a religious event celebrating the miracle that occurred in Syracuse in 1646, remembering the arrival of grain-laden ships that ended the famine. The festival includes the opening of the niche containing the patron saint's simulacrum, the transfer of the simulacrum from the chapel to the main altar, and the solemn eucharistic celebration in the Cathedral. The procession of the revered simulacrum traverses the historic streets of Ortigia.