Last updated: 11 November 2024
The Christmas holidays have arrived in Palermo! Our guide accompanies you through all the festive events in the city, offering valuable suggestions for both visitors and residents of the Sicilian capital.
From the majestic Teatro Massimo to the historic Piazza Pretoria, the historic center transforms into a fascinating Christmas journey. The traditional markets of Piazza San Domenico, the light displays along Via Maqueda, and the artisanal nativity scenes in the churches of Il Cassaro tell the rich Christmas tradition of Palermo. Local gastronomy is enriched with seasonal specialties, with characteristic stalls of marzipan fruit and cannoli populating the alleys of the Ballarò market.
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Palermo Holiday Markets and Shopping
Custonaci Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Living nativity scene in a prehistoric cave with homes and workshops.
- Description
- The Christmas Market in Custonaci features various Christmas markets in the town's historic center, showcasing homes, animal stables, a chapel, and workshops.
- Where
- Custonaci | More Info : Custonaci Christmas Market
Palermo Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Sherbeth – International Festival of Artisan Ice Cream
- What to Expect
- Tastings of artisanal ice cream from around the world.
- Description
- The Sherbeth Festival is an international event that brings together the world's best artisanal ice cream makers in Palermo to celebrate ice cream in its most authentic and creative form. Irresistible tastings, engaging shows, and talks with industry experts are part of the program.
- Where
- Palermo | More Info : Sherbeth – International Festival of Artisan Ice Cream
Erice Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Concerts of ancient music and children's shows.
- Description
- The Christmas Market in Erice is an event that transforms the medieval town into a festive place with markets, concerts, and performances.
- Where
- Erice | More Info : Erice Christmas Market
Christmas Eve Mass at the Cathedral of Palermo
- What to Expect
- Solemn liturgical celebration with the urn containing the body of Saint Rosalia.
- Description
- The Christmas Mass at the Cathedral of Palermo is a solemn religious event that celebrates Christmas with a rich liturgy steeped in tradition and spirituality.
- Where
- Palermo | More Info : Christmas Eve Mass at the Cathedral of Palermo
Concerts of the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra
- What to Expect
- Symphony concerts with international conductors and soloists.
- Description
- The Sicilian Symphony Orchestra presents a concert season rich in masterpieces and rare titles, featuring prominent conductors and soloists. The season begins with Mahler's Third Symphony conducted by Hartmut Haenchen and featuring contralto Anke Vondung.
- Where
- Palermo | More Info : Concerts of the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra
Christmas Concerts at Teatro Politeama
- What to Expect
- A musical journey through the colors and sounds of the world to celebrate the traditional Christmas festival.
- Description
- The Christmas Concert at Teatro Politeama is a traditional musical event celebrating Christmas with a rich program of holiday pieces performed by the Sicilian Youth Orchestra and the White Voices Choir of the Foundation.
- Where
- Palermo | More Info : Christmas Concerts at Teatro Politeama
Christmas Festivities in Cefalù
- What to Expect
- A month of free initiatives and performances that highlight theater and music.
- Description
- The Christmas Festival in Cefalù is a rich event featuring free initiatives and performances ranging from theater to music, offering moments of entertainment for families with children and adults.
- Where
- Cefalù | More Info : Christmas Festivities in Cefalù
Palermo Other Holiday Activities
Living Nativity Scene of Custonaci
- What to Expect
- Participation of over 160 extras reenacting ancient artisanal uses.
- Description
- The Presepi Viventi di Custonaci event faithfully reenacts the nativity through living scenes and local artisanal traditions.
- Where
- Custonaci | More Info : Living Nativity Scene of Custonaci
Living Nativity Scene of Montelepre
- What to Expect
- Live nativity scenes with biblical and traditional scenes.
- Description
- Presepi Viventi di Montelepre is an event that celebrates local traditions with live nativity scenes, featuring biblical and traditional scenes.
- Where
- Montelepre | More Info : Living Nativity Scene of Montelepre
Festival of Sfince
- What to Expect
- Unique preparation of sfincia in a flower shape.
- Description
- The Sagra della Sfincia di Montelepre is an annual event held on January 6 in Montelepre, celebrating the traditional Monteleprino sweet, the sfincia. This simple dessert, made with ingredients like water and flour, sugar, honey, and cinnamon, is a local specialty.
- Where
- Montelepre | More Info : Festival of Sfince
Inycon
- What to Expect
- Guided wine tastings and street events in the historic center of Menfi.
- Description
- Inycon is an event rich in guided wine tastings, street events, and a large conference on European Gastronomic Region of Sicily 2025. The event of Festi Group returns with the show “Taccuini di Viaggio,” Saturday in Piazza Dj Molella by Radio Deejay.
- Where
- Menfi | More Info : Inycon