Christmas around Bologna

Sparkling lights, adorned trees and nativity scenes bring the territory to life once again. The Christmas season has finally arrived. While the city of Bologna has already begun hosting markets, events, and moments dedicated to Christmas, the metropolitan area is not far behind.

Exploring Christmas events around Bologna 

Alto Reno Terme: lighting of the Christmas Tree and Christmas Markets

The lights and Christmas tree will be kindled on Saturday 23 November 2024 in Porretta Terme, starting at 6 p.m., to the strains of the town band. For the occasion, food stands will be set up in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, serving zampanelle, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. 

In Castelluccio di Porretta Terme, on the other hand, the Manservisi Castle will be welcoming the Christmas markets. A perfect opportunity to soak up the Christmas atmosphere and do some festive shopping.

The inauguration has been scheduled for Saturday 7 December at 2pm, but you can walk among the exhibitors' stalls every weekend in December, Sunday 5 and Monday 6 January from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 2pm to 6pm.

Anzola dell'Emilia: Christmas Village

The Christmas village is open inside the Sinflora premises to fully embrace the Christmas atmosphere. Many initiatives every week to look forward to the most magical time of the year.

Bentivoglio: Open Day del Gusto

The Open Day del gusto ‘’Christmas Flavours and Atmospheres‘’ is back in San Martino di Bentivoglio, in the splendid setting of Villa Smeraldi, an initiative dedicated to local craft products. 

Throughout the day on Sunday 15 December, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the villa - home to the Museum of Rural Civilisation - will be opening its doors to visitors with an extensive programme of events. A wonderful opportunity to discover the farming and cultural traditions of the Bolognese plains, but also to taste and rediscover the products of the land and local gastronomy.

Borgo Tossignano: Christmas Market and Exhibition of Nativity Scenes

The Christmas Market with food stalls and entertainment is coming to Borgo Tossignano on 8 December in Piazza Don Bosco. Don't forget the afternoon snack with Santa Claus and ficattola (sweet or savoury fried dough) with mulled wine. On the same day, the traditional ‘Crib Village’ exhibition gets underway, with over a hundred cribs animating the town and the neighbourhoods throughout Christmas.

Casalecchio di Reno: Christmas Village

The Christmas village is already open within the Corte dei Fiori. Every day, you can soak up the cosy Christmas atmosphere and only on Sunday meet up with Santa in person. 

via lacortedeifiori.it

Castiglione dei Pepoli: Christmas Markets

From 8 December until Christmas Eve, Castiglione dei Pepoli is planning a host of events to celebrate Christmas together. First up on 8 December with ‘Si accende il Natale a Castiglione’ (Christmas is lighting up in Castiglione) with tree switch-ons and Christmas markets. Next comes Sunday 15 December with ‘Pepoli for Christmas’, with the town hosting the elves' house - with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts - and many stalls selling gift ideas and handicraft products.  On 22 December, we focus on ‘Ultime creazioni per il Natale’, a Christmas market for last-minute shopping, workshops for children, and musical entertainment for everyone.  Finally, on 24 December ‘Uh oh... Santa Claus is coming to town’ to greet the little ones and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. 

Dozza: Dragon Fyrstan's greetings and Christmas markets A festive atmosphere lingers inside the Rocca di Dozza

From Saturday 7 to Sunday 22 December, every weekend, Christmas markets will be set up in the castle courtyard. Please note that an admission ticket to the site must be purchased to gain access. During the same period, and with the same ticket, you can access all the spaces of the fortress and also explore the temporary exhibition of vintage tea and coffee utensils and historical photographs of the Malvezzi-Campeggi family, which will be inaugurated on 7 December and will remain on display until 6 January.

Getting back to Christmas events, the Castle will also be hosting the famous dragon Fyrstan, who usually sleeps in the tower, on Sunday 8 December at 4 p.m., waiting for the little ones to send special greetings together.

And again, on Sunday 15, 29 December and 5 January, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., outside the entrance hall of the Rocca, the Gruppo Alpini di Dozza will be pleased to welcome you with roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

Grizzana Morandi: Christmas in Borgo la Scola

The charming setting of La Scola, an example of mountain architecture still bearing traces of the workmanship of the Maestri Comacini and the mountain stonemasons, is once again home to the nativity scene created by sculptors Marchi and Bressan. From 8 December 2024 to 6 January 2025, wooden statues will be arranged along the narrow streets of the village, leading visitors to contemplate the Nativity set at the foot of the large centuries-old cypress tree in the village.

Imola: Christmas markets

As per tradition, Imola celebrates Christmas with a rich calendar of events. An opportunity to celebrate together in the streets of the city. 

Here are just a few suggestions of events organised by the city: every weekend from 30 November to 22 December, the streets of Imola's historic centre will be the setting for Christmas markets, artisan stalls and food stands serving traditional delicacies. From 25 to 31 December, the extensive Zero Pare Christmas programme of concerts, children's shows, street performers, cabaret, markets, and street food is looking forward to making the festive period even more special.

Discover all the events in Imola at Christmas on the official site. 

Lizzano in Belvedere: Christmas Market in Monteacuto delle Alpi

From 23 November to 8 December, the medieval village of Monteacuto delle Alpi will be hosting a Christmas Market every weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, with gift ideas, delicacies and a family atmosphere.

Likewise in the municipality of Lizzano in Belvedere, in the hamlet of Vidiciatico, at the foot of Mount Corno alle Scale, the first Christmas event is set for Saturday 7 December 2024 with the inauguration of Santa's Village in the town's oldest square: Ca' Gherardi. Food stands will be laid on with typical mountain specialities and entertainment for adults and children. The Borgo, with Santa's house and decorated fir trees, can be visited until Epiphany. 

On 5 January 2025, on the other hand, the Befana (kindly old witch) is making her appearance at 3 p.m. at the movie theatre La Pergola, with children's films being screened. Later in the evening, visitors are treated to the Donviccia, a special local tradition whereby the men of the village go from house to house asking for food and wine and wishing everyone a Happy New Year. 

Monte San Pietro: A children-friendly Christmas

On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, ‘Children's Christmas’ is coming to Calderino with decorationsm, shows at the town's auditorium and a very special party with the Grinch. 

On Sunday 8, meanwhile, a Christmas market will be livening up the village streets all day long. Don't miss the pipers at 10 a.m., the arrival of Santa Claus at 3 p.m. and the Gospel concert at 5.30 p.m. in the parish church.

Monghidoro: Markets and Christmas Concerts

In Monghidoro, many events are staged in anticipation of Christmas. It all starts on Saturday 7 December, in Piazza Cavalier Gitti, with the ‘Winter megamix’ organised by the Scaricalasino group, a musical event with DJ set to usher in the winter season. On 8 December, action continues with the Christmas markets at Cà di Costa. On 14 December, the village will be enlivened by three Christmas concerts: the ‘Light Gospel Choir’ will be performing first. Next, at 8.30 p.m., the Suonatori della Valle will be playing for Saint Lucy's Eve in the town hall conference room. Finally, at 9pm, don't miss the traditional Christmas concert with the Bignardi Band at the village church.

Mordano: Christmas Markets and Show

On Sunday 1 December, from 12 noon to 8 p.m., the main streets of the hamlet of Mordano - via Lughese and via Borgo General Vitali - will be offering a variety of Christmas markets, providing food and drink in good company and the chance to do one's first Christmas shopping.

Throughout the day, musical entertainment and shows for young and old alike will be scheduled.

Don't miss the 3 pm appointment with ‘the enchanted world Show Christmas Edition’ and the sleigh parade of Santa Claus at 4.45 pm.

Pianoro: Christmas Village, markets and nativity play

The first Christmas celebration in Pianoro is scheduled for Sunday, 8 December, in the hamlet of Pian di Macina. Throughout the day, starting at 10 a.m., a Christmas Village will be set up with festive markets, food stands, and children's entertainment. The little ones will also be able to enjoy a puppet show by ‘La Garisenda’ theatre at 2 p.m. and a meeting with Santa Claus.

On Saturday 14 December 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the neighbourhood of Rastignano will turn into a veritable Christmas town with markets, stalls, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, gastronomy, concerts, and a nativity play.

On Sunday 15 December, meanwhile, some christmas markets will be set up in Pianoro from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m with stalls for Christmas shopping, shows, food stands and restaurants offering exclusive winter menus.

San Giovanni in Persiceto: "I Roghi delle Befane"

On Sunday 5 January and Sunday 26 January, in San Matteo della Decima, the countryside is lit up with ‘I Roghi delle Befane’ (the Epiphanies' Nights). At nightfall, from 5 p.m. onwards, the Decima countryside is getting alight with the traditional straw puppets, about ten metres high and depicting ‘La Vècia’ (The Old Woman). Linked to the most authentic peasant tradition, the event is made possible by groups of private individuals, who provide the land and in some cases even a small refreshment of mulled wine, wine, bread or sandwiches with cold cuts.

Sasso Marconi: Christmas on the Road

On Sunday 15 December, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Christmas on the Road is coming to Sasso Marconi with a packed programme of food, games, shows, Christmas stalls and many artistic and cultural activities.

Valsamoggia: Markets and Festival of Santa Lucia in Bazzano

On Sunday 15 December in Bazzano, the Festival of Santa Lucia will be animating the streets of the town with food stands, Christmas markets, and entertainment for young and old. For the occasion, an entire children's area will be set up for Santa to welcome and greet the little ones.

These are just some of the many events planned for this Christmas. To find out more, visit the dedicated section on the Festivals and Fairs website.