Christmas markets in and around the city centre

Updated on 09 September 2024 From Bologna Welcome

Christmas is coming to Bologna

In the streets of the city centre and in the outlying villages, the heart-warming and exciting Christmas atmosphere is beginning to take hold. This spirit and desire to celebrate is primarily linked to the traditional markets that fill the city's squares and streets every year with Christmas trees, decorations and figurines, not to mention mulled wine and many other typical products.

Discover unmissable Christmas Markets in Bologna

A visit to the city' s oldest market, the Santa Lucia Fair, located under one of its most beautiful and distinctive porticoes - recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. From 2024 November 17 to December 26 (the starting date could be brought forward), the manifold stalls and wooden kiosks along the arcades of Strada Maggiore will be offering the widest range of original crib figures, as well as everything else needed for a merry, colourful and memorable Christmas.

While we're on the subject of Bologna's classic markets, a special mention must be made of the Christmas Fair in via Altabella, from 2024 November 22 to 2025 January 6. Costume jewellery, sweets, gift ideas and much more for Christmas shopping are awaiting just a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, next to St. Peter's Cathedral.

Snacking on hot chestnuts?

Between trips to the market, fight the cold with a bag of steaming hot chestnuts. Take a break at the stalls in the city's most populous streets (info valid from 20 September to 15 March):

- Via Rizzoli on the corner with Piazza Re Enzo

- Via Indipendenza at the corner with Via Montegrappa

- Piazza De' Celestini 1/a

- Via Ugo Bassi 8/a

In addition, a solidarity Christmas market is held every year in the cloister of the Basilica of St. Francesco (dates to be defined) from 9-12 am and 3-7 pm. The proceeds from these markets support the structures of the Basilica and the Franciscan Order.

Moreover, under the Voltone del Podestà, from 12 to 24 December 2024, the stalls of the traditional Antiques Fair will be displaying unique vintage items. In Piazza XX Settembre, from 18 November 2024 to 9 January 2025, Christmas in Porta Galliera will be welcoming all guests arriving or departing from the nearby train and bus stations with a warm and magical atmosphere.

In via San Giuseppe, close to Piazza VIII Agosto, be inspired by the handicrafts and small artefacts of the DecoMela Art and San Giuseppe color Christmas Market, set up from 4 to 24 December 2024.

Finally, if you are looking for a Christmas tree, visit the Christmas Tree Market from 6 to 24 December in Piazza Trento e Trieste, within' the temporary seasonal market area of the district.

Bologna during Epiphany?

Family, children and adults will enjoy the Epiphany Fair in via Indipendenza, via Rizzoli, via Ugo Bassi in Bologna city centre from 2 to 6 January 2025 and get a lot of sweets and candies!

Article being updated

Luci e albero di Natale, 2019 ©Pietrobondi

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