Bologna Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Bologna and surrounding areas

Bologna transforms for the festive season with Christmas lights strung across the Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore hosting Christmas markets and caroling events that bring holiday activities to the city center. Seasonal offerings include Le Feste a Bologna and traditional gatherings like Roghi delle Befane. Between porticoed streets and the Quadrilatero food stalls, families find Santa visits, festive attractions, and cozy performances that celebrate Bologna's rich culinary and cultural traditions in winter.

Find the best Bologna Christmas happenings this year!

Bologna Christmas Events

All Christmas Events Within 25 Miles of Bologna

Bologna Christmas Markets and Shopping

Holidays in Bologna 2025

💰 $$
📍 Various Locations

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Bologna with its enchanting Christmas markets and festive atmosphere. Wander through illuminated streets, discover unique artisan crafts and local delicacies, and find the perfect gifts for loved ones. From the historic Santa Lucia Fair to the charming French Christmas Village, Bologna offers...

Christmas Markets in Bologna

💰 $$
📍 Various Locations in Bologna

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with Bologna's enchanting Christmas markets. Wander through historic squares adorned with twinkling lights and charming wooden stalls. Discover unique handmade gifts, traditional nativity figures, and delicious seasonal treats. From the ancient Fiera di Santa Lucia to the vibrant French Village and artisan markets, experience...

Mercatino AN-T-Days

💰 $$
📍 Via Rizzoli and Via Ugo Bassi

Discover the AN-T-DAYS market in Bologna, a highly anticipated event for Christmas shopping. Browse through a curated selection of artisanal crafts and high-quality food products from over 120 exhibitors. Enjoy live entertainment, meet Santa Claus, and participate in a conference focused on well-being and prevention. Free oncological screenings are also...

Decomelart and San Giuseppe Color Markets

💰 $
📍 Via San Giuseppe
Via San Giuseppe, Bologna 40121

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Decomelart and San Giuseppe Color markets. This vibrant handicraft event features a diverse collection of artisanal goods, including unique jewelry, leather accessories, wooden objects, pottery, and handmade candles. It's the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and decorative items.

Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia

💰 $$
📍 Fiera di Santa Lucia
Strada Maggiore, Bologna

Experience the charm of the Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia, a beloved Christmas market nestled under the monumental portico of the Church of the Servi. This festive event offers a delightful array of stalls brimming with traditional nativity scene items, sparkling Christmas decorations, tempting sweets, and unique gift ideas, creating...

Castel Maggiore a Natale (Castel Maggiore, BO)

• 6 mi from Bologna 💰 $
📍 Various Locations

Discover the festive spirit of Castel Maggiore during their 'Castel Maggiore a Natale' celebration. This event series features a vibrant Christmas market with food, inflatable attractions, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus. Enjoy live music, children's workshops, and a special pastry demonstration. Don't miss the 'Presepe Vivente' and the 'Galà...

Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Garibaldi (Castelfranco Emilia, MO)

• 16 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 Piazza Garibaldi

Experience the magic of the 'Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Garibaldi,' a charming Christmas market transforming the heart of Castelfranco Emilia. Browse through numerous wooden stalls offering unique artisanal products and festive decorations, perfect for finding special holiday gifts. This event brings a delightful holiday spirit to Piazza Garibaldi.

Natale a Vignola – Dicembre 2024 (Vignola, MO)

• 16 mi from Bologna 💰 $$
📍 Various Locations in Vignola

Experience the magic of Christmas in Vignola throughout December 2024. This festive event offers a delightful blend of music, theater, and community spirit. Shoppers are rewarded with special vouchers through the 'Vignola ti premia' initiative, encouraging support for local businesses. Enjoy enchanting musical performances, theatrical shows, and a beautifully crafted...

Natale al Castello - Formigine (Formigine, MO)

• 25 mi from Bologna 💰 $
📍 Castello di Formigine
Piazza Calcagnini, Formigine, MO 41043

Formigine transforms into a festive wonderland for 'Natale al Castello' from November 30th to December 8th. Explore the 'Mercanti al Castello' artisan market, discover beautiful Nativity scenes, and enjoy a vibrant Christmas market. The event features a diverse schedule of activities, including concerts, workshops, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a...

Dona Christmas Market (Lugo, RA)

• 29 mi from Bologna 💰 $
📍 Pavaglione
Via Goya Francisco, 10, Lugo, RA 48022

Discover the magic of Christmas at the Dona Christmas Market in Lugo, Italy. Wander through charming stalls offering local artisan crafts, regional food specialties, and festive treats. The historic Pavaglione will be beautifully illuminated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and seasonal enjoyment.

Fiera dell'Immacolata Concezione a Faenza (Faenza, RA)

• 29 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 Centro Storico

Discover the Fiera dell'Immacolata Concezione, a charming Christmas market held in the historic center of Faenza. This one-day event on December 8th offers a delightful opportunity to find unique artisan crafts, festive decorations, and seasonal treats. Immerse yourself in the joyful holiday atmosphere of this traditional Italian celebration.

Bologna Christmas Food, Drink and Parties

Certosino di Bologna

💰 $$
📍 Bologna

Delve into the rich culinary heritage of Bologna with the Certosino di Bologna, a traditional Christmas cake. This authentic recipe, officially decreed and notarized, features a delightful blend of honey, candied fruits, nuts, chocolate, and warming spices. Discover the intricate preparation process and the unique ingredients that make this festive...

Capodanno 2024 in Piazza Maggiore

💰 $
📍 Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124

Ring in the New Year in Bologna's iconic Piazza Maggiore with a vibrant celebration featuring the traditional 'rogo benaugurale del Vecchione' designed by Igort. Enjoy a lively DJ set by Nina's Drag Queens and a special artist's discourse. On January 1st, explore the city's Civic Museums for free and experience...

New Year's Eve in Piazza Modena with Skin (Modena)

• 23 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 Largo Sant'Agostino

Modena is set to host an electrifying New Year's Eve celebration in Largo Sant'Agostino, featuring the iconic Skin, lead singer of Skunk Anansie, as the headline DJ. This free public event promises a night of high-energy music, blending Skin's renowned stage presence with cutting-edge multimedia technologies. Join the festivities as...

Bologna Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment

Stagione Teatrale Casalecchio di Reno 2025/2026 (Casalecchio di Reno, BO)

💰 $$
📍 Teatro Comunale Laura Betti
Piazza del Popolo, 1, Casalecchio di Reno, BO

Discover the vibrant 2025/2026 theatrical season at Teatro Comunale Laura Betti in Casalecchio di Reno. This curated program features a compelling mix of prose, musical theater, dance, and diverse musical performances, including a special Christmas concert with renowned flutist Andrea Griminelli. The season pays homage to the legendary Luciano Pavarotti...

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays Concert (Sassuolo, MO)

• 28 mi from Bologna 💰 $$
📍 Teatro Carani
via Mazzini 28, Sassuolo, MO 41049

Experience the joyous spirit of the holidays with the 'Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays' concert, featuring the NonSoloGospel Choir. This vibrant performance offers a cheerful repertoire inspired by the most delightful aspects of the Christmas season, from Santa's arrival to cozy family moments. The choir's modern arrangements of traditional carols and...

Bologna Other Christmas Activities

Le Feste a Bologna 2025

💰 $$
📍 Piazza del Nettuno
Piazza Nettuno, 1/ab, Bologna 40124

Experience the magic of the holiday season in Bologna, where festive lights adorn streets and monuments, culminating in a magnificent Christmas tree in Piazza del Nettuno. Explore numerous Christmas markets offering unique gifts and seasonal treats, and discover a variety of events and cultural experiences designed to fill your visit...

Christmas Celebrations Presided Over by the Archbishop

💰 FREE
📍 Cathedral of Bologna
Piazza Maggiore, Bologna 40124

Experience the solemn Christmas celebrations in Bologna, led by Archbishop Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. Key events include Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass in the Cathedral, alongside New Year's Eve Vespers and a special Mass for the World Day of Peace. The Epiphany Mass offers a unique multilingual...

Corteo dei Magi a Bologna

💰 FREE
📍 Piazza Maggiore

Experience the magic of the Epiphany in Bologna with the traditional Corteo dei Magi. This grand procession features 150 costumed participants, Roman warriors on horseback, and the Three Magi on camels, culminating in a solemn offering to the Baby Jesus at Piazza Maggiore. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks...

Roghi delle Befane: "A brusa la Vecia!" (San Giovanni in Persiceto)

• 16 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 San Matteo della Decima

Experience the fiery tradition of 'A brusa la Vecia!' in San Matteo della Decima, where large straw effigies of 'La Vècia' are set ablaze at dusk. This ancient folk custom, tied to agricultural traditions, symbolizes the burning of the past year to welcome the new. Enjoy local refreshments like mulled...

The Three Wise Men Visit Dozza (Dozza)

• 17 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 Dozza
via Poggiaccio 6, Dozza 40060

Experience the magic of Epiphany in the charming village of Dozza as the Three Wise Men make their traditional visit on January 6, 2025. This 35th annual procession, starting from the church of San Lorenzo, winds through the borgo, bringing biblical Nativity scenes to life with traditional costumes and evocative...

Viva Natale (Castelvetro di Modena, MO)

• 20 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 Castelvetro Historic Center
Piazza Roma, 5, Castelvetro di Modena, MO 41014

Experience the magic of Christmas in Castelvetro's historic center. The village comes alive with enchanting lights and nativity scene reproductions, creating a truly magical atmosphere. They offer a variety of entertainment for both adults and children, making it a perfect holiday destination.

Arriva la Befana! (Imola)

• 20 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 Centro sociale "La Tozzona"
via Punta, 24, Imola 40026

Experience the magic of 'Arriva la Befana!' on January 6th, 2025, at the Centro Sociale La Tozzona in Imola. This special event features a captivating ice skating performance, 'Fantasie Musicali sui pattini,' by Imola Roller. Following the performance, all children will receive a traditional Befana stocking filled with delicious sweets...

Festa della Befana (Befana Festival) (Formigine, MO)

• 25 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 Centro storico di Formigine
Piazza Calcagnini, Formigine, MO 41043

Formigine's historic center transforms for the 'Festa della Befana' from January 4-6, 2025. This vibrant festival features music, food, street artists, and activities for children. Explore the Befana markets, enjoy live performances, and witness the dramatic 'Bonfire of the Befana.' Families can delight in special events, including the arrival of...

La Befana vien di notte (Adria)

• 27 mi from Bologna 💰 $$
📍 Piazza Cavour and Giardino di Palazzo Tassoni

Adria comes alive with 'La Befana vien di notte,' a beloved 13-year tradition celebrating the Epiphany. This year's 2025 edition promises an exceptional experience with traditional events, surprises, and an expanded village in Piazza Cavour and Palazzo Tassoni gardens. Discover the magical 'House of Wonders' with Maga Gaia, enjoy enchanting...

La Befana al Museo Archeologico (Ferrara)

• 27 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 Museo Archeologico Nazionale
Via XX Settembre, 122, Ferrara

Join La Befana for a special afternoon at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale! This free event for children and families includes a guided tour where La Befana shares stories of ancient traditions and gifts. A playful 'baruffa' between an Etruscan woman and La Befana leads to a gift distribution for all...

Ferrara Christmas Events (Ferrara)

• 27 mi from Bologna
📍 Ferrara

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with a variety of Christmas events scattered throughout Ferrara and its surrounding areas. This collection of holiday activities offers a chance to experience local traditions and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere of the season. Discover what makes Ferrara a magical destination during the holidays.

Incendio del Castello Estense (Ferrara)

• 27 mi from Bologna 💰 FREE
📍 Castello Estense
Largo Castello, 1, Ferrara

Ferrara welcomes the new year with the breathtaking 'Incendio del Castello' (Burning of the Este Castle). This unique event combines a spectacular fireworks display with live music and entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience. Join the countdown to midnight and witness the historic castle illuminated by a dazzling pyrotechnic show, followed...

View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around Bologna

Discover thousands of christmas events across the country

Interactive map preview

Explore Other Cities

Find events in different locations

Our Process

With 20 years of experience, we use AI technology to build the most comprehensive list of christmas events events.

Our goal is complete coverage—from major festivals to small community celebrations, ensuring you never miss anything happening in your area.

Learn More About Our Process