What to do in Bologna during the Christmas season

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by letygoeson2, Dec, 2024Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Travel Trends

What to Do in Bologna at Christmas Time: Events, Markets, and Activities to See and Experience During the Festive Season.
Do you want to discover the best activities to do in Bologna during the Christmas season?

Bologna uniquely comes to life during the Christmas season, transforming into a stage of festivity and joy! Walking under the porticoes or through the medieval and Renaissance streets, all decorated with sparkling lights and garlands, is an unmissable experience.

Bologna at Christmas time offers the opportunity to visit enchanting nativity scenes and take part in numerous festive events that make the city even more beautiful!

…And after a walk, nothing is better than a hot chocolate or a good glass of wine accompanied by delicious traditional sweets or local cured meats! But the surprises don’t end there: some Christmas markets offer the chance to find nativity scene figurines and artisanal gifts that I’m sure will enchant you!

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What to Do in Bologna at Christmas?

Walk Around to Admire the Christmas Lights

Walking around Bologna is always a pleasure, but during the Christmas season, it becomes a truly magical experience! Bundle up, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to discover the city after sunset—it’s a true visual spectacle! Don’t forget to bring your phone with a full battery, because every corner deserves to be captured!

During the Christmas season, Bologna transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of Christmas lights shining to celebrate the festivities. The medieval porticoes, historic buildings, streets, and squares dress up for the occasion, and even the famous Garisenda and Asinelli towers are illuminated with enchanting decorations. And of course, the grand Christmas tree, located in the city’s heart next to the Basilica of San Petronio, Bologna’s patron saint, is a must-see. Get ready to create unforgettable memories in a Bologna that shines with magic and warmth!

My favorite spot to admire the Christmas decorations is Galleria Cavour and the adjacent Portico Zambeccari, which surprises us every year with stunning and ever-changing decorations!

And Via D’Azeglio! In the pedestrian area, you’ll often find Christmas lights forming the lyrics of a famous song by a renowned Bolognese artist. Every step is a new verse, and you can walk along singing under these sparkling letters

Take a Tour of Bologna’s Nativity Scenes

Even though Bologna is famous for its medieval towers, we cannot forget that it also holds a very special Christmas tradition: nativity scenes.

If you love Christmas traditions, I highly recommend visiting the Museum of the History of Bologna, which hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas exhibitions dedicated to nativity scenes. The interesting part is that these are not just “classic” nativity scenes but true works of art—sometimes modern, sometimes more traditional, but all with a unique story to tell.

If you want to learn more about Bologna’s nativity scene tradition, there are many must-see events! The Basilica of San Francesco, the Basilica of San Petronio, and the National Art Gallery also house incredible works of art.

And why not take the opportunity to buy some figurines to enrich your own nativity scene?

Stroll Through the Christmas Markets

In December, Bologna transforms into a true Christmas paradise, with markets scattered throughout the historic center selling all sorts of charming items and products—from festive decorations to delicious local treats. There’s nothing better than spending a few hours wandering through the stalls and discovering unique treasures!

Santa Lucia Fair

The most famous Christmas market in Bologna is undoubtedly the historic Santa Lucia Fair, which boasts over four centuries of tradition. It takes place on Strada Maggiore, under the portico of the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi.

Here, dozens of stalls offer everything you need to make your home festive and find special gifts for your loved ones. Don’t forget to taste and buy a piece of torrone! Every year, I make a special trip here just for that!

Christmas Fair

Another market you shouldn’t miss is the Christmas Fair, located in the heart of Bologna, on Via Altabella, a side street of Via Indipendenza and just a stone’s throw from Piazza Maggiore.

It’s a smaller market compared to Santa Lucia but no less fascinating! Its stalls offer a selection of Christmas decorations, unique gifts, and incredibly delicious sweets that will delight even those with the least sweet tooth!

Enjoy a Traditional Bolognese Dinner

Now we get to the highlight: food. And let me tell you, at Christmas, Bologna will not disappoint you. If you love traditional cuisine, you cannot miss a dinner featuring tortellini in brodo, a Christmas season classic in Bologna. It’s not optional—if you visit Bologna in winter, you absolutely have to try tortellini in broth! Here’s my list of the best restaurants and trattorias where you can taste them.

During the Christmas season, the menu expands with traditional dishes like boiled meats with mostarda or Bolognese-style cutlet, which will make you feel right at home (even if you aren’t, but I assure you that the warmth of this dish will make you forget everything).

If you want to explore Bologna’s culinary delights, I recommend joining a food tour around the city—perfect if you don’t have much time but still want to experience the local gastronomy!

Take a Stroll in the University District

Let’s be honest: Bologna has a unique vitality, and this doesn’t change at Christmas. I suggest taking a walk in the university district, around Via Zamboni and Piazza Verdi, where the atmosphere is always lively.

Even during the holidays, there’s something special in the air. You might stop for an aperitivo in one of the many bars that remain open during the Christmas season or stroll under the porticoes where young Bolognese gather to exchange Christmas wishes.

New Year’s Eve in Bologna is Always Special

In Bologna, Christmas offers a unique experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in local traditions, some of which are truly fascinating and curious! If you’re in town for New Year’s Eve, you absolutely cannot miss the burning of the Vecchione in Piazza Maggiore.

At midnight, a giant straw effigy, the Vecchione, representing the old year, is burned.

This ritual is a cathartic act symbolizing all the hardships of the past year going up in flames, with hopes that the new year will bring serenity and joy.

Every year, a different artist designs the figure, making each Vecchione unique! Although the tradition is relatively recent, dating back to 1922, it has quickly become a must-see event in Bologna’s New Year’s celebrations.

Tips for Visiting Bologna During the Christmas Season

Bologna, with its warmth and hospitality, will make you feel right at home! But before setting off for this magical city in December, here are some useful tips:

Dress in layers! Winters in Bologna can be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 8°C in December.
Plan your visits! Museums may have special hours during the holidays, so check in advance.
Take a panoramic bus tour! A great way to see the city during the festive season.
Immerse yourself in culture! Bologna offers a wide agenda of events during Christmas season, from concerts and theater performances to exhibitions and children’s activities. If you’re staying several days, take a look at the schedule-you’re sure to find something to pique your interest!

Bologna at Christmas time is like a warm hug on a cold day: cozy, sincere and, above all, authentic.

If you are in town over the holidays, take the time to experience the city like a true Bolognese, between a walk under the arcades and a stop for a hot coffee. Feel free to get lost among the markets, discover a hidden corner and enjoy Christmas in Bologna with its unique atmosphere, which is able to turn every corner into a little enchantment.