10 things to do in Bologna over the Immaculate Conception weekend

A magical atmosphere pervades Bologna during the holidays: the Immaculate Conception weekend is the perfect occasion to enjoy it together! If you’re still not sure what to do from 6 to 10 December 2023, don't worry. 

Here is a list of 10 things to do and places to see during these holidays

1. A trip to the Christmas market

Every year at Christmas Bologna is filled with craft markets to explore. As you stroll among the stalls, warm yourself up with a delicious hot chocolate and enjoy the host of mouth-watering delicacies – here are the ones that you can’t miss! 

2. Top 3 experiences between Bologna and Modena

If you’re in Bologna, you can’t miss the view of the city from the top of The Clock Tower, located in Piazza Maggiore inside Palazzo d’Accursio. Just a two-minute walk away you will then have the chance to join a guided tour to explore the home of the famous Bolognese-born musician Lucio Dalla, where every room is reflects the singer-songwriter's extravagant personality. If you are a motoring enthusiast, why not spend your day at the Stanguellini Museum in Modena: a thirty-minute train ride will give you the chance to learn more about the company's history and glorious past while exploring the city's small historic centre.

3. Follow the footsteps of the Emilian painter on the "Paths of Guercino" 

Throughout the Bologna area and in other areas of Emilia Romagna, such as Ferrara and Cento, you will find a series of exhibitions dedicated to Giuseppe Francesco Barbieri known as 'Il Guercino'; among these is 'Guercino in his studio' at the Pinacoteca Nazionale in Bologna, which clearly depicts the various artistic facets of one of the most representative painters of his era.

4. Current exhibitions 

Palazzo Pallavicini is now hosting an extensive photographic exhibition dedicated to the work of Vivian Maier: a collection of almost 150 photographs and Super 8mm films for a journey through the changing eyes of the artist. If you’re into photography lover, you can always check out the other must-attend autumn exhibitions!

5. A leap into the past

The exhibition “Bologna fotografata. People, places, photographers”, in Piazza Maggiore, is a great opportunity to delve into the narration of the city: every selected picture, by both professional and non-professional photographers, represents an essential memory that contributes to the overall definition of the city. 

6. A day at FICO

You won't be bored at the FICO food park: here you will be able to buy food specialities from all over Italy, find craft markets and visit a large Christmas village with lots of fun activities such as the Polar express, the zoo of lights, the underwater world and much more!

7. Dive deep into classical music

Over the Immaculate weekend, famous musicians and conductors will be hosted in Bologna with outstanding performances in the city's main theatres. This stunning season will start on Wednesday 6 December with Ieuan Jones and his harp performance at Sala Prof. Marco Biagi, followed on Thursday 7 December by a string concert directed by Ukrainian Oksana Lyninv at Teatro Auditorium Manzoni. To round off the weekend, Bologna Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing on Sunday 10 December at 8.30 p.m. with Maestro Fio Zanotti and his band at Teatro Auditorium Manzoni. 

8. Great cinema

The spotlight of Bologna's acclaimed cultural scene is now shining on the recently inaugurated 'Cinema Modernissimo', an underground movie theatre attached to Palazzo Ronzani, where world-famous film director Martin Scorsese, among others, was hosted during his last visit to the city. This brand new addition offers a programme of great classics, restorations, contemporary films, meetings with artists and much more. 

© photo by Lorenzo Burlando

9. A family evening

Consider spending a family evening on Thursday 7 December with 'Conta di Natale', a puppet show that brings to life an Advent calendar of stories. That's not all: on the same evening you can take part in a Christmas Puppet dinner with surprise guests and a final lottery! To get even more into the Christmas spirit, "The Christmas show" will be on stage at the Celebrazioni Theatre.

10. Don’t forget your souvenirs!

Take Bologna home with you by buying the tote bag from the brand “è Bologna” with stylised illustrations of the city's main monuments. Buy them online, save on the final price and… remember to collect your souvenir at the info point in Piazza Maggiore 1/E.
Discover the other available gadgets here!