10 things to do in Bologna over the Immaculate Conception weekend
Updated on 01 November 2024 From Bologna Welcome
In Bologna, the Christmas season has a charm all its own: lights glowing under the porticoes, the scent of hot chocolate in the air, and markets filling every square in the historic centre. The Immaculate Conception long weekend - from Friday 5 to Monday 8 December - is one of the best times to experience this atmosphere of art, tradition, events, performances, and sheer magic.
This guide offers 10 ideas to help you enjoy Bologna throughout the Immaculate Conception weekend, with suggestions with suggestions ranging from experiences and exhibitions to theatre and family-friendly activities
Here is a guide to 10 things to do and places to see from Friday 5th to Monday 8th December
1. Immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere
Every year during the Christmas period, Bologna is filled with craft markets waiting to be explored. Wandering among the stalls means enjoying soft lights, traditional sweets and handmade treasures.
Among the markets not to be missed:
- Ancient Fair of Santa Lucia
- Market of Porta Galliera
- Christmas Fair in via Altabella
- The long-awaited return of the iconic French Christmas Village in Piazza Minghetti
Experience the true magic of Christmas
In this guide to Bologna's 2025 Christmas markets you will find all the updated dates and must-see locations in the city with in-depth information on handicrafts and local specialities
2. Top 3 experiences in Bologna
If you’re visiting Bologna during the long weekend and want an overview of the city’s major sights, the Discover Bologna tour is the ideal starting point.
For a unique view of Piazza Maggiore, you can climb up to the panoramic terraces of the Clock Tower, inside Palazzo d'Accursio.
From here, you can also board the San Luca Express, the tourist train heading to the Sanctuary of San Luca (for the more fit, it can also be reached on foot - recommended to fully experience the magnificent UNESCO Porticoes) an essential stop for a true Bolognese experience.
Discover our experiences
3. Visit the city's historic landmarks: Palazzo Pepoli - the Museum of the History of Bologna and Palazzo dell'Archiginnasio
If you’re looking for a quieter moment and want to delve into the city’s history, Palazzo Pepoli, at Via Castiglione 10, offers a rich programme of events during the long weekend:
- Sunday 7 December, 3:00 p.m. - Museum of the History of Bologna
Family Tour: “Detail Hunt” (ITA)
A playful tour through the museum's rooms looking for hidden details. An engaging game to sharpen your eyesight and get to know the city of Bologna a little better, starting with its peculiarities.
Find out more - Sunday 7 December, 3:00 p.m.
Beyond the Museum: Bologna in the Risorgimento (ITA)
A guided walk exploring the city beyond the museum walls.
Discover the itinerary and book your place - Monday 8 December, 3:00 p.m. - Museum of the History of Bologna
Family Tour: Guess Who? (ITA)
An animated tour to discover the identities of characters featured in the museum’s displays.
Find out more - Every day according to the opening hours of the palace
The Times They Are A-Changin'. The Second Vatican Council. Art and video-history exhibition
Temporary exhibition featuring works by Manzù, Colombo, Rotella, Accardi, Munari, Burri, Fontana, Yves Klein and many others
Free admission upon reservation
Or experience the history of the city by visiting the Museum of the History of Bologna, a permanent exhibition in the palace, where you can perceive the true soul and identity of Bologna. Buy your ticket
A short walk away, don’t miss the Archiginnasio, the former seat of the University of Bologna. Thanks to the new range of guided tours and audioguides, you can admire the 6,000 student coats of arms and visit the famous Anatomical Theatre and the Stabat Mater Hall.
4. Explore the season’s Must-See exhibitions
Art history lovers will find two not-to-miss events in Bologna:
- At the Lapidarium of the Medieval Civic Museum, the major monographic exhibition Bartolomeo Cesi (1556-1629). Painting of silence in the age of the Carraccii presents over 30 works across three thematic sections: a valuable opportunity to rediscover one of the protagonists of Bolognese figurative culture between the Renaissance and the Baroque.
- In the historic rooms of Palazzo Fava, you can visit the exhibition Michelangelo and Bologna, which offers an in-depth look at the link between Michelangelo Buonarroti and the city of Bologna through original works, historical casts, drawings, antique books and archival documents, providing a rich, in-depth view of the evolution of Michelangelo's genius.
Michelangelo and Bologna
Bologna still preserves traces of the young Michelangelo, who found inspiration here in the masters of the 15th century and in the city's fervent cultural climate.
5. Home – FOTO/INDUSTRIA, the photography biennial not to miss
Art isn’t just about the past, but it’s also a lucid look at the present. For those who want to immerse themselves in contemporary creativity, the Biennial of Photography on Industry and Work, organised by the MAST Foundation, is a must-see. The 7th edition of FOTO/INDUSTRIA, entitled Home, explores the theme of home in all its nuances: not only as a physical place, but also as a cultural, emotional, economic and political space, reflecting the social and technological transformations of our time.
The itinerary unfolds through ten free exhibitions across seven venues in the historic centre, offering the opportunity to observe and explore the work of a selection of international artists, whose works span over a century and explore every corner of the world.
And the Immaculate Conception long weekend is the perfect time to visit them: from 5 to 8 December is the second-to-last weekend before the Biennial closes.
6. A day at Grand Tour Italia
And if you want to enjoy a total and immersive experience of of tastings, activities, and entertainment, Grand Tour Italia is the place to be.
In addition to the opportunity to purchase food specialities from all over Italy, you can enjoy lots of fun activities, including the new Beautiful Gallery in XXL version: a massive 3,000-square-metre space with over 20 immersive, interactive and surprising rooms, where every corner is designed to amaze and offer an experience. An exhibition designed for everyone, where the common thread is the desire to have fun, share and simply experience beauty.
7. Enjoy the magic of theatre and music
Famous musicians, performers, and conductors will take the stage in Bologna’s theatres throughout the weekend:
In order:
- On 5 December, you can attend the last event of Teatro at the Teatro Arena del Sole, an immersive performance that will allow you to discover the the theatre’s hidden spaces.
- On 6 December at the Teatro EuropAuditorium, “The Nutcracker”, the world’s most beloved classical ballet, will be staged. In this version - created by Luciano Cannito for the Roma City Ballet Company - prepare to experience a magical journey among princesses and enchanted kingdoms.
- On Sunday 7 December, the Orchestra and Choir of the Teatro Comunale di Bologna, conducted by Sir John Elliot Gardiner, will perform the "Concerto Straordinario" at the Auditorium Manzoni with compositions by Mendelssohn Bartholdy and Dvořák.
- To conclude this long weekend, on the day of the Immaculate Conception, 8 December, the Unipol Auditorium Enea Mazzoli celebrates Christmas with Crossover Christmas Night, the traditional Christmas concert by CUBO. An engaging and exciting show with the Soloists of the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Orchestra, staging a fascinating musical dialogue that connects past and present, tradition and innovation, offering the audience an engaging and timeless experience.
For those who love to experience live music, Giorgia will be at the Unipol Arena on Saturday 6 December as part of her Palasport Live 2025 tour.
8. Adrenaline and sport
On Sunday 7 December, at 6 p.m., the Paladozza will light up with the Fortitudo Bologna vs Libertas Livorno 1947 match: an unmissable event for those who want to savour the energy of Bolognese basketball.
9. For Family-Friendly night out
In addition to Palazzo Pepoli’s Family Tours, on Sunday 7, the Teatro Dehon presents the double performance (4:00 pm and 5:30 pm) of “Mr. Nielsen and the Spirit of Christmas”.
For those who want an even more evocative atmosphere, the Teatro dell'Osservanza stages InCanti di Natale, a poetic, enchanting show perfect for children.
10. Don't forget the souvenirs!
End your weekend by taking home a souvenir of the city: purchase a tote bag from the brand "è Bologna" featuring stylised illustrations of the city's main monuments. You can also reserve limited-edition items online - just remember to collect your purchase at the shop in Piazza Maggiore 1/E.
It promotes and enhances places, experiences and events across the Bologna Metropolitan Area and the Bologna–Modena Tourist Territory, and manages the content of website bolognawelcome.com.
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