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 8 December 2024, 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 in Bologna

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 reflects the singer-songwriter's extravagant personality. If you are an art lover, you cannot afford to miss the unprecedented audio-guided visit to a private historical residence: Palazzo Sampieri Talon. The remarkable fresco "Hercules and Antheus" by Guercino is on display inside, a true insight into the Bolognese Renaissance. 

3. Palazzo Pepoli and Museum of the History of Bologna

Let yourself be enchanted by the majesty of the recently reopened Palazzo Pepoli in Via Castiglione 8. In the inner rooms you can breathe in a magical atmosphere of beauty between the ancient and the modern, history and tradition mingle with the contemporary and the pleasure of entertainment.

A place alive and to be experienced.

Inside, you will find the Museum of the History of Bologna, where you can perceive and discover the true soul and identity of Bologna.

Get your ticket->

©S. Laddomada per BW

4. In the footsteps of the Emilian painter Guido Reni

Several itineraries may be pursued to discover the life of the "divine Guido" and his impressive artistic legacy left in Bologna and surroundings. A must-see is the exhibition The Tale of Atalanta. Guido Reni and the Poets.

Indulge in inspiration!

Massacre of the Innocents, Guido Reni ©Bologna, Pinacoteca Nazionale courtesy of MiC - Musei nazionali di Bologna - Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Emilia-Romagna

5. Ongoing exhibitions 

The Municipal Art Collections in Piazza Maggiore are now hosting the photographic exhibition "Contemporary Museum Watching" by photographer Alex Trusty: an array of almost 50 photographs where not only works of art, but museums themselves take centre stage. 

If you are not keen on photography, however, you can always browse through our must-attend autumn exhibitions!

6. A day at Grand Tour Italia 

You won't get bored at the Grand Tour Italia food park: here you can buy food specialities from all over Italy, find craft markets and a large Christmas village with lots of fun activities! 

7. The magic of music

Over the Immaculate weekend, famous musicians and conductors will be hosted in Bologna with outstanding performances in the city's main theatres.

To begin with, Alessandra Amoroso will be waiting for her fans at the Unipol Arena on 6 December at 9pm; on 7 December at 4pm and 8:30pm the Orchestra of the Teatro Comunale di Bologna conducted by Thiago Tiberio will be staging the show "Beauty and the Beast" at the Teatro EuropAuditorium, an enchanted journey with a memorable soundtrack by composer Alan Menken.

To round off your weekend, conductor Roberto Abbado with pianist Pietro de Maria will perform a concert on Monday 9 December at 8.30 p.m. at the Auditorium Manzoni Theatre. 

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

On 7 and 8 December 2024 at Teatro Testoni - La Baracca, the show "Famiglie" will educate its young audiences on the concept of family;

On Thursday 7 December at 5.30 p.m. spend a family evening with La conta di Natale (The Christmas Count), a show enacting an Advent calendar made of stories using puppets at the Laura Betti Theatre in Casalecchio di Reno. 

To end on a high note, on 8 December at the Dehon Theatre, we propose L'apprendista di Babbo Natale (Santa's apprentice) at 4 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. for children over the age of 3.

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. Book limited availability items online and... remember to collect your souvenir at the info point in Piazza Maggiore 1/E.
Discover the other available gadgets here!