Bologna lights up for the 2026–2027 Winter Holiday Season

The magic of Christmas 2026 lights up Bologna

With the arrival of the holidays, Bologna is ready to transform into a large Christmas setting, where lights, sounds and scents fill every corner of the city. Between light installations, sparkling trees and initiatives for all ages, the historic city centre glows with wonder and warmth.

The city lights up from the centre to the outskirts

With the arrival of the first winter breezes in late November, Bologna takes on a new look. All it takes is the flick of a switch to transform the red brick and the medieval silhouette of the historic centre into a luminous open-air spectacle: this is the moment when the city officially welcomes Christmas and the other winter festivities. 

Strolling through the streets at this time of year means rediscovering iconic views in a completely new and welcoming light, guided by the warmth of the illuminations that deck out the squares, alleyways and the famous porticoes - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - for the festive season.

➝ Return to this page to find out the official dates for the switch-on of Bologna’s Christmas lights

Living Christmas time: events, markets and activities

From mid-November to early January, Bologna offers a rich calendar of markets, cultural events, shows, tastings and family-friendly activities. An invitation to discover the city in a unique atmosphere, blending tradition, creativity and conviviality.

Experience the magic of Christmas 2026 in Bologna: let yourself be captivated by its light, warmth and the many special moments that make this time of year truly unforgettable.