Christmas markets in and around the city centre

Christmas is coming to Bologna!

In the streets of the city centre and in the outlying villages, the heart-warming and exciting Christmas atmosphere is beginning to take hold. This spirit and desire to celebrate is primarily linked to the traditional markets that fill the city's squares and streets every year with Christmas trees, decorations and figurines, not to mention mulled wine and many other typical products.

Discover unmissable Christmas Markets in Bologna

A visit to the city' s oldest market, the Santa Lucia Fair, located under one of its most beautiful and distinctive porticoes - recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. From November 10 to 26 December, the manifold stalls and wooden kiosks along the arcades of Strada Maggiore will be offering the widest range of original crib figures, as well as everything else needed for a merry, colourful and memorable Christmas.

Moving towards the centre, from November 25 to December 24 everyday 9am-8pm, we find the French Christmas Village in Piazza Minghetti. Christmas here is all about fragrances and flavours, to be savoured with typical regional French products, from cheeses to sweets over real specialities served warm at the kiosk, possibly accompanied by a good mulled wine. Plus, a wide range of items of clothing and handicrafts strictly from beyond the Alps will be on display.

While we're on the subject of Bologna's classic markets, a special mention must be made of the Christmas Fair in Via Altabella, from November 17 to January 6. Costume jewellery, sweets, gift ideas and much more for Christmas shopping are awaiting just a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, next to St. Peter's Cathedral. 

In addition, a solidarity Christmas market is held every year in the cloister of the Basilica of St. Francesco from 26 November to 6 January 2024 from 9-12 am and 3-7 pm. The proceeds from these markets support the structures of the Basilica and the Franciscan Order.

Moreover, under the Voltone del Podestà, from 12 to 24 December, the stalls of the traditional Antiques Fair will be displaying unique vintage items. In Piazza XX Settembre, from 21 November to 9 January, Christmas in Porta Galliera will be welcoming all guests arriving or departing from the nearby train and bus stations with a warm and magical atmosphere. 

In via San Giuseppe, close to Piazza VIII Agosto, be inspired by the handicrafts and small artefacts of the DecoMela Art Christmas Market, set up from 6 to 24 December.

At FICO, the largest Christmas theme park opens from 4 November until 7 January and will host a thousand attractions including markets, the Polar Express, Christmas events, a virtual sleigh ride, the zoo of lights, candyland and the spectacular ice rink. Put on your skates, sip mulled wine and experience the pleasure of winter!

Bologna during Epiphany?

Family, children and adults will enjoy the Epiphany Fair in via Indipendenza, via Rizzoli, via Ugo Bassi in Bologna city centre from 2 to 7 January and get a lot of sweets and candies!

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