CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN BOLOGNA
Christmas markets in Bologna
Bologna’s Christmas markets are a good place to shop for lights and Nativity scene figures.
In the streets the Christmas decorations are present starting from the last week of November and in Piazza Maggiore the Christmas tree is erected with the classic traditional merry-go-rounds while a tourist train runs through the city with various stops.
Moreover, for children in Bologna, there are many entertainment opportunities offered during the Christmas vacation period:
Follow the link to find some suggestions for Children's Christmas.
St. Lucy's Market (St. Lucy's Fair)
St. Lucia Market (St. Lucia Fair), under the portico of the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi, on Strada Maggiore.
It is the most important event of Bolognese Christmas, a traditional celebration that dates back several centuries.
The richly decorated stalls of the market offer gifts for Christmas, many original decorations and ornaments for Christmas trees and nativity scenes, and then the flavors of typical Bolognese wine and gastronomic products.
The oldest Christmas market in Emilia Romagna is recognized by the Superintendence for Fine Arts as having high historical and cultural value due to its location and the prevalence of nativity scene and Christmas tree decorations.
In the little square in front of the Church, a sort of enchanted forest is set up with Santa Claus's house for the traditional letter; inside the Church, there is a beautiful traditional nativity scene.
Schedule: every day from November 7 to December 26, 2025
from 9.00 to 20.00.
Christmas Market
Christmas Market
on Altabella street, near the Archbishops' Palace and St. Peter's cathedral
Sale of Christmas decorations, gift items, and sweets.
from November 21, 2025 to January 6, 2026.
Hours: every day from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
FRENCH CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
A traditional French Christmas village made of wooden houses
it opens in Minghetti Square with food products, handicraft items, and accessories.
You can also eat on the premises,
Minghetti Square
From December 5 to December 8, 2025
Hours: every day from 10:00 to 20:00.
ANTIQUARIES FAIR
Christmas markets, antiques at the Palazzo del Podestà
Vintage objects, modern decor, trinkets, paintings, and other gifts for Christmas.
Town Hall Palace Courtyard
FROM DECEMBER 12 TO DECEMBER 24 2025
from 8:30 to 19:00
CHRISTMAS FOR CHILDREN
In the Christmas period in addition to visiting the markets of the old town there are various other opportunities for recreation, especially for children and young people to start from the Sala Borsa (in front of the Statue of Neptune) which offers many activities from 2 years of age: here you can find the calendar (only IT).
But it is above all museums and theaters that offer various activities for children and young people.
MUSEUMS
FAVA PALACE – Exhibition Hall Contacts
PEPELI PALACE. Museum of the History of Bologna. Every third Sunday of the month, at 11 am, activities and workshops for children titled “It’s Sunday at the Museum!“. Contact
MAMbo – Museum of Modern Art of Bologna offers various activities for children and teenagers. Contact
The MUSEUM OF PREHISTORY “LUIGI DONINI” (in San Lazzaro di Savena) offers on weekends and holidays: free workshops for children aged 6 to 10 years; guided tours for adults and children; interactive readings and mini-workshops for children aged 3 to 5 years and their caregivers.
The GOLINELLI ARTS AND SCIENCES CENTER, a new space at the Opificio Golinelli, hosts art and science exhibitions Contact
Shows
Teatro Testoni presents a production exclusively for children and teenagers. Check the complete schedule: www.testoniragazzi.it
Map of Christmas
markets in Bologna
The stars indicate the locations of the Christmas markets in Bologna