What to do in Bologna at Christmas 2025 and when the tree in Piazza Maggiore will be lit

Christmas in Bologna is a collection of traditions and events that bring an added warmth to the city throughout December. Visitors are drawn to Bologna during the most magical time of the year not only for its rich cultural calendar, artisan markets and culinary experiences, but because these are more than simple attractions, they become moments to pause, talk and savour the city at a slower pace.

Here, Christmas unfolds under the soft glow of lights strung along the UNESCO-listed porticoes, with concerts held in the historic churches of the centre, nativity scenes lovingly preserved through generations, and the unmistakable aroma of roasted chestnuts drifting through the busiest streets.

Below are the events and highlights to add to your diary for experiencing Bologna during the 2025 festive season.

When the Christmas tree in Piazza Maggiore will be lit in 2025

The lighting of the large Christmas tree in Piazza Maggiore marks the official start of the festive season each year. The city gathers quietly, waiting for the moment when the entire square is illuminated.

The tradition will once again be honoured in 2025: the tree, sourced as always from the forests of the Bolognese Apennines, will be placed in front of the Basilica of San Petronio and adorned with hundreds of lights and luminous decorations chosen to complement the harmony of the square.

The exact date of the lighting is usually announced by the municipality in the weeks beforehand, but it historically falls on the first weekend of December or close to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This year, it is expected to take place on the evening of 6 or 7 December 2025, accompanied by choirs, musical performances, and a highly scenic shared moment.

Christmas markets 2025 in Bologna: full calendar and what to find

Christmas markets are an essential part of the festive season in Bologna, not only as places to shop but as spaces of tradition and social gathering. They range from the oldest fairs to street markets curated by contemporary artisans, as well as solidarity initiatives organised by local associations. Before listing them, it is worth noting one everyday detail that characterises this period: roasted chestnuts.

From 20 September to 15 March, they can be found in historic spots around the city such as Via Rizzoli, Via Indipendenza, Piazza De’ Celestini and Via Ugo Bassi, becoming almost a ritual during winter strolls.

Santa Lucia Fair

Beneath the Portico dei Servi on Strada Maggiore, the Santa Lucia Fair returns from 7 November to 26 December 2025. It is considered one of Bologna’s most historic markets and still retains the traditional atmosphere that distinguishes it. Among the stalls, visitors will find terracotta and wooden nativity figurines, traditional decorations, candles, small devotional objects, and certosino, the classic Bolognese honey and spice cake.

Christmas Fair on Via Altabella

From 21 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, just a short walk from Piazza Maggiore, the Christmas Fair on Via Altabella offers costume jewellery, sweets, gift ideas and decorative items. It is an ideal stop for those looking to complete their seasonal shopping while staying within the city’s historic heart.

French Christmas Village

From 5 to 8 December 2025, Piazza Minghetti will host the French Christmas Village: wooden chalets, gourmet specialities, pastries, soaps and artisanal crafts. Particularly photogenic at sunset, the square takes on the charm of a small Alpine-style market, scented with butter, spices and festive warmth.

Market in the Cloisters of the Basilica of St. Francis

On dates yet to be confirmed, the cloister of the Basilica of St Francis will host a charity market, with all proceeds supporting the Basilica’s facilities and the Franciscan Order. Opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Antiques Fair under the Voltone del Podestà

From 12 to 24 December 2025, the traditional Antiques Fair will take place beneath the Voltone del Podestà. It is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, offering prints, ceramics, silverware, small furnishings and collectible pieces.

Christmas at Porta Galliera

Located in Piazza XX Settembre, Christmas at Porta Galliera is the first festive scene to greet visitors arriving from the station, with brightly lit stalls visible from the street and welcoming passers-by with a warm seasonal atmosphere.

DecomelArt craft markets, St. Joseph Color, Kurbis

The streets surrounding San Pietro and San Giuseppe transform into an open-air creative workshop. DecomelArt (1, 2, 14, 15, 16, 28, 29, 30 November and 5–24 December 2025) and San Giuseppe Color (7–9, 21–23 November and 5–24 December 2025), together with Kurbis in Via Altabella (on various dates between November and December), showcase limited editions, illustrations, ceramics, jewellery and unique handcrafted items.

ANT and Nadel dal Cuntaden Marketplace

The ANT Market, set between Via Rizzoli, Piazza Maggiore and Piazza Galvani, offers stalls where every purchase helps support free cancer care services.

Along Via Rizzoli, on dates yet to be confirmed, the Nadel dal Cuntaden pre-Christmas agricultural market brings fresh, locally sourced produce from the surrounding countryside.

Epiphany Fair

From 2 to 6 January 2025 (with similar dates expected in 2026), the Epiphany Fair takes place across Via Indipendenza, Via Rizzoli and Via Ugo Bassi. It marks the festive season’s finale with traditional sweets, colourful stockings and thoughtful gifts for children.

What to do during the holidays in Bologna

Beyond the Christmas markets, December is the perfect time to explore Bologna’s historic landmarks. Here are some of the most fascinating places to visit:

• Archiginnasio Palace: built in the 16th century, it houses the Teatro Anatomico and the Aula dello Stabat Mater. Guided tours and digital audio guides are available.
• Clock Tower and Municipal Art Collections:a cultural route through courtyards and historic rooms, ending on the panoramic terraces, where you can admire the city lit up for the holidays.
• Discover Bologna: a two-hour guided tour that takes in Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, Piazza Santo Stefano and the iconic Two Towers.
• Urban Pilgrimage – Jubilee Itinerary 2025: a walking route connecting the city’s major historic churches all the way to the Sanctuary of San Luca, suitable for either a half-day or full-day experience.

Museum of the History of Bologna – Palazzo Pepoli: an immersive journey through the city’s past, inside one of Bologna’s most elegant historical palaces.

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