Christmas in Bologna 2025: lights, food & Christmas markets

Christmas in Bologna is a time of festive lights, delicious food, and cultural events.

From enchanting markets to traditional dishes like tortellini in brodo, the city offers an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere.

Stroll under Bologna's historic portici, admire the sparkling Christmas tree near the Fontana del Nettuno, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich traditions for a truly magical festive season.

December is one of the best times to experience Bologna’s charm.

The city comes alive as shops and businesses prepare for the busy holiday season. Weekends are especially bustling with shoppers, and throughout December, most shops remain open on Sundays to accommodate the festive rush.

Despite the winter season, Bologna often enjoys mild temperatures and beautiful sunny days, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Since December is considered off-season for tourism, you can explore popular landmarks with fewer crowds, particularly on weekdays.

December 25th, 26th, and 1st of January are religious holidays, so shops, markets, and many businesses will be closed.

New Year's Eve in Bologna is the perfect option to celebrate in an Italian city without the huge crowds and risks of other bigger cities.

The Christmas atmosphere in Bologna can be felt all along its portici.

Stroll along Via D’Azeglio, where holiday lights often display lyrics from beloved Italian songs, creating a unique and enchanting ambiance.

Don't miss the majestic Christmas tree near the Fontana del Nettuno.
Visit after sunset to enjoy a truly magical experience as the lights reflect beautifully on the historic square.

Bologna at Christmas is always full of events.

Check the Bologna theatres programs for unforgettable opera, ballet, or concerts.

Art lovers will be thrilled by exhibitions hosted in top cultural venues like the Museo Civico Archeologico, MAMbo, and MAST, which often showcase works by world-famous artists. Don’t miss these cultural highlights during your holiday visit!

If you're looking for a real Bologna Christmas market, you won't find just one big fair, but several small and very local ones spread around the city.

The most traditional Christmas market in Bologna is the Fiera di Santa Lucia.

It takes place under the long portico of Santa Maria dei Servi, a few minutes’ walk from the Two Towers, usually from early November until 26th December.

Here you’ll find nativity scene figurines, hand–painted decorations, candles, sweets, torrone and lots of gift ideas like scarves, hats and bijoux.

It’s the perfect place to feel the local Christmas atmosphere and to buy something truly made in Italy.

Besides Fiera di Santa Lucia, every year Bologna hosts smaller Christmas markets and fairs in different squares of the city centre.

You can expect wooden chalets selling street food, mulled wine, artisan products and toys for kids.

Ask your hotel or our guides during the tour for the latest locations and dates, as they change slightly every year, especially after 8th December and closer to Christmas Day.

Bologna’s most typical dishes find their perfect season at Christmas.
Soups, boiled meats, and desserts are on the table of every local family.

Here are some of the must-try dishes in Bologna at Christmas:

• Tortellini in brodo: a staple of Christmas lunch in Bologna, this beloved soup features tortellini—small squares of sfoglia dough filled with a delicious mixture of meat and Parmigiano cheese, served in a rich, flavorful broth.
  Does it seem difficult to make them?
  Try our cooking class in Bologna to become a master.
• Bollito misto: how to make a good broth for tortellini? The secret lies in the right mix of meats and vegetables. These ingredients become bollito misto (boiled meat), a classic second course.
  Common cuts include beef tongue, capon, chicken, and bones, paired with potatoes and carrots, but every family makes it different.
  It’s traditionally served with salsa verde, a tangy green sauce made from parsley, garlic, and vinegar.
• Panettone: Though not originally from Bologna, panettone is a Christmas essential across Italy. This soft cake includes raisins and candied fruits, but you can find alternative versions with chocolate

December in Bologna feels lively but never overwhelming.

On the weekends before Christmas, most shops open also on Sundays, while 25th and 26th December and 1st January are public holidays and many businesses close or work reduced hours.

In the days just before Christmas, you can expect longer opening times in the main shopping streets, especially around Via Indipendenza and Via Ugo Bassi, with locals buying food and gifts for the holidays.

Public transport usually runs with a regular or holiday timetable on these dates, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest schedule or ask your hotel for updated information.

Winter in Bologna can be cold and humid, particularly in the evenings and early mornings.

Fog is not unusual and temperatures often feel lower than they really are when you walk in the open squares.

Bring a warm coat, scarf, hat and gloves, plus comfortable shoes with good grip: you will spend a lot of time on stone pavements and under the portici, moving from Christmas markets to cafés and restaurants.

Layers are your best friend.
Many cafés and shops are well heated, while churches and some museums can feel cooler inside, so you will be taking clothes on and off all day.

If you only have one day in Bologna at Christmas, here is a simple plan to enjoy the city without rushing.

Morning: markets and portici

• Start with a walk through the historic centre under the portici and reach the Fiera di Santa Lucia Christmas market by late morning.
• Warm up with a coffee and a slice of cake in a traditional café on your way back to the main squares.

Lunch: tortellini in brodo

• Sit down in a trattoria and order tortellini in brodo, the classic Christmas dish in Bologna, followed by bollito misto or another local speciality.

Afternoon: lights and museums

• Visit one of Bologna’s museums, like the Museo Civico Archeologico or MAMbo, to escape the cold for a couple of hours.
• As the sun goes down, stroll along Via D’Azeglio and the surrounding streets to enjoy the Christmas lights.

Evening: aperitivo and Christmas tree

• End your day with an aperitivo near Piazza Maggiore and admire the big Christmas tree by the Fountain of Neptune.

Christmas in Bologna is all about good food, festive vibes, and unforgettable experiences.

From strolling under sparkling lights to tasting delicious treats at local markets, the city comes alive with holiday magic.

Whether you're shopping for handmade gifts or enjoying a warm bowl of tortellini in brodo, Bologna is the perfect place to soak up the Christmas spirit!