Christmas is back, and in Emilia-Romagna you can already smell the typical atmosphere characterising December every year.

The streets are lightened up with vivid colours, nativity scenes decorate shop windows and churches in the historical centres, and traditional markets fill up the squares with stands full of gifts and tasty treats.

Christmas is a magical moment in Emilia-Romagna, the perfect time to spend some days with your friends and family, to the sign of serenity and joyful fun.

The magical Grazzano Visconti

Especially at Christmas, Grazzano Visconti is not a village like the others. During the Christmas holidays, it gets surrounded by a timeless and magical atmosphere to fully experience and savour.

It is just the perfect place for those who look for that Christmas spirit made of lights, markets and entertainment for the little ones.

Designs and lights make the small village on the outskirts of Piacenza very unique and surprising, so much so that is visited by curious people and visitors who come here from near and far to spend their Christmas weekends.

Lights, installations, Santa Claus’ home, an ice-skating rink: Grazzano awaits you with a true Christmas village, where you can get lost among market stands, gifts, the smell of cinnamon and roast chestnuts.

What else to say? Come here with your children, they’ll thank you for it!

Spectacular lights on the canals in Comacchio

Comacchio, in the province of Ferrara, has an indescribable charm. Its characteristic canals and monuments make this town, nestled in the Po Delta Park, an irresistible destination all year round.

During the festive season, this “little Venice” becomes even more enchanting, thanks to the Christmas decorations and special lighting in the historic centre. This year, from 7 December to 6 January, two video mappings with an archaeological theme will be projected: luminous stories that combine history and the magic of Christmas.

These will be accompanied by markets on boats and the Comacchioland Christmas Village, with entertainment and shows designed especially for children.

Needless to say, spending the Christmas holidays in Comacchio means not only visiting one of the many wonderful villages of Emilia-Romagna, but also experiencing an area rich in surprises and interesting places, such as nearby Ferrara or the mosaic city of Ravenna.

A floating nativity scene in Cesenatico

Have you ever been to Cesenatico? If your answer is yes, you may have already admired its canal port, which is the background of the social life and promenade of citizens and tourists.

And this is right the place that – during the Christmas holidays, from the first Sunday of December – hosts a unique and charming attraction: the traditional floating nativity scene of Marineria.

The historical boats become a setting and host aboard a nativity scene with more than 50 life-size statues surrounded by lights reflecting on the water.

All around it, the voices of people walking by the canal, the smell of roast chestnut and mulled wine, the windows of shops and restaurants, the rich stands of the markets where you can buy or taste typical products, but also decorations, ornaments and gifts.

Other unmissable locations

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  Presepe Vivente (Fiumalbo, Modena) | Foto © Remo Martinelli

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  Longiano (FC), Longiano dei Presepi, Archivio comunale, CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0

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  Sant'Agata Feltria (RN) - Presepe galleggiante Ponte dei Trepponti | Ph. © Vivida Photo, via Shutterstock

If these fascinating proposals are not enough for you and you want more, we also recommend:

FIUMALBO

Fiumalbo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, is located in the upper Modena Apennines, within the Frignano Park, on the border with Tuscany. It is a village with timeless charm, linked to the traditions of the past, which are evident when walking through its historic centre.

Every two years, it hosts an evocative living nativity scene along the streets of the village (alternating with the Living Nativity Scene in Fanano). Highly recommended!

LONGIANO

Made of wood or stone, small or big, animated or still – every year the traditional nativity scenes flood the village of Longiano, located on the hills of Romagna (which was also honoured with the Orange Flag by Touring Club).

The result is a charming itinerary, which gets even more unique thanks to the Christmas lights and the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the place. Perfect for dreamers!

SANT’AGATA FELTRIA

In the days before Christmas, Sant’Agata Feltria – known for the sale of truffles –  hosts the traditional national fair “Il Paese del Natale”.

The fair, which has become one of the most important winter events in central Italy, attracts thousands of visitors, who come here to discover its rich markets characterised by a fascinating atmosphere and ancient traditions. Only for real Christmas lovers!