Where: Villa Minozzo (Reggio Emilia)
When: Saturday 20 and 27 December 2025, from 6.30 pm
Admission: free

The eagerly awaited Living Nativity Scene returns to Villa Minozzo in the High Apennines of Reggio Emilia once again this year. The village will be dressed in period costumes and illuminated by soft lights, with many ancient crafts on display in the streets. Visitors will be able to enjoy an evening immersed in a timeless atmosphere.

The opening is scheduled for 6.30 pm, with the performance starting at 8 pm. There will also be food stalls where you can get something to eat and drink.

Where: Basilica della Ghiara, Reggio Emilia
When: Sunday 21 December 2025, from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Admission: free

A regular event for the city, the living nativity scene in Reggio Emilia, organised by the AVSI (Association of Volunteers for International Service) foundation, returns this year on the afternoon of Sunday 22 December. The birth of Jesus is brought to life through the representation of the most significant moments accompanied by music, songs, dances and all the people who follow him.

The nativity scene begins in the churchyard of the Basilica della Ghiara, where the first three scenes are represented: the Annunciation, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and the angel appearing in a dream to St Joseph. Each moment is accompanied by texts read by voiceovers, songs and music.

The procession – led by Joseph and Mary on a donkey, children dressed as angels, shepherds and the Three Wise Men – then moves along Via Emilia Santo Stefano and heads to Piazza del Monte, where bagpipers await.

Finally, in the churchyard of the Duomo, the Nativity scene is reconstructed with the main figures of the nativity scene around it: the shepherds, the Magi and all the people.

Where: Rivalta, Val Trebbia (PC)
When: Wednesday 24 December 2025, from 10.00 pm
Admission: free

In Rivalta, a charming village on the banks of the River Trebbia, the traditional appointment with the Living Crib returns this year on Christmas Eve.

On 24th December 2025, from 10 pm, more than 100 characters will re-enact the birth of Christ: the arrival of the shepherds, the procession of the High Priest and King Herod, the visit of the Three Kings to the astrologist, the arrival of Mary and Joseph with the donkey.
There are also representatives of ancient crafts, carefully reconstructed.
The procession ends with the celebration of Holy Mass and then moves on to the crib for the adoration of Jesus.

During the day of 24 December it is also possible to visit the Rivalta Castle, with guided tours by reservation.

Where: Fiumalbo (Modena Apennines)
When: Wednesday 24 December 2025 and Saturday 3 January 2026, from 7.30 pm to 11.00 pm
Admission: free

Returning to the historic village of Fiumalbo this year, as it does every two years, is the evocative Nativity scene and display of ancient crafts along the village streets.

From 7.30 pm, Fiumalbo — one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, located in the Frignano Natural Park on the border with Tuscany — is illuminated only by bonfires, candles, and torches, while its inhabitants stage ancient crafts.

From 10.00 pm, the Nativity is enacted, followed by the procession of adoration.

Where: Casa dei Ragazzi, Via Romea Sud 224, Classe
When: Wednesday 24 December 2025, from 7.00 pm to 11.30 pm, and Tuesday 6 January 2026, from 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm
Admission: free

Every year in Classe, a few kilometres from Ravenna, there is the re-enactment of Christmas Eve in which the characters of the living nativity scene are played by volunteers from the community of Classe.

On Christmas Eve, from 7 pm, the nativity scene comes to life to welcome all those who wish to pay homage to the Child Jesus. At 11.30 pm, the figures and visitors move in procession to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, where the midnight Mass is celebrated.
On the afternoon of the Epiphany, at 4.30 pm, the Three Kings arrive on horseback, bringing gifts for Jesus and all the children.

Where: Bebbio, Carpineti (Reggio Emilia)
When: From Thursday 25 December to Sunday 28 December 2025, every evening from 8 pm
Admission: free

From 25 to 28 December 2025, every evening the village of Bebbio – a hamlet of Carpineti, in the hills of Reggio Emilia – is transformed into a small Bethlehem, with shepherds, angels and ancient crafts.

The inhabitants of the village work all year round with care and commitment to bring this event, which has been running since 2003, to life: a Living Nativity Scene that is truly magical and comes to life in the cobbled streets of this charming village.

Where: Montefiore Conca (RN)
When: Friday 26 December 2025, from 5 pm to 7 pm; Sunday 28 December 2025, from 8.30 pm to 10.00 pm; Thursday 1 January 2026, from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm
Admission: free

In the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Montefiore Conca, in the province of Rimini, the Living Nativity is back this year with the reconstruction of numerous scenes related to the Nativity on three dates not to be missed: 26 and 28 December 2025 and 1 January 2026.

The historic centre will be transformed into a small Bethlehem, with animals, shepherds and cultural representations gathering around the fortress to recall the night of Bethlehem and the journey of the Magi.

The reproduction of ancient crafts and the sound of bagpipes enrich the evocative atmosphere, full of religious significance.