Christmas in Liguria: Events, Markets, and the 2024 Celebrations
Christmas arrives in Liguria! From events, markets, concerts, games, and nativity scenes, here are all the unmissable occasions in 2024.
Liguria will amaze you even at Christmas: during the festive season in its villages, you’ll find a thousand nativity scenes (here’s a handy Pocket Guide to the Nativity Scenes of Liguria), surrounded by ancient flavours and fun. And let’s not forget the unmissable charm of the winter sea. Don’t miss the Festival of Lights in Piazza de Ferrari in Genoa on Sunday, 8th of December, starting at 5pm, bringing a dazzling display of lights, colours, and Christmas songs to the heart of the city. If you’re a fan of gospel, carols, and Christmas musical traditions, there’s also a unique series of concerts to make your Christmas musical.
Here are the most important events lighting up the festive season from west to east Liguria:
Flower Riviera
Ventimiglia: the Christmas Village
Accendiamo il Natale (“Let’s Light Up Christmas”) is the show that accompanied the magical moment of the Christmas lights being switched on, which took place on Thursday, 5th of December. Every weekend from Saturday, 30th of November, to Sunday, 22nd of December, the cloister of the Church of Sant’Agostino will host the Christmas Village. Highlights include Santa’s Grotto, storytellers, face painting for children, stalls with tradition
Lights and Colours of Winter in Bordighera
Bordighera celebrates Christmas with many truly special moments: markets, shows, concerts, and activities for both adults and children, continuing until the 6th of January 2025. The 16th edition of the Mercatino di Natale (Christmas Market) will bring life to the squares and streets of the historic centre of Bordighera Alta. From 9am to 8pm, the event will showcase the treasures of artisan stalls, food specialties, and gift ideas, curated by “U rivaiu budigotu“.
For the full programme of events, click here
Christmas in Dolceacqua
Traditions, Santas on motorbikes, choirs, and fireworks—Dolceacqua is a perfect blend of poetry, flavour, and magic for your Christmas celebrations.
Sanremo: the Christmas Melody
For Christmas 2024, Sanremo lights up with magic and tradition, offering festive experiences for the whole family. Here are all of the events
Santa Clause Runs in Poggio
Christmas in Poggio di Sanremo kicks off with the right pace thanks to the Santa Clause Run on Sunday, 22nd of December. This fun and unmissable race requires all participants to wear something inspired by Santa Clause’s iconic style!
Taggia: the Historic Fair
In Taggia, those looking for the perfect Christmas gift know to wait for the traditional Fiera Storica di Santa Lucia (Historic Fair of Saint Lucy). This year, it will take place on the 8th of December from 8am to 7pm in the streets of the historic centre. For children, there will be a free inflatable play area set up at the former covered market, open from 10:30am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 6:30pm.
Christmas at Villa Boselli in Arma di Taggia
Taggia will host over 30 events for a Christmas 2024 full of shared joy. The festive calendar runs from the 29th of November to the 26th of January 2025 and includes the opening of the Christmas Village at Villa Boselli in Arma di Taggia on Friday, 13th of December, at 4:45pm. On Saturday, 14th of December, there will be a Christmas market featuring entertainment for children, the Railway Museum, magic shows, and other performances.
Christmas at the Principality of Seborga
Did you know that Santa Clause has moved to Seborga? On Sunday, 15th of December, there will be Christmas markets, events, workshops, and at 3pm, an unmissable Santa Clause parade!
Borgomaro: Spantegai in ti Caruggi, Even for Christmas
For the 7th edition of the traditional Christmas celebration, on Sunday, 15th of December, Borgomaro will host markets, events, entertainment, and food stalls featuring local specialties like Pissalandrea, Pan Fritu, Frittelle, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and polenta with sausage, organised by the Associazione U Castellu.
Come, Be Born Again: Christmas Choirs in Imperia
On Sunday, 15th of December, at 3:45pm, in Piazza Mons. Marello in Imperia, the PARR-ROCK CHOIR will present a thoughtfully crafted concert as part of the national Christmas Inside festival.
Palm Riviera
Savona: Serene for Christmas
A city rich in art, traditions, and culture: Savona shines at Christmas. Here are all the events in the city of the two Popes, including concerts, exhibitions, visits, and food and wine experiences.
Loano: Christmas Moments
In Loano, from the 1st of December to the 6th of January 2025, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for your Christmas gifts, starting with the Villaggio Magie di Natale (Christmas Magic Village), a traditional Christmas market that evokes the spirit of Northern Europe, set up in the San Josemaria Escrivà Gardens. In the typical wooden huts, there will be a variety of gift ideas, such as handmade Christmas decorations, nativity scenes, candles, collectible toys, souvenir photos, personalised calendars with Santa Clause, jewellery, knick-knacks, games, and local products. There will also be an ice skating rink.
The markets will be open from 3pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 7pm on Sundays. Musical events and children’s entertainment will accompany the shopping. Don’t miss the “Elf’s Workshop” for little ones with baby dance, while the music of the concert “U Gumbu de Loa-Verzi” and the gospel performance by The Soul of Gospel will animate the village on multiple occasions. For schedules, events, and updates, visit the website
Alassio Christmas Town
From the 7th of December to the 6th of January 2025, the city of kisses and the famous wall will be under the spotlight with events and markets at Alassio Christmas Town. Highlights include an ice skating rink, carousels, a seaside funfair, performances, light parades, and on the 7th and 8th of December, the traditional Fiera De.Co. will take place in the picturesque seafront setting of Piazzetta Beniscelli, organised by the Alassio Department of Commerce.
On the 7th and 8th of December, the magical Santa’s House will open in Piazza Matteotti, ready to welcome children into a fairy-tale atmosphere, while next to the Town Hall, the ice skating rink will remain open until Sunday, 19th of January. The art exhibition Picasso&Elenarede: BodiesMatter, sponsored by the council of Alassio, will also be on display. This exhibition features reproductions of Pablo Picasso’s linocuts alongside works by sculptor Elena Rede.
For all events, visit Alassio Christmas Town.
Christmas in Finale Ligure
Finale Ligure lights up its magical Christmas. Until Epiphany, over 40 events will take place across the city, including markets, concerts, theatre performances, events for children, and traditional celebrations. Art, music, tastings, and entertainment for all ages will be featured.
Christmas in Garlenda
The 15th dicembre from 10 Mercatino di Natale in Garlenda.
Genoa City
Christmas in Genoa
Christmas arrives in Genoa with a programme of magical events: markets, concerts, lights, and special treats in all districts, from west to east.
Liguria, Christmas Lights
On the 8th of December, Christmas arrives in Genoa, and once again, the Ligurian Christmas season will kick off in Piazza De Ferrari with the event “Liguria, Christmas Lights”.
Discover the detailed programme of the show.
The Christmas Fair
In the city centre of Genoa, from Sunday, 1st of December to Tuesday, 24th of December, the traditional Christmas Fair awaits curious visitors and enthusiasts with numerous stalls offering quality items, crafts, clothing, and food and wine products.
Genoa Aquarium during the Holidays
A new path, two newly born penguins, Christmas and New Year’s Eve—this is the Genoa Aquarium during the festive season, with many opportunities to fully immerse in the holiday spirit until Epiphany 2025. It’s a magical and unique place, perfect for a holiday or a day trip.
Christmas 2024 at the Galata Museum of the Sea
At the Galata Museum of the Sea, from the 1st of December 2024 to the 4th of January 2025, the museum offers a series of workshops, guided tours, and activities for children, adults, and families. From the 12th of December 2024 to the 19th of January 2025, the exhibition “Water and Its Forms” will also be open, and can be visited with the museum entrance ticket.
Christmas for Children at the MEI
At the MEI – National Museum of Italian Emigration, from the 7th of December 2024 to the 4th of January 2025, every Saturday at 3pm, there will be an event for children aged 5 to 10. With the museum’s educational staff, they will explore the traditions of the five continents through readings, decorations, costumes, and treasure hunts.
Christmas at the Nervi Museums
A Christmas focused on art and taste at the Nervi Museums, which, until 11th of December, offer a series of events combining vintage shopping and festive tables in the style of the House of Savoy to celebrate the most important holiday of the year.
St. Nicholas Market
Until Monday, 24th of December, the Christmas tradition in Genoa continues in Piccapietra with the St. Nicholas Market, the oldest market in Genoa, now in its 35th edition. The market features local crafts, tastings, and a packed schedule of performances and concerts.
Che Stella 2024! – Christmas Markets at the Music for Peace Headquarters in Genoa
The Christmas Village of Music for Peace will open to the public from Friday, 6th of December to Monday, 23rd of December 2024, with events, music, and numerous activities every day from midday to 10pm on weekdays and from midday to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The event will take place at the Music for Peace headquarters at Via Balleydier 60 in Genoa.
Christmas is a Gift
Advent and Christmas Exhibition at the Diocesan Museum of Genoa
From Friday, 6th of December 2024 to Monday, 3rd of February 2025, the Diocesan Museum of Genoa will host an exhibition dedicated to Advent and Christmas. The exhibition will be open during the museum’s usual hours: Monday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday from 2pm to 6pm, and closed on Tuesdays.
Surroundings of Genoa
Experience Christmas at Casa Carbone
Christmas at Casa Carbone, a FAI Heritage site in the town of Lavagna, will take you through the festive season from 8th of December 2024 to 5th of January 2025, offering a glimpse into the Christmas celebrations of a bourgeois family from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy the sober and cultured elegance, combined with a sense of moderate discretion that characterised the period.
Santo Stefano D’Aveto: The True Atmosphere of Christmas
Nestled just a short distance from the sea and surrounded by the magical atmosphere of the mountains, warmed by the soft sunlight, the Christmas markets “Arte e Sapori” will bring local artisanal products and gastronomic excellences from the valley to the Bocciodromo Arvigo in Santo Stefano d’Aveto. The markets will be open on Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of December. The little ones will have the chance to meet Santa Clause, who will be a guest in the village. Other must-see attractions include the Elf and his workshop, the Christmas Tree Lottery, and donkey rides.
Elf Day in Torriglia
For the second time, Torriglia celebrates Elf Day! On the 15th of December, magical Christmas markets will take over the town in the Genoese hinterland, offering traditional treats like canestrelletti (a type of biscuit) and other local specialties.
16th Rossiglione Christmas Market
On Saturday 14th of December, the market will open at 10am, with the restaurant opening at 7:30pm, followed by a Christmas concert at 9:30pm. On Sunday 15th of December, the market will open at 10am, with the restaurant opening at 12:30pm. A traditional chestnut festival will take place at 2:30pm, and there will be children’s performances at 4pm.
Christmas Markets in Rovegno
On the 8th of December, Rovegno, located in the Trebbia Valley, will feature Christmas markets, local crafts, hot chocolate, and opportunities to dine and visit local farms. And don’t forget to prepare your letters for the Elf’s House, especially for the little ones!
Golden Days of Artigianando in Camogli
On the 21st and 22nd of December, Artigianando presents the “Golden Days” (The Magic of Santa Clause) in collaboration with the Association La Bottega degli Artisti. The warmth and sweetness of Christmas will enchant one of the most picturesque seaside villages in the region, with face painting, handmade goods markets, workshops, demonstrations, and street artists.
Rapallo Christmas Festival
Did you know that Santa Clause has a house by the sea? This magical place awaits the little ones in Rapallo from the 7th of December to 6th of January 2025, from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, including Christmas Eve. The Rapallo Christmas Festival features 70 events spread across 12 areas, including performances, workshops, and games.
Christmas 2024 in Santa Margherita Ligure
80 events for Christmas in Santa Margherita Ligure to 6 january: Santa Claus Village, gospel concerts ai markets, details on Live Santa
Christmas in Portofino
Christmas arrives in Portofino’s Piazzetta! The village is adorned with festive decorations, and a majestic Christmas tree welcomes visitors and residents in anticipation of the main event: Santa Clause arrives in Portofino by sea!
On Sunday, 22nd of December, at 11am, Santa Clause will land in Portofino from the sea, directly in the Piazzetta. The event also includes free parking available from 10am to 1am to make it easier for visitors to access the village.
Christmas Market in Zoagli
On the 7th and 8th of December, the traditional Christmas markets in Zoagli await all Christmas lovers just a stone’s throw from the sea.
Christmas Markets in Moneglia
The magic of Christmas envelops the beautiful Ligurian seaside village of Moneglia, one of the most picturesque in Italy. Typical products, workshops for children and families, showcases of local craftsmanship, and much more await you on Corso Longhi from 10am to 5pm on the 22nd of December. Santa Clause will visit the schools on the 19th of December from 10:00am to 2:00pm and will be in the village’s districts on 20 December from 2pm to 5pm.
Gulf of Poets
Lerici and its Villages: The Magic of Christmas
Starting from Sunday, 1st of December, Lerici will transform into a true Christmas Town, offering numerous activities and events, from Christmas markets to shows for all tastes. Among the key moments is the lighting ceremony on Sunday, 8th of December, in Piazza Garibaldi, accompanied by the sounds of the Jubilation Gospel Choir. On Tuesday, 24th of December, the 55th edition of the underwater Christmas of Tellaro and the 34th edition in San Terenzo will take place amidst the waves of the Ligurian Sea. Discover the events here
Deiva Marina and the Christmas Tree Festival
The magic of Christmas trees will take over the caruggi of Mezzema starting at 3pm on Sunday, 8th of December. The beloved symbol of the holiday season will colour the streets of Deiva Marina, sparking a competition to reward the most beautiful decorations of the year. Hot chocolate and other treats will be available for a festive snack, while the bravest are invited to show their courage during the cimento on Sunday, 15th of December. To top it off, Christmas tales will be waiting for both young and old starting at 3pm on Sunday, 22nd of December, with the Cantastorie di Natale at the Oratory, and on Sunday, 29th of December, at 4pm, the spotlight will be on the Living Nativity
Christmas in Porto Venere
The Christmas in Porto Venere is magical: on the beautiful promontory, you’ll find Christmas markets, letters to Santa, festive snacks, and cake competitions, all running until the 24th of December!
Christmas in Sarzana
Christmas in Sarzana brings markets, theatrical performances, music, and many lights to the historic centre. In celebration of the 30th of November feast of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of the city, Piazza Matteotti officially welcomed Christmas 2024 with the lighting ceremony. The festivities include an exhibition of handcrafted nativity scenes, concerts under the stars, the second edition of the Mercato della Soffitta in the historic centre from the 6th to 8th of December, a parade with Santa Clause, an ice skating rink, a Christmas train, and much more, running until Monday, 6th of January 2025.
Winter Dips in Liguria
Do you love the feeling of thrill and the sea? Why not try a cimento, a winter plunge into the Ligurian Sea, far from the summer crowds and stress? It’s a unique way to embrace the cold, enjoy the stunning coastal views, and experience a true Ligurian tradition!
