Emilia Romagna is not just sea and "pink nights". When winter comes, you can visit the many Christmas markets in Rimini and surroundings , where you can enjoy some traditional dishes of Romagna cuisine. If you're lucky enough, you can even meet Santa!
Sant'Agata Feltria: the Christmas Town
On the last Sunday of November and in the month of December during public holidays before Christmas, the famous event “Il Paese del Natale” (Christmas Town) takes place in the historic centre of Sant'Agata Feltria. The music of bagpipers enlivens the streets and squares where the market is held. In the street Via Battelli many handcrafted nativity scenes are on display, while the square Piazza del Mercato is the setting for the House of Santa Claus and the Elves. Here kids can experience magic moments surrounded by the reindeers and take part to special organized activities. Also food & wine find their place inside the "Manger", a large covered and heated stand situated within the fair. For the occasion, all local restaurants, taverns and inns offer a rich menu with typical local Christmas dishes.
Santa Claus Village in Cesenatico
From mid-November until early January the biggest themed village dedicated to Santa Claus opens its doors. You're not in Finland but at Santa Claus Village of Cesenatico, on the Adriatic Riviera. An area of about 25,000 square metres where you find the House of Santa Claus, the Santa Park with attractions for kids and teenagers, a Ferris wheel, a nativity scene on boats, large areas dedicated to shows, fairs and food courts ... all indoors! What makes this event special are the many concerts, the shows, the lights, the launching of bright lanterns and the costumed artists who entertain visitors along the seafront from morning until evening. There is an entry ticket with special discounts for children.
Christmas markets in Rimini and surroundings
In Rimini, for the entire month of December until Epiphany, the streets and shops of the city centre are festively decorated and wait for you with gift ideas for all budgets. If you seek an alternative way to explore the city and have fun with the little ones, then you should get the Lilliput train driven by Santa himself. During the Fair of the Christmas Trees which takes place from mid-December until Christmas Eve at the Tiberius Bridge, you can buy real Christmas trees and other Christmas plants. During this period there is also a market of artistic and traditional handicrafts held in the Old Fish Market (Vecchia Pescheria), one of the most picturesque, distinctive and also trendy places of the city. Skilled craftsmen display their products made with all types of materials: copper, clay, leather, wax, glass, wood and much more ... come and see for yourself! The market is open every day, from 8 am to 1 pm and from 3.30 pm to 8 pm. At about 15 Km from Rimini in the town of Coriano, the Market of Craftsmen awaits for you during the month of December with many proposals for accessories, live music concerts and the Romagna food products. On Christmas Eve you can take your kids to the parade with Santa, a free ride through the most evocative parts of Coriano on a magical train and several ponies. Sweets and mulled wine will be offered to those present. The event starts around 4.30 pm; entrance is free.If you want to see a live nativity scene with over 150 participants, you can make a stop in Montescudo. The representation takes place in the historic centre around the Town Hall Square in the days leading up to Christmas. On the 24th of December there is the Santa Claus Festival much loved by all kids. Even the fortress of San Leo in the period before Christmas guests antiques markets and collectors in its truly unique setting.
Riccione Christmas Village: Christmas on the Riviera
Every winter during Christmas time the lovely city centre of Riccione becomes an outside themed park entirely dedicated to Christmas. Take a break for a while from the hunt for holiday gifts and try the Europe's longest ice rink: 170 metres of pure fun in the heart of the famous street Viale Ceccarini. Within walking distance you will also find a real "Christmas Village", an area set up with wooden houses, snowmen, snowy trees and the house of Santa, who's ready to take a picture with your kids. There are also many entertainment shows, activities for children and more than ten rides, including a big Ferris wheel. For a snack you can choose among the different sweets and delicacies typical of the period, such as pancakes, hot chocolate and a glass of mulled wine. In addition to traditional shopping in the stores of the city centre, the Christmas market offers many high quality handicrafts products. The event takes place from late November until January.
San Marino: Christmas Wonderland
Set in the historic centre of San Marino, one of the most picturesque settings in the world, "Natale delle Meraviglie" (literally Christmas Wonderland) is a truly unique event, thanks to the charm of digital entertainment and lights with a focus on sustainability. Everything here is magical: Christmas markets, concerts and entertainment for young and grown ups, who can visit the Santa Claus Village or go skating in the beautiful Cava dei Balestrieri. Don't miss the many mouthwatering delicacies!
