Christmas is a magical time in Bologna, Italy’s lively university city. From mid-November, the art-loving, foodie city in Italy’s north is festooned in lights, garlands, and decorations, transforming ancient, narrow streets into a winter wonderland. While the pandemic has changed how Bologna residents and visitors will experience Christmas this year, there is no lack of festivities.

The city’s main square, Piazza Maggiore, is the focal point for seasonal celebrations. Here, a sprawling Christmas market selling crafts, holiday decorations, and traditional food, is set up. You will find vendors selling delicacies like the irresistible Torrone Nougat, warm mulled wine, and roast chestnuts.

Bologna’s impressive skyline of medieval and Renaissance towers is highlighted at this time of the year with shimmering lights, illuminating them in a warm glow. Via Dell’Indipendenza and surrounding side streets have even more Christmas decorations, trees, light displays, and Santa Claus figures.

The focal point of the city’s Yuletide sights is, without a doubt, the large Christmas tree centrally located in Piazza Nettuno, right in front of the historic Palazzo Re Enzo. This year, because of the pandemic, there won’t be any concerts or carol singing, but the awe-inspiring and elegant firmament Christmas tree glinting with lights will surely amaze anyone passing by.

Strolling around the teeming streets of Bologna’s medieval center, you will find many beautiful Nativity scenes placed in churches or other public places throughout Bologna. One of the highlights of the Bologna Christmas season, the impressive life-sized Nativity scene in the Piazza Regia, can be visited through most of January.

Italy’s Christmas culinary traditions are never taken lightly, and Bologna is no exception. This is the time when the classic tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth) comes out alongside rich red meat and game dishes, and decadent almond and chocolate desserts. Winter vegetables, such as leeks, roasted chestnuts, and artichokes, come into their own, too. And with many skilled pastry shops and bakeries-lined streets in Bologna, sweet Christmas treats are never too far.

At the historic Mercato delle Erbe, the city’s main food hall, visitors can see stalls piled with traditional goodies and seasonal treats such as panettone, pandoro, and torrone, as well as the local specialties that make Italian Christmas time so special. And if shopping for food gifts is your idea of heaven, Bologna’s specialty food stores have everything you need to create your own Italian feast or gourmet gift hamper.

While Christmas in Bologna may seem quieter than in previous years, there are still many traditions to enjoy. This season, it is an opportunity to experience Christmas in its most authentic form, a time to reflect on cherished memories and embrace the small moments that bring light to our lives.

To conclude, Bologna may not be as well-known as other famous Italian cities like Milan, Rome, or Florence, but its vitality and charm make it an exciting destination during the Christmas season. Its cobbled streets, markets, lighting displays, and culinary traditions are a treat for the senses and a perfect place to immerse oneself in the magic of an Italian Christmas.

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