Christmas and New Year's Eve Holidays in Rimini

Discover the events and our offer for the 2023/2024 holidays

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Christmas in Rimini: Christmas Lights and Markets

November 23 marks the official start of Christmas in Rimini with the switching on of the lights that will envelop the entire city in an enchanted atmosphere. This year, 90 kilometers of lights will be set up, extending from the historic center to the villages, up to the hamlets. The 2023 theme, called "The Dream of Christmas", includes a carpet of celestial-themed lights with stars, moons and planets that will create a sky of lights above the main streets, while touches of white, gold and red will add a traditional flavor.
In Piazza Cavour, the Christmas tree will be erected, a majestic symbol of the holidays decorated with warm lights and Christmas ornaments, which will act as a focal point for the surrounding markets. The port area will host the Christmas Village, with an ice skating rink, and there will be stalls for Christmas shopping and food stands where you can taste local delicacies and artisanal products.

Sand Nativity Scenes: Tradition and Innovation

Starting December 8, the famous sand nativity scenes will return to the beaches of Torre Pedrera and Marina Centro. These spectacular creations, made by international artists, represent the Nativity with extraordinary details. This year, the Torre Pedrera nativity scene will also feature metal works made by artists from the Mutoid group, a community of sculptors who recycle materials such as iron and plastic to create unique pieces, raising public awareness of sustainability issues.
The Nativity scene in Marina Centro, inspired by Neapolitan tradition, will include sculptures up to 3.5 meters high, depicting scenes of daily life at the time of Jesus' birth. It will be possible to admire artisans and shopkeepers sculpted in the sand, offering a lively and realistic look at the past. Entrance to the Nativity scenes is free, and visitors will be able to watch the artists at work during the first days of December.

Christmas Concerts and Shows at the Galli Theatre

Rimini celebrates Christmas with a series of concerts and shows dedicated to music and art:

- Laura Pausini will perform on December 8 and 9, bringing her famous Christmas songs and songs from her repertoire to the stage.
- Venditti & De Gregori will be in concert on December 15th for a performance that promises to be a journey into Italian singer-songwriter music.
- The Christmas Concert for the City of Rimini will be held at the Tempio Malatestiano on December 8th with a program of vocal and instrumental music spanning the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
- The Galli Theater will host numerous dance performances, comedies and concerts, including the return of Riccardo Muti at the helm of the Luigi Cherubini Youth Orchestra on December 17.

New Year's Eve in Rimini: The Diffused Party and the Biagio Antonacci Concert

Rimini is famous for its "longest New Year's Eve in the world", a celebration that unfolds in multiple locations in the city center. The night of December 31st will begin with museums and historic buildings open for free until 2 am, including the Palazzo del Fulgor and the Teatro Galli. In addition, ten different spaces in the center will be animated by shows and DJ sets:
- In Piazza Malatesta, the French singer Kelly Joyce will perform with the Gioacchino Rossini Orchestra in a repertoire of jazz and swing, with Italian and French songs.
- After midnight, the Incendio del Castello show will illuminate the Malatestiano Castle with cascades of lights, colored smoke and fireworks, offering a unique scenic effect.
Galactica NYE Festival will add an international touch with electronic music events at Altromondo Studios, Fiera di Rimini and other famous clubs. Among the expected artists are Kraftwerk, pioneers of electronic music, and numerous DJs from the international scene such as I Hate Models and 999999999.

Epiphany Events and Family Activities

The city concludes the festivities with a program dedicated to families and children for the Epiphany:
- "Rimini Incredibile!", scheduled for January 5 and 6, is a walk in the historic center to discover fantastic stories and characters. This activity involves children and families in a fantasy world, populated by elves and strange creatures.
- On January 6th, the traditional Three Kings Parade will take place, a symbolic celebration of the holidays that includes costumes, music and entertainment.
- For an exclusive gastronomic break, the Teatro Galli and the Grand Hotel offer gourmet breakfasts and aperitifs respectively, in a fascinating atmosphere between art and history.

Culinary Experiences & Themed Tours

Throughout the holiday season, visitors will be able to take part in cooking classes dedicated to Romagna cuisine, such as preparing piadina with the help of the azdore, the traditional local cooks. In addition, themed tours such as "Tutto Fellini" will take visitors on the trail of the famous director, with visits to the Fellini Museum and the Piazza dei Sogni.
The 2023/2024 holidays in Rimini offer a range of events that combine tradition, innovation and entertainment for all tastes. From music and dance shows to sand nativity scenes, from Christmas markets to widespread New Year's Eve celebrations, the city is preparing to celebrate the holidays with an unprecedented program, which enhances its rich culture and the charm of the Adriatic Riviera.

Find out everything about Christmas and New Year's Eve in Rimini

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