December 6, 2025 - January 6, 2026
Cervia, Milano Marittima, Pinarella, Tagliata
Christmas and New Year in Cervia
Cervia is gearing up for a special Christmas, with a rich calendar of events that, from December 6, 2025, to January 6, 2026, will transform the city into a grand open-air stage.
The vibrant heart of the festivities will be the historic center, which will become a true Christmas Village. The streets will glow with enchanting decorations, while Piazza Garibaldi will host the large ice rink and the traditional Christmas tree, which will be lit on December 8 during a performance of Christmas carols by local schools.
On weekends, the city center comes alive with workshops, artisan markets, live music, street performers, and shows for the whole family.
Borgomarina, Torre San Michele, and the Magazzini del Sale area will be decked out for the holidays, featuring the return of the evocative Salt Nativity Scene, set up on a historic “burchiella” in the Canal Harbour. The Magazzini will host markets and an exhibition of handcrafted nativity scenes, with themed events organized by the Cervia Centro Consortium.
For New Year’s Eve, there will be a double celebration to usher in 2026: events will take place under the Torre San Michele and in Piazza Garibaldi, welcoming citizens and tourists with music and entertainment.
Milano Marittima will also be at the heart of Cervia's Christmas, with elegant lighting installations around the Rotonda Primo Maggio and the traditional shopping streets, entertainment shows, and itinerant music from the “Tacabanda” project, featuring youth bands from all over Italy. On January 1, the city will welcome the new year with an engaging outdoor DJ set.
Don’t miss the traditional and playful Befana Dip, on January 6 in Pinarella and Tagliata: a dip in the sea in costume… with prizes for the most original outfits!
A new addition this year, the Palazzetto dello Sport will host a grand festival dedicated to liscio and folklore, in collaboration with MEI – Meeting degli Indipendenti, celebrating Romagna’s cultural identity.
Across Cervia, Milano Marittima, Pinarella, and Tagliata, many initiatives are planned to share the most magical time of the year together!
Programme (updating)
- Tornano le Figure
December 6‑8
The program opens with a special event: “Tornano le Figure”, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Festival of Puppetry and Figures “Arrivano dal Mare!” and the 25th anniversary of the Atelier delle Figure. Expect shows and activities tied to the tradition of figure theatre, both at the Teatro Walter Chiari and throughout the historic city centre.
- Christmas Village
December 6‑January 6
The historic centre transforms into a fabulous Christmas Village, featuring wooden chalets offering unique gift ideas and various delicacies. On weekends, the atmosphere is enhanced with animation, art exhibitions, craft workshops, performances, and a variety of other activities.
- Ice Skating
Piazza Garibaldi
Under the Christmas tree, a large ice rink is set up in the evocative setting of the square, complete with a spectacular light design.
- Lighting of the Great Christmas Tree and School Carols
8 December
In Piazza Garibaldi, the large Christmas tree will be lit in a now-traditional ceremony that also involves local schools performing Christmas carols.
- Santa’s Warehouse & Befana’s Little House
December 6‑January 6
Piazza Garibaldi
Santa meets children and is available for photos with them and their families. You can bring your letter and receive gifts. On January 6, the Befana arrives as well.
- Christmas Garden with Elves and the Grinch
December 8‑January 6
Piazza Garibaldi
An interactive path allows children to join magical Christmas creatures—elves, reindeer, ice queens, and the infamous Grinch. There’s also the “Grinchmas” mini-theatre, where you’ll find the Grinch with his friend Cindy Lou Who. A trail full of surprises, magical stories, and fun.
- Christmas Village in Milano Marittima
December 6‑January 6
The centre comes alive with performances and entertainment featuring prominent names from the national art scene. The streets are animated by “Tacabanda”, Christmas music played by roaming bands of young artists from all over Italy. The initiative is organized in collaboration with Ater Fondazione. Spectacular lighting displays dress up the Rotonda Primo Maggio and traditional shopping streets, highlighting the elegance of the Garden City and its century-old pine trees.
- Liscio & Folklore Festival
Palazzetto dello Sport, Pinarella
In collaboration with Giordano Sangiorgi, patron of MEI – Meeting degli Indipendenti and promoter of leading national liscio events, the Palazzetto will host a grand festival celebrating liscio and folklore—uniting tradition, innovation, culture, and tourism.
- Exhibition & Presepe Workshops
Magazzino del Sale Torre
In this atmospheric historic venue, an exhibition of artistic nativity scenes will be held, including workshops and Christmas markets, curated by the Consorzio Cervia Centro.
- Christmas Express
A little train runs between the centre of Cervia (Piazzetta Pisacane – South Pole station) and Milano Marittima (Viale Romagna corner Via Gramsci – North Pole station).
- Christmas Tombola
Piazza Garibaldi
December 24 at 21:00
The traditional Christmas Eve tombola game in the square.
- Christmas Concert
Town Theatre
The traditional Christmas concert by the Grand Orchestra of the City of Cervia.
- Nativity Scenes
Handcrafted nativity scenes made of various materials are displayed in many churches across Cervia, along the canal, at the MUSA, as well as in Milano Marittima and Pisignano.
- New Year’s Eve in Cervia
December 31
Torre San Michele, Piazza Garibaldi
Music and entertainment to joyfully say goodbye to the past year and welcome the new one.
- New Year in Milano Marittima
January 1
At Rotonda Primo Maggio and in the town centre, the Garden City greets the new year with an outdoor DJ set that invites everyone to exchange greetings, be together, and enjoy moments of togetherness.
- Walk of Wishes
January 1
Torre san Michele
A torchlight procession of good wishes between Cervia and Milano Marittima.
- Epiphany Dip
Tagliata e Pinarella
January 6
The traditional masked dip in the sea.
- Pasquella Festival
Piazza Garibaldi
January 6
Pasqualotti singing and the distribution of sweets to children.
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