A rich schedule to celebrate Christmas in Ferrara (Emilia Romagna, Italy): markets, lights, shows and many events for kids, in a joyful atmosphere. During holidays, the centre of Ferrara livens up thanks to funny and traditional events which transform the rigorous aspect of the Renaissance city in an immense open stage for the amusement of both adults and children. The lighting of the suggestive illuminations and of the big Christmas Tree in the church square of Piazza Cattedrale at the beginning of December is welcomed by an appreciated ceremony which inaugurates holidays, Christmas shopping and fun.

Street markets, music events, games for children and travelling choirs welcome visitors during Christmas and New Year’s Day Holidays. Santas liven up the squares of the city with funny shows and small booths sell mulled wine, chestnuts and hot chocolate.  At the street corners, in the churches and in the squares Christmas cribs propose the scene of Nativity in original versions to be admired. The most appreciated one is the Crib on the Water, mounted on Christmas Eve by the Underwater Group of Ferrara in the landing stage of the Estense Castle.

The setting up of the new Christmas Tree is about one of the central themes of Holiday events in Ferrara: sustainability. From 2016, in fact,  Christmas and New Year’s programme has gained the ISO 20121 certification as a Sustainable Event. In front of the Cathedral, with its scenic cover designed by Lorenzo Cutuli, a 16-meters tree donated by the town of Lizzano in Belvedere will be decorated with an inspiration about “recycle”. The lighting of the tree, with a real light cascade, will begin with a show by high school pupils, who will perform dance and music.

Dancing Fountains show will be performed with live music in Piazza Castello, with the Philarmonic Band Ludovico Ariosto – città di Ferrara, with more than 45 members, directed by M° Stefano Caleffi.  The famous “listone”, in Piazza Trento Trieste, will turn into a Christmas Market for tourists and citizens during the festivity period, with arts and crafts, typical products,  and Christmas gifts. To stay updated, it is possible to follow their profile: @festadelregalo and the hashtags: #festadelregalo and #festadelregaloferrara.

Every year, a unique New Year’s Day provided with spectacular scenarios which attracts large numbers of visitors is organized in the great Piazza del Castello in Ferrara. The party begins with the concert of international bands and singers which attracts thousand of visitors every year. At midnight is the fascinating show of the “Fire of the Castle”: from the towers of the historic residence of the Estensi family guests can admire gold, silver and colourful jets and the Castle gradually transforms into a great red, gold and silver fire, a suggestive and unforgettable show which takes visitors’ breath away. And then music, balls, panettone, sparkling white wine and mulled wine.

https://www.visitferrara.eu/en/il-consorzio