Christmas in the hamlets of the Rimini Riviera is a journey back in time, blending the ancient traditions of Romagna with the magical holiday atmosphere.
Each inland village has its own characteristics and peculiarities: Sant'Agata Feltria welcomes you with its markets, Pennabilli transforms into the town of Nativity Scenes, Verucchio awaits you for the "trekking of the cribs" and a concert of Gospel choirs, Santarcangelo di Romagna offers you the "Places of the Soul" Christmas, in Novafeltria discover the Christmas Palace, San Leo offers the Enchanted Village while San Giovanni in Marignano relives tradition with the Ancient Fair of Saint Lucy.
The journey through the Rimini Riviera’s inland begins in Sant’Agata Feltria, which becomes the "Christmas Village" on the first three Sundays of December. This is the most important winter event in central Italy for Christmas market enthusiasts, drawing thousands of visitors from far and wide. The extensive displays offer gift ideas, artistic handicrafts, and beautifully crafted decorations, all wrapped in an atmosphere rich with charm and old traditions.
The event is filled with performances inspired by ancient customs: traditional bagpipers, Santa bands, and Christmas music create a sweet and nostalgic ambiance.
From Sant’Agata Feltria, the journey continues to Pennabilli, which transforms into the “Village of Nativity Scenes” throughout December. From the Nativity on the Cliff to smaller handcrafted displays, Pennabilli brings traditional Christmas to life with markets, children’s workshops, Christmas choirs, and the enchanting living nativity.
Verucchio awaits with a unique “Nativity Trek,” beginning at the historic mechanical nativity in the Church of Suffragio, with QR codes mapping the route. Visitors can also enjoy an exhibit of antique toys in the Sala Magna of the Malatesta Fortress and a Gospel concert at the E. Pazzini Theater.
Santarcangelo lights up with poetry with a Christmas that celebrates two local artists: Tonino Guerra and Pino Boschetti. The town celebrates with a calendar of events that moves among the places of the soul dear to Tonino, up to the work "Pino di Natale" (Pino Christmas), conceived by the visual artist Eron and dedicated to Boschetti following his death.
Novafeltria - and its hamlets - presents a schedule of activities for everyone. Do not miss the Magical Christmas Palace in Secchiano, where Father Christmas will collect all the children's letters in a setting of magical illuminations and markets.
In San Leo, in the Parish Church of Santa Assunta and in the Cathedral of Leo, two extraordinary nativity scenes come to life as part of the itinerary of nativity scenes along the Saint Francis Walk.
Finally, in San Giovanni in Marignano, it is possible to immerse oneself in the tradition of the Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy's Fair), a thousand-year-old fair that revives both the traditions linked to the winter solstice and the celebration of the patron saint of sight and the village's rural vocation. Not to be missed, once in the village, is the Granary of Christmas and Cribs.
