Bologna is getting ready for Christmas time, among markets, kiosks, nativity scenes and street lights.
Various traditional markets are held in the downtown alleys, enlivening the arcades and squares just as they do every year.
The Fiera di Santa Lucia, for example, staged under the beautiful Quadriportico dei Servi, has always been a reference point for Christmas shopping among the Bolognese.
Closer to Piazza Maggiore, you will find the Christmas Fair in Via Altabella, featuring gift ideas, decorations and traditional baked goods.
Christmas time spirit is also in the air at Grand Tour Italia with Artisan Markets, original creations and special decorations. The world's largest food park will also be hosting a large Christmas village and an indoor ice skating rink for the whole family to enjoy.
Not to mention the many nativity scenes scattered around the city.
Out of the countless Nativities set up in the main churches, the 30th Rassegna del Presepio in the loggia of the Church of San Giovanni in Monte is worth a special mention, or the exhibition Nativity dedicated to the crib statues by Ivan Dimitrov, hosted in the complex of Baraccano.
Lovers of handcrafted nativity scenes, on the other hand, should pay a visit to the Christmas Crèche in Via Azzurra 10, set up as usual in a private home's courtyard and only visible at arm's length from the outside, as well as the installation of Via Parisio 50, the work of a passionate lady, who opens the doors of her private courtyard yearly to welcome onlookers and visitors.
