First weekend of December, when the Christmas spirit obviously begins to dominate thanks to the many historic markets that begin these days in the streets and squares of Liguria. From gastronomy to festivals, including food, entertainment, culture, concerts, trade fairs, theater and much more, here you’ll find the best of the weekend in our usual top 10 so you don’t miss a thing.
In the event of bad weather, we recommend contacting the event organizers to clarify whether it will actually take place.
You can find the full agenda here with all events of the weekend. For cinema lovers, you can find the program of Genoese cinemas at this link.
1. St. Nicholas Market
Of course there are numerous markets in Genoa and the surrounding area (you can find an overview of the Christmas events here). We mention a few: The oldest opens its doors on Friday and is taking place for the thirty-fourth time. Appointment in Piazza Piccapietra until December 23rd with music, gastronomy and many festive events. Find out more
2. Christmas market
The traditional Genoese fair returns to Piazza della Vittoria from Saturday to December 24th. Over 100 stalls with crafts, food and wine and lots of gift ideas for the holidays. Find out more
3. Christmas market in Piazza Matteotti
The market with the characteristic wooden houses organized by Terliguria Confesercenti also begins: it will remain open every day from Saturday to Sunday, December 24th. Find out more
4th Book Fair
The historic event that has accompanied the Genoese since 1926 returns to the Mazzini Gallery: it is open from Friday to January 7th. Find out more
5. Feast of the Big Fat Beef Stew
Saturday and Sunday appointment in Pontedecimo with a menu entirely dedicated to the fat ox of Carrù. Find out more
6. “Cats” in Politeama Genovese
This weekend the last three performances of one of the greatest musicals of all time will take place, in the new production by Massimo Romeo Piparo. Find out more
7. Tutankhamun
The exhibition dedicated to the reconstruction of the treasure and tomb of the legendary pharaoh, the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century, opens on Saturday at Porto Antico. Find out more
8. Francesco’s Nativity Scene
The traditional nativity scene exhibition at the Capuchin Museum in Genoa opens to the public on Friday. Particular focus is on the story of Saint Francis 800 years after the first nativity scene created by the saint in Greccio. Find out more
9. Christmas markets in Ronco Scrivia
Appointment on Sunday with one of the most popular markets, awarded in 2016 and 2022 by the Italive jury. Over 75 stalls with crafts, shows, gastronomy, nativity scenes and much more. Find out more
10. Christmas markets appear
On Saturday and Sunday many initiatives for adults and children, from markets to lunch, from children’s shows to card tournaments to the panettone competition. Find out more