What could be more beautiful than the Christmas atmosphere in Sicily? Colorful lights, Christmas songs, little wooden houses and the scent of sweets… if you are a fan of all this and feel like experiencing the magic of traditional markets, you are spoiled for choice!
Palermo
Christmas Village
The Christmas Citadel transforms the city into an enchanting Christmas village with wooden cottages housing handicrafts and food products. Located in different parts of the city, the village is enhanced by arcades, illuminations and spaces for cultural events. New this year are recycling and pottery workshops for children and youth ages 5 to 15.
- Free admission
- Through Jan. 7
- Cittadella – PA
- Open daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closing at midnight on Saturdays.
Christmas Village
New Christmas Village is a village featuring a specially set up ice rink. The event offers a replica of Santa Claus Town, complete with an 11-meter-tall tree, a selfie area, dedicated spaces for artisans, beer and food tastings, with display areas and food courts.
- Free admission
- Through Jan. 7
- Villa Filippina – Piazza San Francesco di Paola, 18
- During the Christmas and New Year holidays, the village follows special hours.
Christmas Fair
In Palermo, the ninth edition of the Christmas fair takes place in this event you will find booths, themed stalls and an atmospheric Christmas village with huts and little houses offering crafts and textiles.
In addition to the market, the fair offers fun for the whole family with Luna Park rides, creating a festive and engaging atmosphere.
- Free admission
- Through Jan. 7
- Sicilian Region Avenue – in front of Pagliarelli
- Open daily, 4-11 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday and holidays until midnight.
Christmas in the Park
Christmas in the Park returns to Carini for the third edition. The city park will be enlivened each day with festivals, a hobbyists’ fair, free workshops for children, performances and an exhibition of nativity scenes.
Inside the village, in addition to enjoying the games, it will be possible to take a selfie with Santa Claus in his little house specially made by the Scouts.
- Free admission
- Through Jan. 6
- City Park “Almoad”
- Open daily from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Catania
University Square
As every year, the Christmas tree has been set up in University Square, illuminating the entire square with its many colorful lights and attracting passersby.
Via Etnea is filled with the traditional illuminations and Christmas stalls invade the small alleys in the heart of Catania with exhibitors, artisans and artists of all kinds, bringing to life the magical atmosphere of the Christmas markets.
Christmas Town- Le Ciminiere
Catania’s Le Ciminiere exhibition center is transformed into a magical Christmas theme park in southern Italy. At this event, visitors will experience the enchanted atmosphere with wonderful attractions.
You will meet cute elves, nutcracker band and other fairy tale characters. It will be possible to explore the talking reindeer barn and participate in juggling, magic and fire-eating shows. Visitors will be able to shop in the Christmas markets and enjoy rides or the ice skating rink and play areas set up by Lego, Playmobil, Disney Princess, Sylvanian Families and Peg Perego.
- Through December 30
- Le Ciminiere – Catania
- Event closes at 11 p.m.
- Event start time listed on ticket.
Caltagirone
Caltagirone, celebrates the holiday season with the “Lumina 2023” initiative until Jan. 11, 2024. Divided between the historic and modern parts, the city offers an unforgettable spectacle with decorated streets and a variety of events, including concerts, exhibitions and animations.
Not to be missed are the exhibitions of nativity scenes, which can be visited until Jan. 7, 2024, attracting thousands of visitors, offering wonderful creations by potters inspired by Christmas. In addition to the art exhibits, the Living Nativity is scheduled for Dec. 25-26, 2023, and Jan. 1 and 6, 2024, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Public Garden.
Erice
Erice, a renowned medieval village in Sicily, is transformed into a magical experience during the Christmas markets, attracting tourists for the event “EricèNatale – The village of nativity scenes” until Jan. 7, 2024. In addition to unique nativity scenes created by local artists, markets in Piazza della Loggia and Piazzetta San Giuliano offer handcrafted gifts, decorations and local delicacies. Musical performances and Santa’s House in Piazzetta San Giuliano make the atmosphere even more enchanting!
Get carried away by the magic of Christmas, including tradition, fun and enchanted atmosphere!
