From festive markets to giant food fights, there’s plenty to do in Italy in winter!
Whether you’re travelling or doing business in Italy, there’s no better way to get to know the country than by attending an event.
Here’s the lowdown on 9 of the best winter events in Italy:
Whether you’re travelling or doing business in Italy, there’s no better way to get to know the country than by attending an event.
Here’s the lowdown on 9 of the best winter events in Italy:
December
• The World's Largest Christmas Tree, Gubbio
On the 7th December every year, a giant Christmas tree is illuminated on the slopes of Monte Ingino. Measuring over 650 metres high, the tree attracts attention from all over the world.
In 1991, it was named the world’s largest Christmas tree by the Guinness Book of Records. And, in 2017, it was even illuminated from space!
In 1991, it was named the world’s largest Christmas tree by the Guinness Book of Records. And, in 2017, it was even illuminated from space!
• Nativity events, Manorola and Cesenatico
Manorola, Cinque Terre
Another of the world’s largest festive illuminations, a nativity scene lights up the Manorola hills from the 8th December until the end of January.
Dreamt up by a local artist in the 1960s, the display stretches for an impressive 4000 square metres and features 300 life-size figures.
Cesenatico, Emilia-Romagna
The small fishing town of Cesenatico holds its annual floating nativity in December.
The spectacular scene includes 50 life-size statues on boats, representing fishermen, local figures and the traditional nativity characters.
Want to know more about how Christmas is celebrated in Italy? Read this blog.
Another of the world’s largest festive illuminations, a nativity scene lights up the Manorola hills from the 8th December until the end of January.
Dreamt up by a local artist in the 1960s, the display stretches for an impressive 4000 square metres and features 300 life-size figures.
Cesenatico, Emilia-Romagna
The small fishing town of Cesenatico holds its annual floating nativity in December.
The spectacular scene includes 50 life-size statues on boats, representing fishermen, local figures and the traditional nativity characters.
Want to know more about how Christmas is celebrated in Italy? Read this blog.
January
• New Year’s Day Parade, Rome
Rome rings in the New Year in style with marching bands, choirs, majorettes and flag wavers.
Choose between a series of indoor and outdoor concerts or follow the procession to St Peter’s Square to watch the Pope’s New Year’s Day blessing.
Choose between a series of indoor and outdoor concerts or follow the procession to St Peter’s Square to watch the Pope’s New Year’s Day blessing.
• International Snow Sculpture Festival, San Candido and San Vigilio
For the last three decades, sculptors from across the globe have battled it out to be crowned champion of the Snow Sculpture Festival in San Candido and San Vigilio.
Participants have three days in both venues to make their giant snow and ice sculptures before tourists and residents decide on the winners.
Participants have three days in both venues to make their giant snow and ice sculptures before tourists and residents decide on the winners.
February
• Milano BIT Travel Exhibition, Milan
If you work in the travel and tourism industry, don’t miss this internationally renowned travel fair.
Since 1980, this 3-day exhibition has brought industry professionals together for a series of talks and networking events. The fair is open to tourists too if you fancy scouting out a wedding or honeymoon destination!
Since 1980, this 3-day exhibition has brought industry professionals together for a series of talks and networking events. The fair is open to tourists too if you fancy scouting out a wedding or honeymoon destination!
• Carnevale, Venice and Viareggio
Venice
The famous Venice carnevale is celebrated in the two weeks before Lent. It’s traditionally a time for partying, eating meat and drinking alcohol before fasting during Lent. Thousands of tourists join the revelry by donning masks, attending masquerade balls and watching street performances.
Viareggio
Originating in the 19th Century, the Viareggio carnevale is known for its huge papier-mâché float competition and 6 days of street parades. Look out for the carnival’s clown mascot, the Burlamacco.
The famous Venice carnevale is celebrated in the two weeks before Lent. It’s traditionally a time for partying, eating meat and drinking alcohol before fasting during Lent. Thousands of tourists join the revelry by donning masks, attending masquerade balls and watching street performances.
Viareggio
Originating in the 19th Century, the Viareggio carnevale is known for its huge papier-mâché float competition and 6 days of street parades. Look out for the carnival’s clown mascot, the Burlamacco.
• Battle of the Oranges, Ivrea
Fancy a food fight? You won’t be disappointed by the Battle of the Oranges.
Every year, in the lead up to Shrove Tuesday, locals divide into 9 teams to pelt each other with oranges! Why? They’re re-enacting a 12th Century revolt when townspeople stormed the marquis’ palace after he tried to rape the miller’s daughter.
Every year, in the lead up to Shrove Tuesday, locals divide into 9 teams to pelt each other with oranges! Why? They’re re-enacting a 12th Century revolt when townspeople stormed the marquis’ palace after he tried to rape the miller’s daughter.
Planning a winter event in Italy and want to attract a local audience? I can help.
As a certified English to Italian translator, I can translate your marketing materials and event information into Italian, ensuring they grab attention and persuade the right people to attend.
Check out my Italian translation services or get in touch for a free translation quote.
If you’re looking for more Italian event inspiration, read my summer and autumn event blogs:
6 interesting events in Italy in autumn
The best events in Italy in summer
As a certified English to Italian translator, I can translate your marketing materials and event information into Italian, ensuring they grab attention and persuade the right people to attend.
Check out my Italian translation services or get in touch for a free translation quote.
If you’re looking for more Italian event inspiration, read my summer and autumn event blogs:
6 interesting events in Italy in autumn
The best events in Italy in summer