Christmas in Cinque Terre is marked with nativity scenes, traditional celebrations, and festive foods, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
Cinque Terre Christmas Markets
While not as large-scale as those in northern European cities, the Cinque Terre Christmas markets bring life to the five towns in what is normally a low season for tourists visiting the Ligurian Riviera.
You can expect artisanal products, Christmas decorations, winter clothing and (because this is Italy) specialty food and wine will be in abundance! The smell of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, and vin brulé (Italy’s answer to mulled wine) sticks to the air creating a delicious and jubilant atmosphere.
The details and dates for the Cinque Terre Christmas markets are yet to be announced on the national park’s website.
Based on prior years, we expect there will be markets in Riomaggiore, Monterosso, and Manarola.
We will update this post as soon as information becomes available.
Manarola Nativity Scene
In 2007 the Guinness Book of Records declared Manarola to have the world’s largest Nativity scene (Presepe).
The Nativity scene is set on the Hill of Three Crosses above Manarola town. Approximately 250 life-size figures representing the Nativity are illuminated by thousands of light bulbs.
Official Lighting of Manarola Nativity
This year it will be lit from December 8, 2024, to February 2, 2025.
The official opening of the Manarola Presepe coincides with the Immaculate Conception on the 8 December.
The lighting of the Manarola Nativity scene is a lively family event that is flanked by Christmas markets earlier in the day and fireworks at around 5.30 pm, after which the lights of the Nativity are turned on.
Best View of Manarola Nativity
The Presepe can be seen from the main square and several locations in the village.
Stunning views of the Presepe can also be found from the Manarola – Riomaggiore trail (via Beccara). This trail is steep and has hundreds of uneven stairs. You can walk this at night, but the trail is not lit, so take a torch!
Immaculate Conception
Why the 8th of December? The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on this day and marks the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. Italians celebrate the day with church masses and family gatherings.
The day also marks the beginning of the Christmas season, and it has become a tradition for Italians to put up Christmas trees and other decorations on this particular day.
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Vernazza’s Underwater Christmas
The Vernazza Underwater Christmas is one of several underwater Christmas events around the Gulf of Poets.
Image Credit: Goodfon (license details)
On Christmas Eve, a group of divers descend into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea to place a Christmas tree and other decorations on the seabed.
The divers then illuminate the underwater scene with lights and just before midnight, the divers surface with a figure of the baby Jesus. A procession then follows to the local church, where the baby Jesus is placed in the nativity scene.
You can participate as a spectator and in the procession that starts from the harbor front at the main square in Vernazza.
Other Christmas Activities in Cinque Terre
- Christmas Eve Midnight Mass: The midnight mass at St John the Baptist church in Riomaggiore is one of many held in churches of the towns and hamlets of Cinque Terre.
- Monterosso Living Nativity Scene: A live reenactment of traditional life and ancient crafts of days gone by. Held on December 9 in Monterosso. The event will include food stalls and will be held from midday to sunset.
- Babbo Natale: Usually Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) can be seen in Monterosso on the 23 December.
Christmas Events Around Cinque Terre
Using the train and bus routes, you can easily reach a number of other local towns such as Levanto, Sarzana, and La Spezia.
Each of these towns are close to Cinque Terre and has its own Christmas markets and events where you can enjoy the winter holiday festivities and experience an Italian Christmas.
Getting to Cinque Terre during Christmas
The best way to get to Cinque Terre at Christmas time (and during the off-season) is using the train.
The Cinque Terre train line runs along the Ligurian coast. There are frequent trains between La Spezia and Levanto, with train connections to Liguria and other parts of Italy.
During low season:
- The regional trains along the Cinque Terre Express line (La Spezia to Sestri Levante) run approximately every 30 minutes. The train schedule is more frequent in summer.
- Driving is also a possibility, but parking at the Cinque Terre towns will be difficult during the big festival and event days.
Cinque Terre Card:
The Cinque Terre Card is also available in the off-season, for multi-trips between La Spezia, the Cinque Terre villages, and Levanto.
Wrap Up
The winter month of December is not a gloomy time at Cinque Terre.
There is a whole month of celebrations, events, and gatherings over the festive period where you can enjoy the Christmas spirit.
