Forlì’s Sparkling Holiday Season: A Winter Wonderland

From December 8th, 2024, to January 6th, 2025, Forlì transforms into a festive wonderland, themed around a “Christmas Factory” inspired by Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The city’s extensive program features enchanting attractions, captivating performances, and engaging events, promising a delightful journey filled with chocolate, sweets, and magical settings. A key message, especially for younger attendees, underscores the enduring power of dreams. Returning favorites include one of Italy’s largest outdoor ice-skating rinks, a charming carousel, festive market stalls, and a majestic Christmas tree in Piazza Saffi, adorned with decorations echoing the Chocolate Factory theme and enhanced by captivating video mapping. “Music Edition” returns, showcasing local bands and artists performing Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (December 12th to January 4th) at Piazzetta San Crispino and Giardini Orselli. A new addition: “Gardens of Light,” a stunning illuminated pathway in Parco della Resistenza, starting December 8th at 5:30 PM. The beloved “Magical Christmas Village” in Piazzetta della Misura, featuring the atmospheric “Green House,” also returns, hosting numerous participating associations offering diverse activities: animated readings, English language workshops, chess demonstrations, Zumba classes, artistic workshops, recycling initiatives, and programs focusing on psychological well-being. A grand opening spectacle on December 8th in Piazza Saffi will feature street performers, culinary workshops, music, motorcycling Santas, and many surprises. The traditional nativity scene in the Palazzo Comunale’s grand staircase, curated by the Italian Friends of the Nativity Scene Association, will be displayed alongside the 35th edition of the “City of Forlì Nativity Scenes” exhibition in the San Mercuriale Cloister Hall. The anticipated “The Befana Comes from the Sky” Epiphany show in Piazza Saffi will return, alongside a special event on December 22nd, featuring Santa Claus and a children’s photo opportunity. A major new addition is the “Golden Ticket Hunt,” inspired by the cinematic tradition of the Chocolate Factory and involving approximately one hundred local businesses. Throughout the holidays, shoppers can collect tickets to enter a January 6th drawing for prizes, culminating in a spectacular ice show featuring a flying Befana and live music. Free parking (120-minute limit with parking disc) from Monday to Saturday, December 1st, 2024, to January 6th, 2025, is also available. Romagna a Tavola promotes this event but does not organize it. Contact organizers for further information. Stay updated on events and festivals! Subscribe to the newsletter.