Lugo’s Festive Season: A Month of Holiday Cheer

The enchanting town of Lugo unveils a vibrant tapestry of Christmas festivities spanning over a month, from December 1st, marked by the illuminating glow of holiday lights, to Epiphany on January 6th. This extensive program is a collaborative triumph, born from the partnership of the municipal government, community councils, and a multitude of cultural, volunteer, and professional associations. The result is a diverse schedule of events designed to captivate all ages and preferences. Lugo’s town center will shimmer with warm, inviting lights, thanks to traditional illuminations provided by the municipality. Adding to the festive atmosphere, spectacular decorations and unique installations will adorn the loggias of the Pavaglione and adjacent streets. Sunday, December 1st, promises a day of joyous celebrations. At 3:30 PM, a non-competitive Santa Claus walk (4 km), suitable for all ages, will commence at the Madonna delle Stuoie sports field, culminating at the Pavaglione. Here, at 5 PM, attendees will witness the dazzling illumination of the Christmas tree and festive lights. Garibaldi and Codazzi schools, collaborating with the Bassa Romagna Environmental Education Centre (Ceas), will participate in the ceremony, showcasing ornaments crafted from recycled materials. Afterwards, everyone will enjoy treats such as doughnuts, panettone, and pandoro, and children can drop their letters to Santa Claus under the tree (those unable to attend can leave letters throughout the holiday season until Christmas). From 3 PM to 6 PM, The Jingle Bell Band, a six-member ensemble of Santa-clad musicians, will fill the air with international Christmas classics using brass and percussion instruments. The popular ice-skating rink will return to the Pavaglione, remaining open daily until January 12th. Traditional Christmas markets, “Lugo dona,” will grace the Pavaglione’s loggias on December 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, and 21st, complemented by festive background music. Saturday, December 7th, will offer “Lugo in Gioco” from 3 PM to 5 PM at the Pavaglione—a playful event featuring traditional games for children and teens. Other highlights include free chocolate coins, bagpipe entertainment, presentations on European saints and figures associated with Christmas, and opportunities to deliver letters to Santa. That evening, alpine and Christmas carols will be performed at the Sacro Cuore Institute’s theatre. On Saturday, December 14th, “Waiting for Christmas” with Avis will take place at the Pavaglione from 2 PM to 6:30 PM. A festive train will travel through the historical center. At 5:30 PM, the Lugo Artistic Gymnastics Association will present a captivating aerial silks and hoop show accompanied by fire choreography, followed by a sweet treat for children. On Friday, December 20th, at 8:15 PM, young readers (11-14 years) can enjoy “Christmas Stories After Midnight,” featuring readings by Alfonso Cuccurullo at the Fabrizio Trisi Library. A Christmas parade, led by the Nervesa della Battaglia Band and majorettes, will take place on Saturday, December 21st, starting at 2 PM. It will visit local nursing homes before winding through the town’s streets, concluding in Piazza Mazzini with a performance of Christmas carols and Santa Lucia dances. From 3 PM to 6 PM, Santa Claus, accompanied by a cheerful coachman, will tour the town squares in his magical sleigh, delighting children and gathering wish lists (organized by Fabio Pignatta). From 4 PM to 7 PM, a living nativity scene by the Amici di Avsi Association will grace Piazza Trisi, Largo Baruzzi, and Largo Calderoni. The Suffragio Church will host two concerts by the Lugo Flûte Festival: a Rossini tribute on December 21st and a year-end flute and guitar concert on December 28th, both at 7:30 PM. On Monday, December 30th, citizens can enjoy open rehearsals for the New Year’s Eve event, previewing Monica Maimone’s vertical dance performance. Tuesday, December 31st, will see the grand New Year’s Eve performance, “Learning to Fly,” a vertical dance spectacle conceived by Monica Maimone (produced by Festi Group). Projected images on the walls of the Rocca Estense will serve as a backdrop to the performance, blending seamlessly with the audience in the piazza. Suspended in a stellar fragment, a dancer embodies humanity’s oldest dream of flight – a symbol resonant with the city’s aviation legacy. This acrobatic spectacle offers a shared experience of defying gravity. The evening will continue with a high-quality DJ set in the ex-fisheries of the Rocca, curated by Cisim. On Monday, January 6th, at 10 AM, Anffas Lugo will present Christmas carols in front of the Rocca. At 3:30 PM, Piazza dei Martiri will host the Epiphany celebration with free entertainment and refreshments for families, organized by Rione Cento. Visitors to Lugo can also explore the Baracca Museum and the “Fireworks” exhibition by Silvano D’Ambrosio at the former Cassa di Risparmio e Banca del Monte di Lugo Foundation Palace. Numerous activities are planned outside the city center and in the surrounding areas, including the 60th nativity scene competition by the Lugo Acli club, “Christmas at the Ducato” in Santa Maria in Fabriago, “VoltaNatale e non solo” at the “Ca’ vecchia” social center in Voltana, “Armonie di Natale” at the Arci club in Passogatto, and “Christmas is in… concert” by the Amici di San Potito Association. A complete program is available on the Lugo municipality website. Romagna a Tavola promotes the event but is not involved in its organization; for inquiries, contact the organizers. Stay updated on events! Subscribe to our newsletter!