The Immacolata weekend is an opportunity to take a break before the Christmas holidays and immerse yourself in the year’s most evocative atmosphere. In 2026, the feast of December 8 falls on a Tuesday: by taking a day off on Monday the 7th, you can have as many as four days, from Saturday the 5th to Tuesday the 8th of December, to plan a trip across Italy.
From North to South, including the islands, here are ten ideas to spend the Immacolata weekend 2026 in Italy, mixing original experiences with places to rediscover.
Krampus Parade in Bressanone (BZ)
To experience something different, you can reach Bressanone, in South Tyrol, where Saturday, December 5, 2026 the historic center will be crossed by the traditional Krampus parade. These demon-like figures belong to Alpine folklore, recognizable for their frightening masks, horns, furs and the heavy bells they wear.
According to tradition, these creatures accompany Saint Nicholas and go in search of the misbehaving children. The parade, scheduled from 5 p.m., transforms the streets of the city into a captivating spectacle, blending folklore, noise and ancient rituals.
Christmas in the Village of Bondone (TN)
Bondone is a village that turns into a huge open-air nativity scene, with over 100 handcrafted nativity figures scattered among alleys, windows and hidden corners. One of Italy’s most beautiful villages, in Trentino, which from 8 December 2026 to 10 January 2027 dresses up for the holidays with Christmas in the Village.
On December 8, 2026, moreover, the Winter Edition of Bondone in Strada, the International Festival with street artists, music and performances, is scheduled.
On the Ski Slopes to Kick Off the Winter Season
The Immacolata weekend is also one of the first chances to dust off the skis and breathe in the mountain atmosphere. In 2026 several Italian ski areas have planned lift openings in the early days of December.
Among these is Dolomiti Superski, with the season planned from November 28, 2026 and numerous ski domains ready to welcome enthusiasts. In Val Gardena the lifts are scheduled to open on December 4. Val di Fassa and Arabba also anticipate the season starting on December 4.
Those who prefer the Aosta Valley can head to Cervinia, where in the Cervino Ski Paradise the winter season will officially begin on November 7 (Italian side).
The Nativity Scene of Manarola (SP)
Heading south toward Liguria, a truly evocative destination for the Immacolata weekend is Manarola, one of the most characteristic villages of the Cinque Terre. Here, on the hill of the Three Crosses, comes to life one of the most spectacular luminescent nativity scenes in Italy, a tradition that has accompanied the village’s Christmas for over sixty years.
The lighting event is set for December 8 at 17:30, when thousands of bulbs will illuminate the Nativity figures, creating an extraordinary panorama over the Ligurian landscape. The lighting will be accompanied by an incredible fireworks show. The work was conceived by Mario Andreoli, a former railway worker who, starting in 1961, dedicated years to the creation of the luminous silhouettes.
Candles at Candelara (PU)
A truly original experience can be enjoyed in Candelara, a small medieval village on the hills near Pesaro in the Marche. Here the event Candele a Candelara will return in 2026 as well, a festival entirely devoted to wax flames, now in its 23rd edition. The event will take place throughout the Immacolata weekend, from Saturday the 5th to Tuesday the 8th of December.
The most anticipated moment is the scheduled turning-off of the electric lighting: for 15 minutes the village remains illuminated only by the warm and flickering glow of thousands of candles. Along the streets you will find Christmas markets, artisanal products, nativity scenes and street performances.
Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Gubbio (PG)
In Umbria, one of the emblematic Christmas destinations is Gubbio, where every year the famous world’s largest Christmas tree returns to light up. Built on the slope of Monte Ingino, it is composed of hundreds of colored lights that outline a giant evergreen visible from afar.
For 2026 the lighting is scheduled Monday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m., preceded by a show that will begin at 7:20 p.m. in Piazza Quaranta Martiri. In Gubbio there will also be many other Christmas events from November 21 to January 6, 2027.
A city break among Italy’s art cities
If you don’t want to follow a particular event, you can still plan a nice city break during the Immacolata weekend to discover an Italian city in a different light.
You can choose Turin, with its museums and elegant illuminated squares, or Florence, to stroll among Renaissance masterpieces and festively decorated streets. Rome offers an itinerary through monuments, exhibitions and grand Christmas squares, while Naples is a must for those who love the traditional handcrafted Nativity scenes of Via San Gregorio Armeno.
Christmas Markets in the Villages
For those who love Christmas atmospheres but prefer to avoid the most famous destinations, a great idea is to plan an itinerary among the Christmas markets of small Italian villages.
Among the dates to note is Natale nel Borgo in Tussio, in Abruzzo, where on 5 and 6 December the old cellars of the village and its lanes will host exhibitors, artisans and local products.
In Piedmont, instead, Santa Maria Maggiore welcomes visitors from December 6 to 8 with its characteristic Christmas market, featuring over 200 exhibitors. To reach this event from Domodossola, I recommend boarding the trains of the Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli.
Another Christmas event not to be missed during the Immacolata weekend if you’re in the Marche is Natale a Mombaroccio where, in addition to the traditional market, a magical artificial snowfall unfolds with music and lights.
Festival of Ritual Fires in Agnone (IS)
The Molise hosts a still little-known event outside regional borders: the Festival of Ritual Fires in Agnone, in the province of Isernia. Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., the village will host the fifth edition of the festival, with the participation of several groups from all over Italy who will perform their fire-related rites.
The initiative inaugurates the so-called Month of Fire, a calendar of events that continues with the Grande ‘Ndocciata.
Autumn in Barbagia
In the heart of Barbagia, in Sardinia, the calendar of the Autumn in Barbagia 2026 extends until December 13. It is a circuit of events that lets visitors connect with the island’s most authentic soul, traversing small villages, ancient houses, artisanal workshops and culinary traditions. During the Immacolata weekend, from December 6 to 8, the gathering will take place in Fonni.
For more information, consult the site Cuore della Sardegna.
