The charm of the the sea in winter to the magic of the historic centre, During the Christmas period, Rimini is transformed into a veritable the Nativity Open-Air Museum. A journey that brings together creativity, tradition e sense of community, taking residents and visitors on a journey through sand nativity scenes, artistic installations, living history re-enactments e light installations.
The tour of the nativity scenes begins on 29 November 2025 and brings the 6 January 2026 with the big event “Travelling with the Three Wise Men”, a spectacular multicultural and musical parade which runs through the heart of the city.
The charm of the sea: the Sand Nativity Scene at Marina Centro
On the beach at Marina Centre, opposite Piazzale Boscovich, the famous Sand Nativity Scene, one of the most popular Christmas attractions in Rimini.
The 2025/26 edition, entitled “Colossal… from Noah’s Ark to the present day”, is the most impressive ever: a monumental set design spanning over 700 square metres, produced by eight international artists which, using nothing but sand and water, create spectacular biblical scenes.
Until 6 December, visitors can also watch the process of work in progress, watching the sculptors at work. The exhibition is part of the Christmas Villagewith skating rink, craft markets and a packed programme of shows and entertainment for the whole family.
Artistic nativity scenes: the mechanical art of Alberto Minelli
From 1 December, the home of Alberto Minelli At 11 Via Maffei, the venue opens its doors to the public for a journey into the world of mechanical nativity scenes.
Three animated scenes come to life in the rooms of the house: one Large-scale Nativity scene, one dedicated to the traditional crafts and a miniature town. Every detail is crafted with passion and skill, from the figurines made of fine fabric the mechanical movements that bring the scenes to life and make them captivating.
The coastal villages: where tradition meets the sea
In the seaside villages, the Nativity blends with seafaring traditions.
A Torre Pedrera, next to the Parco del Lavatoio, the Nativity Scene with a Nautical Theme It displays miniature boats containing sacred figures.
A San Giuliano Marethe Nativity scene in Darsena The opening of the 20 December: a picturesque Floating Nativity scene on the historic boats of Sailing at Terzo Rimini, accompanied by underwater torchlight processions, shows by the sea e live music.
The Resistance Bridge, on the other hand, becomes the famous “Bridge of Miracles”, lit up by a illuminated nativity scene and by the “Holy Relics of the Peoples”, with messages of good wishes in several languages celebrating inclusion e brotherhood.
Nativity scenes in the historic centre of Rimini
Rimini’s historic centre is home to the most traditional and evocative nativity scenes, displayed within its places of worship.
In Malatesta Temple, the festival “Nativity Scenes from Around the World” brings together Nativity scenes from various countries, symbolising dialogue and cultural integration.
La Church of the Paolotti, in Piazza Tre Martiri, displays the historic the Minims’ mechanical nativity scene, open daily until Epiphany.
In the Church of St Augustine, where precious 14th-century works from Rimini are preserved, you can admire a traditional nativity scene, whilst on the hill of Covignano the Shrine of Santa Maria delle Grazie houses a 18th-century terracotta nativity scene and magnificent period frescoes.
The Arch of Augustus and the Nativity Scene for the City
From 9 December, the historian Augustus Arch becomes the setting for the traditional A Nativity Scene for the City, produced with the help of the centre’s staff Zavatta Onlus.
The theme of the 2025 edition – “Hope, Light and the Future” – invites residents and visitors to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of theinclusion and solidarity.
Live performances: the magic of Christmas on stage
The 21 December, the streets of Borgo San Giuliano turn into a small Bethlehem, with the second edition of the Live Nativity Scene.
Over a hundred participants, along with period music and costumes, bring the Nativity scene to life in the narrow streets of Rimini’s most beloved village.
The 6 January 2026, on Epiphany, it returns “Travelling with the Three Wise Men”, a majestic multicultural and musical parade which starts from the Tiberius Bridge and runs through the historic centre to the Malatesta Temple.
Hundreds of participants, choirs and musicians bring the town to life in a huge celebration of unity and brotherhood, a symbol of the coming together of peoples.
In the hills: the Living Nativity Scene at Montefiore Conca
From 26 to 28 December and the 1 January 2026, the medieval village of Montefiore Conca It becomes a natural stage for one of Italy’s most evocative live nativity scenes.
In addition 180 extras, amongst shepherds, craftspeople and bagpipers, they bring to life scenes from everyday and religious life at the foot of the Malatesta fortress, in an intense and authentic atmosphere that takes visitors back in time.
A journey through art, faith and tradition
With over twelve stages between the city, the sea and the hills, the Map of the Nativity Scenes in Rimini It is an exciting itinerary that combines art, spirituality e local culture.
A unique opportunity to explore the city during the festive season and admire its many facets: this sailor, that one historical and that one more intimate and authentic, where Christmas becomes a shared experience to be savoured with all your heart.
