Christmas and New Year celebrations in Rimini and San Marino The 2024/2025 season offers a variety of events and activities suitable for the whole family. Here is a detailed list of the main events and activities available during this period.
Events in Rimini
Christmas Lights and Festive Atmosphere Christmas Lights Switch-On: On 23 November 2024, Rimini kicks off the festive season with the switch-on of over 90 kilometres of lights, which will adorn the city until Epiphany.
The lighting features evocative displays such as a ‘planetarium’-style sky with stars and planets in Piazza Cavour.
Winter by the Sea: From 30 November, the beach is transformed with light installations and a three-kilometre-long Christmas trail, featuring illuminated benches.
Christmas Markets and Village
Christmas Village: Located in Piazzale Boscovich, the village features wooden huts, a Christmas market and a large ice-skating rink (600 square metres), open until 12 January. There will also be shows for children and food-themed events here.
New Year’s Eve in Rimini – The world’s longest New Year’s Eve: From 29 December to 1 January, Rimini hosts a series of concerts and parties in various squares. The main events include: 29 December: Concert by Irene Grandi.
30 December: A performance by Elio e le Storie Tese.
31 December: Vinicio Capossela in concert, alongside celebrations in seven different squares.
Fireworks Display: The night of 31 December will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display and concerts taking place throughout the historic centre, making the celebrations particularly lively.
Events in San Marino
Christmas Spirit
The Magical Atmosphere of Christmas: San Marino is decked out in festive decorations in its historic centre, offering an enchanting experience for families.
Chocolate Festival: Over the Christmas period, there will be events dedicated to chocolate, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Family Activities: Treasure Hunt in the Old Town: A fun activity for families that lets you explore the old town whilst searching for hidden treasure.
Things to Do with the Family in Romagna
As well as the festive events, there are plenty of other activities to consider: Castle visits: Romagna is home to many historic castles that are open to visitors. Many offer guided tours suitable for children.
Outdoor Activities: Make the most of walks along the coast or in the surrounding nature reserves – ideal for families who love the outdoors.
Creative Workshops: During the festive season, many cultural centres organise creative workshops for children, where they can learn how to make Christmas decorations.
These festive celebrations offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the magic of Christmas and New Year in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.
The Christmas Village in Rimini
The Christmas Village in Rimini is situated in Piazzale Boscovich, an area adjacent to the beach. This village, also known as ‘Ice Village Rimini’, will be set up from 30 November 2024 and will remain open until 12 January 2025.
Features of the Christmas Village
Wooden Stalls: The market will consist of around ten traditional wooden stalls, where visitors can find handcrafted goods and local specialities.
Ice Rink: A large 600-square-metre ice rink will be available for skating, making the experience even more magical.
Children’s Entertainment: There will be children’s shows, including a circus and a French carousel, creating a festive and fun atmosphere for families.
Christmas Decorations: The whole area will be adorned with festive lights and decorations, helping to create an enchanting Christmas atmosphere.
The Christmas Village is one of the main attractions during the festive season in Rimini, offering activities for all ages and a great opportunity to spend time with the family.
In Rimini, New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a very festive and engaging way, with events spanning several days and involving the whole city. Here’s how it stands out from other Italian cities.
New Year’s Eve in Rimini
The World’s Longest New Year’s Eve: Rimini is famous for its ‘World’s Longest New Year’s Eve’ event, which takes place from 29 December to 1 January. During this period, the city offers over 50 hours of events, including concerts, shows and cultural activities.
Concerts and Shows: On 31 December, a major concert will take place in Piazza Malatesta featuring Vinicio Capossela, alongside other musical events in various squares around the city.
Artists such as Irene Grandi and Elio e le Storie Tese will also be performing in the days leading up to the event.
Fireworks: New Year’s Eve culminates in a fireworks display over the sea, creating a magical atmosphere.
Events Across the City: There will be seven events taking place simultaneously in the historic centre, including DJ sets, jazz concerts and Caribbean music performances, turning Rimini into a lively hub of celebrations
Comparison with Other Italian Cities
New Year’s Eve celebrations vary considerably across Italy.
Final Thoughts
Rimini offers a unique New Year’s Eve experience thanks to its combination of musical events, live performances and a lively festive atmosphere. Compared to other Italian cities, where celebrations can be more centralised or traditional, Rimini stands out for its variety of events spread across the city, involving the whole community and visitors alike. This makes the city an ideal destination for anyone looking for a New Year’s Eve full of energy and fun.
In Rimini, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at various historic venues, which become stages for festive events. Here are the main historic venues hosting events during the New Year’s Eve celebrations:
Historic Sites in Rimini for New Year’s Eve
1. Piazza Malatesta
Events: This is where Vinicio Capossela’s concert will take place on 31 December, which is one of the highlights of the celebrations. The square becomes a central meeting place to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
2. Piazza Cavour
Events: This square will host one of the seven events taking place simultaneously on 31 December, featuring musical performances and a variety of entertainment. Its historic atmosphere adds to the festive experience.
3. Galli Theatre
Events: The Galli Theatre, recently restored and a symbol of Rimini’s cultural life, will be one of the venues hosting concerts and performances during the festive season.
4. City Museum
Events: Over the New Year period, the City Museum will be open and will host cultural and artistic events, helping to create a festive and cultural atmosphere.
5. The Surgeon’s House
Events: This important archaeological site will be part of the programme of events, offering a unique opportunity to explore history whilst celebrating.
6. Teatro degli Atti
Events: This theatre, too, will be transformed into a venue for festivities with live performances, making the celebrations even more lively.
7. Rimini Castle (Fire at the Castle)
Events: The evening will culminate in the ‘Incendio al Castello’ show, which will take place in Piazza Malatesta, creating a magical and evocative moment for all those taking part.
Final Thoughts
Rimini stands out for its ability to transform historic sites into venues for New Year’s Eve celebrations, offering a unique blend of culture, music and tradition. These events not only mark the arrival of the new year but also showcase the city’s historic heritage, making the experience all the more memorable for residents and visitors alike.
Check all the hotels in Rimini that are open over Christmas and New Year
All hotels in Romagna that are open all year round
