To organise a lovely A holiday in Rimini over Christmas and New Year 2025/26, the city offers a warm Christmas atmosphere, packed with events, markets, shows and cultural attractions for the whole family – ideal for a week’s stay.
Things to do in Rimini at Christmas
Enjoy the Rimini Christmas Village with its ice rink and stalls selling traditional local crafts and speciality foods.
Admire the famous Sand Nativity Scene by the sea, a unique and evocative Christmas tradition.
Visit the new Fellini Museum and the historic centre, which have been transformed into an immersive experience in the world of the great director Federico Fellini.
Take part in family events such as the Happy Circus show, and traditional walks such as the Nativity Walk from the Duomo.
Make the most of the Christmas markets dotted around the historic centre and the city’s main areas.
Enjoy traditional Christmas menus served at 4-star hotels, with entertainment and special services, perfect for families and couples.
New Year’s Eve in Rimini
The world’s longest New Year’s celebrations, with events running from 29 December to 1 January, including concerts by nationally renowned artists.
Fireworks displays such as the ‘Castle Fire’ in Piazza dei Sogni.
DJ sets, live music, and parties both in the square and at iconic nightclubs such as Coconuts, which offers a night of house, mainstream and Latin American music.
Events taking place across Marina Centro and the historic centre, offering an engaging atmosphere to suit all tastes.
Tips for a week in Rimini
Days 1–2: Explore the historic centre, visit the Fellini Museum and stroll around the Christmas markets.
Day 3: A day spent at the seaside and at the Christmas Village in Marina Centro, which has an ice-skating rink.
Day 4: Day trips to nearby places such as the villages of San Marino or Sant’Agata Feltria.
Day 5: Take part in cultural and sporting events linked to the Christmas season.
Days 6–7: Enjoy the New Year’s Eve concerts and shows, perhaps with a night out at a nightclub or in the square to see in the New Year.
In December, Rimini offers a blend of relaxation, tradition and fun, set against a backdrop of lights, events and typical Romagna flavours – perfect for a An unforgettable Christmas and New Year’s holiday in Rimini
How to use public transport to visit Rimini’s main attractions
If you want to visit Rimini’s main attractions by public transport, the bus network is very efficient and well-organised, with various routes all departing from the central railway station, the hub of the city’s transport links.
Main bus routes
Line 4: connects the railway station with the seafront to the north, passing through towns such as Rivabella, Viserba, Viserbella and Torre Pedrera.
Line 11: connects the station with the southern seafront, passing through Marina Centro, Bellariva, Marebello, Rivazzurra and Miramare on its way to Riccione.
Line 8: takes you to ‘Italia in Miniatura’, a very popular tourist attraction.
Line 9: connects the station with Fellini Airport and the Fiabilandia theme park.
Line 7: this is a good way to get to the dolphinarium.
Other transport routes provide extensive connections throughout the hinterland and to other neighbouring towns.
Other useful resources
Metromare: the 100% electric coastal express service, which provides a fast connection between Rimini and Riccione, with stops along the way.
Shuttlemare: an eco-friendly, free on-demand shuttle service, mainly for travelling to the beaches during the summer season.
Electric bikes and scooters: excellent ways to get around town easily, with hire services and free-float schemes.
Buying tickets and advice
Tickets can be bought at tobacconists or via an app and cost €1.20 for a journey valid for 90 minutes, with the option to change lines. A day ticket costs around €3.
The railway station is the main interchange point for changing between lines.
To explore the surrounding areas of Romagna as well, you can use the Rail Smart Pass, which offers unlimited travel on regional buses and trains.
These transport options make it easy to reach Rimini’s main attractions, such as the historic centre, Marina Centro, the Fellini Museum, the seafront, theme parks such as Italia in Miniatura and Fiabilandia, the airport and the railway station.
What to visit in the inland areas of Romagna and Rimini over the Christmas and New Year period
During the Christmas and New Year period, the inland areas of Romagna and Rimini offer a magical atmosphere, with historic villages, markets, Christmas traditions and cultural events. Here’s what to visit and do:
Christmas villages in the Rimini hinterland
Sant’Agata Feltria is the most picturesque village in the Rimini hinterland at Christmas, with craft markets, Father Christmas’s House, the Elves’ Residence and traditional music played by bagpipers. It is a must-visit destination for families and anyone who loves an authentic Christmas atmosphere.
Santarcangelo di Romagna celebrates Christmas with events dedicated to local artists, markets and performances, creating a poetic atmosphere.
Pennabilli is transformed into the village of nativity scenes, with exhibitions that showcase the tradition of nativity scenes.
Verucchio is organising a nativity scene walk, featuring walks past the nativity scenes set up around the village and gospel choir concerts.
San Leo, a medieval village, offers an enchanting atmosphere during the festive season, with events that combine history, gastronomy and entertainment.
Novafeltria hosts the Palazzo del Natale, whilst San Giovanni in Marignano celebrates the tradition with the ancient Santa Lucia fair.
Special events and activities
In Bagno di Romagna, you can explore the Sentiero degli Gnomi, a magical trail through the woods featuring gnome houses, stories and workshops for children, all set against a fairytale winter landscape.
Christmas markets bring a festive atmosphere to various towns and villages, featuring local specialities, handicrafts and traditional Christmas decorations.
In the squares of Rimini and the surrounding countryside, shows, concerts and parties are organised for New Year’s Eve, with stages set up for musical events that go on until late at night.
This atmosphere makes the Romagna hinterland the ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic Christmas holiday, set against a backdrop of rolling hills, local traditions, cultural events and festive celebrations steeped in history.
