Christmas in Cattolica – Bosco di Luce
Cattolica's Christmas and New Year's Eve among illuminations, illuminated fir trees, and flavours
About Bosco di Luce
The Christmas of the Queen of the Adriatic
Every winter, the historic centre of Cattolica, in the Province of Rimini, Emilia-Romagna, dresses up for the holidays and becomes a true Bosco di Luce (Forest of Light). From November 29th to January 6th, the city's streets and squares light up with sparkling illuminations that create a red velvet pathway, dotted with illuminated fir trees and aviaries, under a sky of fairy lights. This is the formula with which the Municipality of Cattolica accompanies residents and tourists throughout the Christmas and New Year's holidays, combining magic, tradition, and taste.
A journey through lights, music, and flavours
The scenic heart of the event is in Piazza Nettuno, where the king of fir trees, donated by friends from the Bergamo valleys of Seriana and Scalve, stands tall. Along the way, visitors encounter the elegant Serra dei Sogni (Greenhouse of Dreams), which hosts a rich calendar of Christmas workshops, fairy tale readings, tastings, and activities for children, and the Chalet Taste, a gastronomic area with gourmet huts set up between Via Matteotti and Viale Bovio. There's also the On Ice skating rink, a large Ferris wheel, and a charming nativity scene in Piazza Mercato Coperto.
Concerts, events, and widespread New Year's Eve
Throughout the event, concerts and special events take place: from the gospel choir at the tree lighting ceremony to the concert by the Arturo Toscanini Philharmonic Orchestra, and the fun event of Santa Clauses on SUP boards on the beach. The highlight is New Year's Eve, a widespread celebration across squares and streets with DJ sets, radio shows, and live music that continues into the early hours of the new year. On the morning of January 1st, tradition dictates the famous New Year's Day Swim in the Adriatic Sea.
A celebration for the whole family
Designed for families, children, and visitors of all ages, the Bosco di Luce is free to enter and enlivens the most magical period of the year in Cattolica, confirming itself as one of the most spectacular Christmas offerings on the Romagna Riviera. The public's success over the years has led to the illuminations being extended well beyond Epiphany, accompanying early year shopping and sales.
Bosco di Luce — edition 2026
The Bosco di Luce 2025/2026
From November 29th to January 6th, Cattolica lit up like a grand Bosco di Luce, with a red velvet pathway, illuminated fir trees, and aviaries. In Piazza Nettuno, the tree was a gift from the Seriana and Scalve valleys; between Via Matteotti and Viale Bovio, the gastronomic Chalet Taste was set up, while the Serra dei Sogni in Piazza Roosevelt hosted workshops and readings for children. The On Ice skating rink, the Ferris wheel, and the nativity scene in Piazza Mercato Coperto were also present. The illuminations were then extended to accompany January's shopping and sales.
Programme Bosco di Luce 2026
Program for the 2025/2026 edition
- Saturday, November 29th, 5:00 PM — Lighting of the illuminations and inauguration of the Bosco di Luce in the city centre.
- Saturday, December 6th, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM — Taste Market with typical local products and DOC wines from the Colli di Rimini.
- Sunday, December 7th — Tree lighting in Piazza Nettuno accompanied by a gospel choir.
- Sunday, December 14th — "Santa Clauses on SUP": Santa Clauses on stand-up paddleboards on the sea in front of the beach.
- Saturday, December 20th — Concert by the Arturo Toscanini Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Wednesday, December 31st — Widespread New Year's Eve: DJ sets in squares and streets, radio show with Radio Bruno, Radio Sabbia, and Radio Gamma, and a live concert by JJ Vianello & gli Intoccabili, with celebrations until the early hours of the morning.
- Thursday, January 1st, 11:00 AM — New Year's Day Swim on the free beach in front of Piazza Primo Maggio.
Throughout the period: Serra dei Sogni (workshops, readings, and tastings), Chalet Taste, On Ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, and nativity scene in Piazza Mercato Coperto.
Highlights Bosco di Luce 2026
Prices Bosco di Luce 2026
Practical information — Bosco di Luce
Where
Historic centre of Cattolica (RN), Emilia-Romagna. Main points: Piazza Nettuno (tree), Serra dei Sogni in Piazza Roosevelt, Chalet Taste between Via Matteotti and Viale Bovio, skating rink and nativity scene in Piazza Mercato Coperto.
When
From November 29th to January 6th, with illuminations extended in the following weeks. The Chalet Taste is open Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on weekends and holidays from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Admission
Access to the Bosco di Luce and its activities is free. Some activities (skating rink, Ferris wheel, food and drinks at Chalet Taste) are subject to a fee.
Information
IAT Tourist Office of Cattolica – tel. +39 0541 966621 / 966697 – [email protected] – cattolicawelcome.it
How to get here
Cattolica is accessible from the Cattolica exit of the A14 motorway, from the Cattolica-San Giovanni-Gabicce train station, and by Riviera buses. The centre is easily walkable.
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Where does it take place — Bosco di Luce
Centro storico di Cattolica
Piazza Nettuno, 47841 Cattolica