Christmas in Nicolosi (Snow and Lapilli)
The Christmas festival at the foot of Mount Etna
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Christmas in Nicolosi
Christmas at the foot of Mount Etna
In the heart of winter, when snow dusts the summit craters and volcanic lapilli tell the story of the land's fiery soul, the Municipality of Nicolosi (Metropolitan City of Catania, Sicily) brings its traditional Christmas festival to life, known for over a decade by the evocative name "Neve e Lapilli". For over a month, from late November until Epiphany, the streets and squares of the historic center fill with lights, music, and folk traditions, turning the Etnean village into a widespread celebration.
Markets and Crafts
The beating heart of the event is the Christmas market set up in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, open on weekends and holidays. Among the stalls, you will find artisanal nativity scenes, tree ornaments, candles, ceramics, toys, Christmas sweets, and gift items, all showcasing local artistic craftsmanship. The Lava Stone Museum also hosts the "Arte Natale sotto l'Etna" ceramic exhibition.
Music, Shows, and Traditions
The program alternates between concerts by parish choirs and the "Amici della Musica" Band, performances by the Dusmet School orchestra, and cheerful Christmas Street Bands that bring the streets to life. There are also parades, such as the "Christmas Fantasy Street Parade" and the charming "Santa Claus in a Ferrari," the Christmas train, and the passing of the bagpiper playing traditional Sicilian melodies.
For the Little Ones
A great deal of space is dedicated to children: the Santa Claus village, creative workshops at the "Cristoforo Cuscunà " Municipal Library, the living nativity scene, and the Befana festival on January 6th bring the calendar of events to a joyful close.
Christmas Eve and the Strina
Among the most cherished moments are the Christmas Eve log-burning on December 24th, with bagpipers and mulled wine, and the tradition of the "Strina" on December 31st, an ancient custom of well-wishing accompanied by songs, poems, and folk music. An entirely free festival that unites the community of Nicolosi in the authentic spirit of a Sicilian Christmas.
Christmas in Nicolosi — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Christmas in Nicolosi (Neve e Lapilli) is expected during the usual Christmas period, from late November until Epiphany. At the moment, the Municipality of Nicolosi has not yet published the official dates or the event program. Based on tradition, the return of the Christmas markets in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the Santa Claus village, the living nativity scene, choir and band concerts, as well as parades and workshops for children is likely. The final calendar will be communicated through the Municipality's official channels.
Practical information — Christmas in Nicolosi
How to get there
Nicolosi is located about 20 km from Catania, along the road that climbs towards the Rifugio Sapienza and Mount Etna. By car: take the Catania ring road, exit at Gravina, then follow the SP10 towards Nicolosi. By train: arrive at Catania Centrale station and continue by AST bus to Nicolosi.
When and how much
The festival runs from late November until January 6th. Events and markets are free to attend; the markets are primarily open on weekends and public holidays.
Tips
Dress warmly: at an altitude of 700 meters, winter evenings are cold. Combine your visit with a daytime excursion on Mount Etna.
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Where does it take place — Christmas in Nicolosi
Centro storico di Nicolosi
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 95052 Nicolosi