Forlì that Shines — The Christmas Factory
The great Christmas of Forlì: lights, ice rink, markets, and music in Piazza Saffi
About Forlì that Shines
The Christmas that lights up Forlì
Forlì that Shines — The Christmas Factory is the major Christmas event series organized by the Municipality of Forlì, in the heart of Romagna and Emilia-Romagna. For over a month, from late November until Epiphany, the historic center lights up with lights, music, and entertainment, transforming Piazza Aurelio Saffi and the surrounding streets into a large, free-entry Christmas village. The event has grown edition after edition to become one of the most beloved winter events in Forlì, attracting over three hundred thousand visitors to the city.
The heart in Piazza Saffi
The focal point of the celebration is Piazza Saffi, where the characteristic elliptical ice skating rink is set up each year, alongside the traditional carousel and the Christmas Market with its illuminated wooden chalets. Here, local artisans and producers offer decorations, gift ideas, and typical Romagna food and wine specialties. The most anticipated moment is the lighting of the tree and the immersive light show, which envelops the square in a fairytale setting.
Lights, villages, and entertainment throughout the center
The celebration doesn't stop at the main square: dozens of streets in the historic center are decorated with fairy lights, while light installations and themed corners come to life. The Magical Christmas Village hosts workshops and activities for children, and a packed schedule of concerts and shows brings music to the arcades and illuminated squares. Families will find a rich program of entertainment spread throughout the holiday season.
An event for the whole city
Organized by the Municipality of Forlì in collaboration with local associations, merchants, and partners, the event involves over a hundred shops in the center through contests and promotional initiatives designed to liven up Christmas shopping. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the capital of the Province of Forlì-Cesena in its most festive guise, blending Romagna tradition with Christmas atmosphere.
Why it's worth coming
- Free entry to all light installations and entertainment in the center
- Ice skating rink open for over a month in Piazza Saffi
- Christmas market with wooden chalets and typical Romagna products
- Dozens of musical events spread throughout the historic center
- Activities and workshops for children and families
Forlì that Shines — edition 2026
The fifth edition
The 2025-2026 edition of Forlì that Shines, titled The Christmas Factory, kicked off on November 22, 2025, with the inauguration of the elliptical ice skating rink in Piazza Saffi, the carousel, and the Christmas Market with 15 wooden chalets dedicated to crafts, decorations, and food specialties.
On November 30, the fairy lights decorating over thirty streets in the city center were switched on, along with the Gardens of Light. The grand official inauguration on December 8, hosted by Radio Bruno speakers, featured a spectacular arrival of Santas on bikes and motorcycles, a performance by the Flowing Chords, and the countdown for the simultaneous lighting of the tree and the immersive Light Architecture show.
The celebration concluded on January 11, 2026, after more than a month of events spread throughout Forlì's historic center.
Programme Forlì that Shines 2026
Permanent Installations (November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026)
- Elliptical ice skating rink in Piazza Saffi — Monday–Friday 3:00 PM–12:00 AM; Saturday, Sunday, and during school holidays 10:00 AM–12:00 AM
- Carousel — Weekdays 3:30 PM–7:30 PM; Holidays 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Christmas Market with 15 wooden chalets (crafts, decorations, food & wine) — Daily 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
November 30
- Switching on of the fairy lights in over 30 streets of the historic center
- Opening of the Gardens of Light
December 8 — Official Inauguration
- Arrival of Santas on bikes and motorcycles, with Radio Bruno speakers
- Performance by the Flowing Chords
- Countdown and simultaneous lighting of the Christmas tree and the immersive Light Architecture show
- Opening of the Magical Christmas Village in Piazzetta della Misura (until January 6)
Light Architecture (December 8 – January 6)
- Immersive light show in Piazza Saffi
- Hours: Friday and Saturday 5:30 PM–10:30 PM; Sunday–Thursday 5:30 PM–9:30 PM
Music Edition (from December 12)
- 34 musical events spread throughout the illuminated streets and squares of the center
Magical Christmas Village (December 8 – January 6)
- 44 events for families in Piazzetta della Misura
In total, over 70 entertainment events enriched the program throughout the historic center.
Highlights Forlì that Shines 2026
Prices Forlì that Shines 2026
Practical information — Forlì that Shines
Where
Piazza Aurelio Saffi and streets of the historic center, 47121 Forlì (FC), Emilia-Romagna.
How to get there
By train: Forlì station is on the Bologna–Rimini line, a few minutes' walk from the historic center. By car: take the Forlì exit from the A14 motorway, then follow signs for the center (parking in areas near the pedestrian zone). By plane: Bologna airport is about an hour away; Rimini and Forlì airports are nearby.
Admission and hours
Access to the lights, installations, and entertainment is free. The ice skating rink has a fee according to the operator's rates. Rink hours: Monday to Friday 3:00 PM–12:00 AM; Saturday, Sunday, and during school holidays 10:00 AM–12:00 AM.
Tips
Weekends and holidays are the busiest times: arrive early for the ice rink. The ideal period to combine the visit with Christmas shopping in the historic center.
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Where does it take place — Forlì that Shines
Piazza Aurelio Saffi e centro storico
Piazza Aurelio Saffi, 47121 Forlì