Christmas and New Year's Day in Ferrara...

During holidays, the centre of Ferrara livens up thanks to funny and traditional events which transform the rigorous aspect of the Renaissance city in an immense open stage for the amusement of both adults and children.
The lighting of the suggestive illuminations and of the big Christmas Tree in the church square of Piazza Cattedrale at the beginning of December is welcomed by an appreciated ceremony which inaugurates holidays, Christmas shopping and fun.

Street markets, music events, games for children and travelling choirs welcome visitors during Christmas and New Year's Day Holidays. Santas liven up the squares of the city with funny shows and small booths sell mulled wine, chestnuts and hot chocolate.

At the street corners, in the churches and in the squares Christmas cribs propose the scene of Nativity in original versions to be admired. The most appreciated one is the Crib on the Water, mounted on Christmas Eve by the Underwater Group of Ferrara in the landing stage of the Estense Castle.

The water, a typical element in the province of Ferrara, transforms into a characteristic scenario for other Christmas traditions, such as the suggestive Crib on the water mounted in Comacchio, a charming and fascinating crib which attracts every year thousands of tourists.
Every year, a unique New Year's Day provided with spectacular scenarios which attracts large numbers of visitors is organized in the great Piazza del Castello in Ferrara. The party begins with the concert of international bands and singers which attracts thousand of visitors every year. At midnight is the fascinating show of the "Fire of the Castle": from the towers of the historic residence of the Estensi family guests can admire gold, silver and colourful jets and the Castle gradually transforms into a great red, gold and silver fire, a suggestive and unforgettable show which takes visitors' breath away. And then music, balls, panettone, sparkling white wine and mulled wine.

For people who do not want to miss the traditional New Year's Eve dinner, there is a wide range of alternatives. The coast of Ferrara proposes both traditional and original menus, both local and exotic products and then toasts, parties, panettone and music.

Even the Lidos of Comacchio, which overlook the Adriatic Coast, offer a rich programme. A rough winter sea is the scenery of a great Christmas party based on chestnuts, mulled wine, ciambellas and other traditional products which are served free; in the evening torch-light processions, shows and fireworks blaze till New Year's Day, when clubs and discos welcome people who want to run wild till dawn.

During the Epiphany great attention is placed over children, with parties, shows and entertainment.