by PAOLA IACONA

In Finale Ligure, Christmas is an experience that spreads through villages, squares, and the seafront, accompanying residents and visitors on a journey of lights, encounters, and magical atmospheres. From December 20 to January 6, the city is transformed into a place where time seems to slow down and every day offers the opportunity to enjoy the holidays in a simple and engaging way.

During this special time of year, Finale Ligure, increasingly recognized as the “City of Music” in Liguria, hosts numerous musical events: from the Incontri in Musica (Musical Encounters) of the Finale Music Festival Winter to the concerts of the BRG Orchestra, from the Pomeriggi Musicali (Musical Afternoons) of the Società dei Concerti to the initiatives of the Accademia Musicale del Finale (Finale Music Academy). But Christmas in Finale is much more than that: it combines shows, traditions, initiatives for families, and festive moments to be enjoyed together.

The charm of nativity scenes: between tradition and nature

To fully experience Christmas in Finale Ligure, you cannot miss a visit to the nativity scenes, which here combine religious festivities with the original story of the area.

Not to be missed in Finalmarina is the traditional Presepe dei Neri, one of the most beloved and iconic nativity scenes, which has been fascinating visitors for years with its more than 200 figurines and its carefully crafted scenes set in 19th-century Finale and Liguria.

In the heart of the Parco del Promontorio di Varigotti, a natural ravine is home to the Corbezzolo di Natale (Christmas Strawberry Tree), where a small nativity scene inspired by the Borgo Vecchio has been set up, paying homage to the architecture and spirit of the Saracen village, where the Nativity interacts with the Mediterranean scrub.

When the city lights up

With the arrival of the weekend before Christmas, Finale gets into the spirit of the celebrations. On Saturday, December 20, Finalmarina becomes the beating heart of the festivities with the Christmas Festival of the Rione dei Neri, featuring entertainment, gatherings, and the traditional folkloric parade “Rumpe e Streppa”, which brings music and color to the streets of the city center. It is a moment that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas in Finale: popular, open, and shared.

The evenings are enriched with shows and charity events, such as Stelle per una notte (Stars for a Night), the charity event promoted by Zonta Club at the Destefanis Auditorium, while churches and theaters host Christmas concerts that help to create a cozy and evocative atmosphere, perfect for getting into the spirit of the holidays.

A Christmas designed for families

The Christmas calendar in Finale Ligure is aimed primarily at children and families. On Sunday, December 21, Santa Claus and the Befana stop off in Gorra and Olle, while in Finalborgo, the Teatro delle Udienze hosts the children’s show Il custode dei desideri (The Keeper of Wishes).

Alongside these events, markets, entertainment, and outdoor activities invite you to take a leisurely stroll, rediscovering the pleasure of experiencing the city in winter, between a tasty snack and an unexpected encounter.

Traditions, villages, and timeless atmospheres

During the holidays, Finalborgo and the hillside hamlets become ideal settings for events that combine tradition and storytelling. Initiatives such as L’anno che verrà (The Year to Come), inspired by the mysterious atmosphere of the Night of the Tarot, scheduled for December 30 in the Oratorio dei Disciplinanti, or theatrical tours through the streets of the village, transform the historic center into a place to explore with new eyes.

There is no shortage of convivial occasions: the scent of mulled wine, the parties organized by local associations, and the bands parading through the streets convey the image of a lively community that makes Christmas a time of collective participation.

New Year’s Eve by the sea

The transition to the new year is one of the most eagerly awaited moments. On New Year’s Eve, the city gathers in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II to celebrate together with live music, DJ sets, and a pyromusical show by the sea, which illuminates the coast and offers an evocative image of the Ligurian winter. An event designed for everyone, where the sea becomes an integral part of the celebration.

The first days of January continue in the spirit of tradition, with markets, shows, and initiatives for young and old, such as the “Dino da Nuxe”, which on Saturday, January 3, in Finalborgo celebrates an ancient tradition organized by the Centro Storico del Finale, with initiatives between Piazza Santa Caterina and Palazzo Ricci in the afternoon, or the arrival of the Befana in Varigotti in the Piazzetta dei Pescatori.

Farewell to the festivities: the Befana and the winter sea

The Christmas calendar finally closes with one of the most distinctive and beloved events: the Cimento della Befana, on the Neri beach. An ironic and courageous ritual, capable of uniting the public and participants in a moment of celebration that celebrates the sea even in the middle of winter.

This is how Christmas ends in Finale Ligure: not just a simple succession of events, but an experience to be enjoyed step by step, with shows, traditions, and moments designed for being together. An invitation to discover—or rediscover—the area during perhaps the most magical time of the year.

The complete and constantly updated calendar of events is available here: https://visitfinaleligure.it/en/events