Spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Catania is becoming more and more exciting, for citizens as well as tourists: many opportunities designed to give space to local producers, artisans and artists and let you immerse yourself in an unprecedented atmosphere.

The city fills up more than ever with markets, music, lights and, soon, an ice skating rink at Villa Bellini. And what about the 2020 New Year’s concert? Discover with us all the stages of your holidays.

But first, a last treat for your more unconventional Christmas selfies : around the city (Piazza Europa, Villa Bellini and other places) some super colored elephants, real Liotri by the Sicilian artist Ligama.
And if you arrive in via S. Barbara, closed to car traffic and close to the center, you will find rows upon rows of sheets spread : it is the artistic installation by Giuliano Cardella, called White Sky .

Christmas markets in Catania

For lovers of outdoor shopping and handmade gifts , Catania offers many opportunities. The Christmas markets in the city, this year, are four and located in various points of the center, therefore all within walking distance. Here are the coordinates.

Christmas village in University square

Having taken the usual photo with the tree in the square, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Christmas village . Many stalls for your purchases, both in terms of crafts and local products, as well as shows and attractions: among all, for the little ones, the house of Santa Claus. And the activities that will take place every Sunday morning at 10.30 are always dedicated to them.
Open every day until December 28th.
Hours: 10.00 / Mon-Fri 21.00 – Sat-Sun 22.00
December 24
: 10.00-20.00 December 25: 18.00-21.00

Via minoriti and via Montesano

Walking along via Etnea, at a certain point, you will not know whether to go right or left: via Minoriti and via Montesano, opposite each other, host the Merry Christmas market and the Montesano Street Store respectively , both until 28 December. .
Handicrafts, street artists, children’s area: many opportunities to buy last minute Christmas gifts, make super artisan purchases and relax.
Hours: 10.00 – 22.00 (Saturday and Sunday: 21.30)

Christmas to the Minorites

For years now the Cloister of Palazzo Minoriti has been where you can admire (and in some cases taste) the craftsmanship of excellence: jewels, textiles, ceramics, local products, as well as an exhibition of nativity scenes and the reconstruction of a Sicilian peasant house from the beginning of the century.
The context is also enriched by impromptu artists and artisans, concerts and events. Open until January 6th.
Hours: 10.00-21.00
December 24-31: closing at 14.00
December 25 – January 1: opening at 16.00

Pop up Market Catania

An indoor location for one of the most pop markets ever, dedicated to vintage crafts: the Pop up Market! Double date in Catania, where everything will be accompanied by live music or DJ sets and activities for children. And let’s not forget the food area where you can nibble something between one stall and another. Appointment in via Indaco 23, at SAL – Work Progress Space. Take note of the dates:

Saturday 14: 16.00-00.30
Sunday 15: 10.30-23.00
Saturday 21: 11.30-00.30
Sunday 22: 10.30-23.00

Other appointments:

Christmas Notes : In the small but beautiful church of the Badia di Sant’Agata, do not miss the Christmas notes concert by the Jacqueline du Prè choir, conducted by Maestro Luigi Arena. Free admission, starting at 20.00.

Christmas at the Ursino Castle : until 6 January, the Gammazita cultural association and the activities of the neighborhood organize and promote Christmas at the Ursino Castle. A full calendar of events for young and old, with music and workshops, every weekend a different proposal. The initiatives will take place in three different points: in front of the Castle, next to the castle and in the heated tent of the now known as Piazza dei Libri. The activities are all free: the calendar of events is easily available on Facebook. 

Ursino Buskers – Christmas Edition : on 26 December, from 11.00 onwards, the variety of street artists returns around the Ursino Castle, which has now become the district par excellence of street art, immersed in the magical atmosphere of Christmas. Jugglers, acrobats, musical and artistic performances: ready to be captivated by magic?

New Year 2020 in Catania: the concert in Piazza Duomo

For the New Year’s concert in Catania, the presence of Max Gazzè seems to have been confirmed : it will be the Roman singer-songwriter who will make Piazza Duomo dance and welcome the new year.
Furthermore, the stage will also be in turmoil on the evening of the 30th: in definition the lineup of the evening.

Where to eat for Christmas and New Year in Catania?

The Sale Ristorante – Pizzeria remains open on both 25th and 31st December evening giving you an opportunity different from the usual: full freedom of movement and times, without a fixed menu.

You can have your “dinners” with family or friends by ordering your favorite dishes à la carte and take advantage of your being in the center so as not to miss any of the city’s proposals.
Book your table by clicking here or call 095 316 888.