The Italian city of Genoa lights up during the festive season with many events in the city starting from 8 December. Visitors can enjoy nativity scenes, Christmas markets, festive historic shop tours, concerts and plays, the traditional Confeugo ceremony and the International Theatre & Contemporary Circus Festival.

Il Tempo Dei Presepi (Nativity Scenes in Genoa)

The Genoese nativity scene's tradition dates back to the early 17th Century and over the years the city has become one of the most important centres for production of Nativity scene figures.

One of the most impressive scenes is the nativity of the Santuario di Nostra Signora Assunta di Carbonara called 'La Madonnetta', which displays the ancient city of Genoa and includes figures dating back to the 17th and 19th century. The sanctuary can be reached by taking the funicular lift (€0.90) from the city centre, which offers stunning views of the city.

Another highlight is the nativity at the Auditorium del Museo dei Beni Culturali Cappuccini di Genova that features over 150 moving figures across 40sqm, exhibiting scenes from the bible.

The Nativity scene of the Museo dell'Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti is one of the smallest in the world with a precious ebony and silver frame containing a miniature scene (measuring 84 x 62 x 16mm). A beautiful artistic Nativity scene dating from the 17th Century, with figures by Maragliano and Navone, is also kept at the Oratorio del SS. Sacramento e San Bartolomeo di Staglieno.

Theatre, music and traditional ceremonies

On 8 December the Christmas lights are switched on at Piazza de Ferrari with a free concert of traditional folk and choral music also taking place. The tree is sustainably forested from the Aveto Natural Regional Park, located in the province of Genoa.

A highlight of the festive calendar is on 17 December when the 'Confeugo' takes place. This is a Genoese Christmas tradition from the 14th century that pays homage to the Doge of Genoa by burning the trunk of laurel tree in front of the Palazzo Ducale. The UNESCO Heritage Listed Strada Nuova will be illuminated, while this year the Sestiere della Maddalena quarter is given a modern twist with neon artwork decorations by Parole Luminose.

The Circumnavigando Festival (International Theatre and Contemporary Circus Festival) returns from 26 December to 8 January with a rich programme of 38 shows performed in several venues across the city, including a big New Year party at the Porto Antico. The Fiera di Genova arena will also host the 'Psychiatric Circus' show, an acrobatic cabaret based in a fictional asylum (26 December to 15 January, tickets from €18). Both shows will host New Year's Eve performances.  

Genoa also has a rich cultural programme during December with operas from Giuseppe Verdi, a performance from the pianist Arcadi Volodos and Nutcracker from the Ballet of Rome, as well as several more. Full details and pricings found here - www.genovateatro.it.

On 1 January 2017 the traditional New Year's Concert will take place at the Teatro Carlo Felice, with the Teatro Carlo Felice Orchestra conducted by Alpesh Chauhan. Tickets start from €44.80 - www.carlofelicegenova.it.

Historic shops and Christmas markets

In the caruggi (the narrow alleys of the medieval centre) the visitor can breathe in the warm Christmas atmosphere and find many Christmas gift ideas with a stroll through the 32 culturally important historic shops. They are perfect for those who want to indulge their sweet tooth as travellers can stop at the chocolate laboratories, which still use and preserve very old machines, the shops that produce candied fruits or the patisseries that prepare the typical Genoese Christmas cake, the Pandolce - a sweet bread made with orange blossom water, sultanas, raisins and pine nuts.

Every weekend there are multilingual guided tours that can be booked at the Tourist Information Offices (€14 for adults and €12 for concessions), which includes entry to the Musei di Strada Nuova.

For those looking for presents, the San Nicola Market in Piccapietra Square turns into a bustling festive celebration with local artisans selling gifts made from wood, metal and glass as well as food stalls offering regional wines, cheeses and sweets. The indoor arena, the Fiera di Genova, hosts nine days of Christmas celebrations with the Natalidea from 8 to 18 December with shops, decorations and fun activities for children.

Exhibitions in Genoa

This winter there are two iconic exhibitions taking place at the Palazzo Ducale, one of the city's most prestigious symbols and the cultural beating heart of Genoa. The exhibitions focus on influential 20th century art and photography from Andy Warhol and Helmut Newton with entry price starting from €10. On New Year's Eve the exhibitions will be open until 2am. The outside of Palazzo Ducale will also be turned into a virtual painting during the festive season thanks to 3D projection mapping.

A new extension has been opened at the Musei de Strada Nuova in Palazzo Rosso. The Appartamenti Ottocenteschi date from the 18th century and feature furniture, sculptures and paintings commissioned by the last heirs of Brignole-Sale family (Tickets from €9 including entry to Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Tursi)

The Aquarium in Genoa

Genoa is home to Europe's largest aquarium. During the festive season there will be special behind the scenes tours available for families, as well as the unique chance to sleep over at the aquarium and spend the night with the sharks. There will also be a New Year's Eve experience at the aquarium where guests can enjoy the enchanted 'bottom-of-the-sea' atmosphere, a buffet and a midnight toast on the panoramic roof offering views across the Porto Antico and the city. The NYC package starts from €150 for adults - more information found here - www.acquariodigenova.it.

Getting there

• Return flights from London Gatwick to Genoa with British Airways start from £74 return in December. (britishairways.com)
• More information on hotels in the city can be found here - hotelsgenova.it.

For more information on visiting Genoa, please visit www.visitgenoa.it.

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For press enquiries contact Jules Ugo or Tim Thackray at Lotus on jules@wearelotus.co.uk / tim@wearelotus.co.uk / 0207 953 7470