December transforms Bergamo into a veritable winter wonderland, especially during the enchanting festivities of Santa Lucia. This celebration, dedicated to children, illuminates the city with twinkling lights, festive rides, and the warm glow of candles.
- Why Visit Bergamo on Santa Lucia Day?
- The origins of the cult of Santa Lucia
- Events and attractions for Santa Lucia
- Christmas markets in Bergamo
- A Visit to Cornelle Park
- Getting to Bergamo with Italo
Why Visit Bergamo on Santa Lucia Day?
The charm of Bergamo at this time of year is undeniable – Christmas has come early! In the days leading up to December 13th, the city takes on a magical atmosphere, full of events leading up to the most anticipated night of the year for children: the night when gifts are given to those who have been good during the year.
In Bergamo and throughout the Po Valley, it is not Santa Claus, but the beloved figure of Santa Lucia who delivers the gifts. On the night of December 12, she arrives quietly in her donkey-drawn cart, fulfilling wishes and leaving toys and sweets. This charming tradition adds a unique twist to the holiday season.
The origins of the cult of Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia, a young girl from Syracuse in Sicily born in the 3rd century A.D., became a martyr for her unwavering Christian faith. Today, she is venerated as the patron saint of the blind and ophthalmologists. In Bergamo, a church dedicated to her stands near the Sentierone, where local children bring letters filled with good intentions and gift requests. The entire city embraces a festive spirit from early December in her honour, creating an ideal backdrop for a delightful family outing that intertwines sacred and secular celebrations.
Events and attractions for Santa Lucia
What can you do in Bergamo around December 13th? Your children will relish a ride on the iconic Santa Lucia merry-go-round, located beneath the Torre dei Caduti, just a stone’s throw from the Donizetti Theatre. The melodious chimes of its carillon and beautifully crafted horses promise to create cherished memories for both young and old.
The main attraction for Santa Lucia is Luna Park delle Meraviglie – Luna Park of Wonders -, a special installation that comes to life in Città Alta from December 7 to January 6 in the former Monastero del Carmine (admission 5 euros). Produced by the TTB Pocket Theater of Bergamo, it is a playful project aimed at both childhood and adulthood, created by Antonio Catalano. It consists of installations where visitors can climb, sit, dream, read, look at the artist’s handicraft books and take a ride.
Open Doors in Museums, with discovery tours of the public heritage, as an excuse to reintroduce our incredible collections of art, science, history and nature from ever-changing perspectives.
Christmas markets in Bergamo
Another highlight is the Christmas markets set up along the Sentierone, a picturesque tree-lined avenue dating back to 1620. Here, you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere while browsing an array of handcrafted items—perfect for finding unique gifts to place under your Christmas tree. If you’re an aficionado of markets, consider extending your visit with a trip to Trento’s renowned Christmas markets as well!
Christmas in Italy: Discover the Charm of Holiday Markets
As the holiday season approaches, Italy transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive markets that blend the nation’s rich culture, unique regional traditions, and unmistakable Christmas spirit.
A Visit to Cornelle Park
For those seeking even more adventure, why not take your children to Cornelle Park? This delightful wildlife park allows families to encounter various animals while learning about nature and conservation in an engaging setting.
Also not to be missed is a trip to the Christmas markets set up on the Sentierone, the tree-lined, porticoed avenue in the lower city that local merchants built in 1620: here you can soak up the Christmas atmosphere and buy a few handicrafts, perhaps to put under the tree for loved ones (and if you love markets, why not extend your weekend with a visit to the markets of Trento?).
If all this is not enough for you and you want to give your children an even more fantastic trip? Why not also take them to Cornelle Park, the beautiful wildlife park where they can encounter many animals and learn to respect nature?
Getting to Bergamo with Italo
Are you wondering how to get to this beautiful city? Simply hop on one of the many High Speed trains to Bergamo and enjoy the ride.
The city calendar is full of important events, but it is also an ideal destination for a day trip (with an unmissable sampling of tasty polenta!). And it gets even more magical in December, when it dresses up for its saint: have your kids write a nice little letter and leave with the whole family!
A day in Bergamo: What to see and do
Nestled in the Orobic Alps, Bergamo, a city praised by the famous architect Le Corbusier, is an enchanting blend of medieval charm and Renaissance elegance. Its compact historic centre, Città Alta, is a masterpiece of urban planning and testifies to centuries of history.
