Christmas in Catania: advices made by locals

Made by locals

Citymap has prepared a selection of recommendations on activities to do, places to visit and restaurants where you can enjoy delicacies during the holidays.

Christmas in Catania with Citymap: activities not to be missed during the holidays

Christmas in Sicily has always evoked an intense festive atmosphere: the streets come alive, they light up, and the mild climate invites you to pleasant walks among markets, stalls, and dinners under the stars, allowing you to fully savor the magic of the Christmas time.
December 25th is getting closer and closer and all the events scheduled for this month demonstrate this.

Catania is ready to welcome Christmas with a series of fascinating events, lunches and dinners and vibrant markets. Offering a complete and unforgettable experience for everyone.
Citymap has selected for you advice on what to do, where to go and where to eat during the festive periods.

What to do and where to go

Christmas Town at Le Ciminiere

from 8 to 31 December

This year Catania is completely tinged with magic with the enchanting Christmas Town at the Ciminiere, from 8 to 31 December. This huge Christmas village offers an extraordinary experience: ice rinks, the presence of Santa Claus, Christmas melodies, markets and much more, for both adults and children.

Christmas Markets

until January 7th

Don’t miss the fantastic Christmas Markets! This year, the Municipal Administration of Catania has chosen to promote the initiative called “Let’s Center Christmas 2023”, aimed at enhancing the rich historical heritage in the heart of the city. Within the city’s busy Christmas programme, it is possible to discover a wide range of events suitable for all age groups.

Among the numerous attractions and innovative proposals, the expansion of the evocative artisan Christmas markets and the areas dedicated to them stands out in particular.

This and more awaits you in Catania during the month of December and we at Citymap have collected for you many other events and activities not to be missed, if you want to fully experience a magical Christmas atmosphere.

  • If you love art and creativity, Pop Up Market Sicily is perfect for you. Lots of things to do and see between 16 and 17 December at the NÜ Doganæ in Catania.
  • In Piazza del Popolo, the Palmenti Eco Museum will be held on 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 December.
  • Sicilian tradition and craftsmanship await you at the Magical Christmas at Palazzo Biscari, where the beauty of baroque architecture is the backdrop for talented artisans and their creations.
  • For the whole family, we take you to the Christmas Markets in Piazza Mazzini, organized by the collaboration of two associations: Le Pulci di Città and I Viandanti. Artists and artisans will meet together to show you unique works and handmade delicacies. Among the choices of excellence present, we recommend you take a look at the beautiful creations of “Ceramiche Iride“, for gift ideas for friends and for yourself.
  • The province is also enriched with Christmas events, such as Randazzo with its Christmas Markets; Pedara with “La Fabbrica dei Sogni”, and the Agriturismo Bosco Scuro di Ragalna with “Il Bosco di Natale sull’Etna”.

Where to eat

Christmas and New Year’s lunch and dinner in Catania are of fundamental importance in the context of local traditions, offering a special opportunity to bring families and friends together around tables set with typical delicacies from our cuisine.
If you have doubts about where to spend Christmas and New Year’s lunch or dinner, here is our selection:

  • At Gelsonero you can enjoy an excellent Christmas lunch, in a chic and elegant environment
  • At Canni & Pisci you can book the Christmas lunch, the New Year’s Eve dinner at Palazzo Biscari and the New Year’s Eve lunch
  • At IN Via Vela Dieci there will be a great New Year’s Eve dinner, with a very particular menu including entertainment after midnight at the “MA” Catania disco, where a “Bohochic” style party will be held
  • Materia Spazio Cucina will offer an excellent New Year’s Eve dinner, which will be available in two versions: Classic Menu and Vegetarian Menu
  • From Piazza Scammacca it is possible to spend the New Year’s Eve dinner and enjoy toasts and DJ sets starting from 00:30.

If you still don’t know what to give for Christmas, don’t worry, we’ll help you with this too with these precious tips on gifts made by locals.

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Happy Holidays from CityMap!