Christmas in Sardinia among markets, decorations, villages and traditional sweets

Activities and events to best experience the magic of the holidays

Christmas in Arzachena

Christmas in Arzachena and Porto Cervo is an enchantment. The central theme of the 2024 Christmas festivities is The Enchantment of Christmas, and the project involves the creation of a village and a winter garden in the historic centre of Arzachena, which serves as a backdrop for the shows. The initiative is promoted by the Tourism and Commerce Department, headed by Claudia Giagoni, and the delegate for Sport and Entertainment, Nicoletta Orecchioni.

‘We want to offer a new experience in the historic centre, creating a stable attraction that can be visited both during the day and in the evening, from Immaculate Conception to Epiphany,’ explain the two councillors. ‘We invite companies, agencies and associations to propose projects to create an enchanted village in the heart of the old quarter, where citizens can stroll among green installations and lounges’. The village will be enlivened by small events and workshops for children, with the intention of also involving businesses in order to offer a warm welcome in terms of food and wine. The project also includes, of course, events in the villages, to bring the Christmas atmosphere to every corner of the territory. Here too, free rein is given to the creativity of professionals or volunteers, who are invited to send their proposals to the municipality.

The inauguration, as usual, is scheduled for 8 December with the tree lighting ceremony and a show dedicated to the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Another important date for the administration is 13 December, on which Saint Lucy is celebrated, a very heartfelt occasion for the people of Arzachena. Traditionally, citizens gather in the church and the belvedere to commemorate the saint with religious and convivial rites. Finally, to close the calendar, a final event is planned for 6 January, Epiphany Day.

Christmas in the rest of Sardinia

Cagliari is illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere that envelops the streets of the historic centre. Not to be missed is the Christmas market in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, where you can discover local handicrafts and taste typical gastronomic specialities of the island. Alghero, with its festive spirit, celebrates Christmas with the Cap d'Any a l'Alguer, a big party that takes place in Piazza Civica and includes concerts, shows and tastings. Sassari comes alive with Father Christmas's House and the projection of Christmas lights and images on buildings, creating an evocative atmosphere throughout the city.

Moreover, Sardinia boasts a long tradition of nativity scenes, made with natural materials and handcrafted figures. Among the most famous is the Is Zuddas Cave nativity scene, located in the municipality of Santadi, in the south of the island, where the natural caves become the perfect setting for a unique nativity scene.