Venue: varie zone di Grado
Grado at Christmas is a popular destination for those who want to experience the festive season in a unique atmosphere! The ‘Island of the Sun’ is wonderful in its own right: it boasts a spacious pedestrianised centre, a historic centre brimming with shops, cafés and restaurants, and a picturesque, romantic Y-shaped harbour. During the festive season, however, this small fishing village is transformed into the ‘Island of Christmas’, thanks to the lights, the atmosphere and the numerous events organised by the local council each year.
At the heart of the festivities is the traditional Nativity Scene Exhibition. From December to January, over 150 interpretations of the Nativity can be seen at the Palazzo Regionale dei Congressi, amongst the narrow streets and small squares of the historic centre. The route also extends to the Sanctuary of Barbana Island and the hamlets of Fossalon and Boscat, offering a chance to discover the area and its many facets. Particularly eagerly anticipated in 2026 is the return to Grado of the Lagoon Nativity Scene. After being exhibited in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican in 2024 and in Gorizia in 2025, in honour of the European Capital of Culture, from 5 December the display will once again be on view in Campo Patriarca Elia. A symbolic return to its home town for a nativity scene which, through its figures, settings and details, tells the story of the life and traditions of the Grado lagoon.
There are also plenty of events, music and entertainment, with various shows organised by the local council and numerous local associations, all with a Christmas theme:
Among the now-traditional events, the Panettone Walk returns on 26 December, reaching its tenth edition in 2026: a non-competitive walk open to everyone, including four-legged friends, to enjoy a day of exercise and conviviality in the open air.
On 1 January 2027 at 5.30 pm, the Palazzo dei Congressi will host the New Year’s Concert. The Trieste “Verdi” Theatre Philharmonic Orchestra, comprising 34 musicians and conducted by Maestro Romolo Gessi, will perform a selection of classical pieces to welcome in the New Year together.
Finally, a particularly distinctive event takes place at Mandracchio harbour: every year, on 5 January, the terrifying Varvuole (or ‘sea witches’) arrive in the harbour to ward off negativity and, with their strength and energy, help the new year get off to a flying start with a burst of positivity.
Since 2025, Christmas in Grado has also been enriched by significant cultural and wellbeing initiatives. During the festive season, you can visit three museums, discovering the island’s history and identity: the Museum of Fishing and Lagoon Civilisation, which offers free guided tours on certain days; the Grado Civic Treasure Museum; and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of the Upper Adriatic.
For wellness enthusiasts, there is the thermal pool, a fitness area, a wellness area and the beauty spa at the Terme Marine Grado, as well as the Mirabel SPA, offering a further opportunity to treat yourself to moments of relaxation and rejuvenation even during the Christmas holidays.
2026 PROGRAMME AVAILABLE SOON.