Events and tours

Grado at Christmas time is very popular with those who want to experience the festivities in a unique atmosphere! The 'Island of the Sun' itself is already wonderful: it has a large pedestrian area and an old town centre with lots of shops, bars and a characteristic Y harbour. During the Christmas period, however, the small fishing village is transformed into the 'Island of Christmas', thanks to the lights, atmosphere and numerous events that the municipality organises every year.

The most eagerly awaited initiative is certainly the Exhibition of Cribs, which has become a tradition shared with Aquileia and Terzo di Aquileia. More than 100 interpretations of the Nativity, from December to January, can be seen among the calli and campielli of the island's historic centre and along the streets of Fossalon and Boscat. There are also many events, music and entertainment with various shows organised by the municipal administration, the Grado Tourism Consortium and the many local associations, all with a Christmas theme.

Lastly, there is a very characteristic event at the Mandracchio harbour: every year, starting at 5 p.m. on 5 January, the terrifying Varvuole (i.e. sea witches) arrive at the harbour to ward off negativity and contribute, with their strength and energy, to getting the New Year off to a positive start.

Discover HERE the companies open in Grado in this period (accommodation, bars, restaurants, shops and services).

PROGRAMME 2024:

• From 1^st December to 06^th January, free parking throughout the town (except caravan parks).
• From 06^th December 2024 to 12^th January 2024, exhibition of cribs in Grado.
• From 06^th December to 06^th January, at the Palatucci Gardens, Christmas funfair CHRISTMAS EDITION: weekdays 3.00 p.m.-8.00 p.m./holidays and pre-holidays 10.30 a.m.-2.00 p.m. Download coupons https://lunaparkcoupon.com/.
• From 07^th December to 06^th January, along Viale Regina Elena and surroundings, Christmas markets.
• From 06^th December to 15^th December at the Auditorium S. Rocco, Exhibition Market ‘Handmade Gift Ideas’. Opening hours 09. 30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. / 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
• FROM 14^th December to 15^th January at the Museo della Pesca e della Civiltà lagunare (Museum of Fishing and Lagoon Civilisation), an exhibition of artefacts made using the modano (morlo) technique, which can be visited during museum opening hours (Monday - Thursday 09:30 - 13:00 / Friday - Sunday 09:30 - 13:00/ 16:00 - 19:00)
• From 20^th December to 06^th January, in Piazza Biagio Marin, Street Food.
• From 20^th December to 06^th January from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., at the Numero Uno beach bar on the GIT beach, Winter season and Christmas village, with many events for young and adults, and a heated whirlpool overlooking the sea, for the brave!

• FRIDAY, 06^th DECEMBER 2024 
  • FROM 04.00 p.m. at the Palazzo Regionale dei Congressi, opening ceremony of the the Cribs exhibition .

• SATURDAY, 07^th DECEMBER 2024
  • FROM 10.00 a.m., in Viale Regina Elena and neighbouring streets, opening of the Christmas markets with 15 wooden huts, a Santa Claus house, gazebo and themed music.

• FRIDAY 13^th DECEMBER 2024
  • AT 04.30 p.m., in the Falco Marin Library, readings ‘Born to read’ (for children aged 0 to 6)
  • ​FROM 05.00 p.m., in Campo Patriarca Elia, lighting of the Christmas tree.

• SATURDAY 14^th DECEMBER
  • AT 10 a.m., in the Falco Marin Library, Christmas Workshop (for children aged 6 to 10). Advance booking required, max. 12 participants. +39 0431 82630 biblioteca@comunegrado.it.

• SUNDAY 15^th DECEMBER 2024
  • 0​4.00 p.m., in the Basilica of St. Euphemia, Christmas Concert by the Overtwelve of Monfalcone, together with the Rotaract Club Monfalcone-Grado.
  • 05.30 p.m.at the Palazzo Regionale dei Congressi, sand art show ‘Sand: A Message for Christmas ’ by Andrea Arena. Free admission.

• FRIDAY 20^th DECEMBER 2024

  • 4.00 p.m.: opening of the Winter Season at the Numero Uno beach bar on the GIT beach, with the switching on of the Christmas village lights.

  • ​AT 09.00 p.m. at the Palazzo Regionale dei Congressi, concert ‘Faber per sempre’, tribute to Fabrizio De Andrè, 25 years after his death.

• SATURDAY 21^st DECEMBER 2024
  • FROM 11:45 a.m. at the Grado Christmas Village, ‘ELFO Japo Show’
  • FROM 09.00 p.m. in Piazza Biagio Marin, Bandomat Concert, music from the 60s and 70s.
  • AT 06.00 p.m. in St. Euphemia's Basilica, reception of the Light of Peace from Bethlehem, together with the ‘Grado1°’ Scout Group

• SUNDAY 22^nd DECEMBER 2024
  • FROM 12.00 noon at the Numero Uno beach bar on the GIT beach, music and DJ set.
  • AT 04.00 p.m. at the Palazzo Regionale dei Congressi, the entrepreneurs of Consorzio Grado Turismo invite all the children of Grado to a free screening, without reservation, of the film Inside Out 2! A special occasion to have fun together with the new adventures of Riley's characters. The film, directed by Kelsey Mann, lasts 96 minutes and is distributed by Disney. Event organised by Consorzio Grado Turismo, with the support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and Franco Grasso Revenue Team, Stabilimento balneare Costa del Sol, Acquerello Immobiliare, Hotel Adriaco, Hotel Mar del Plata, Hotel ai Pini, Magenta Design, Residence Punta Spin, Residence al Bosco, Hotel Marea, Gruppo Apogia, Riva Camperio, Camisi, Pescheria Lagunare.
  • FROM 05.30 p.m. at Grado Christmas Village, ‘Fire Show’.

• MONDAY 23^rd DECEMBER 2024
  • AT 08.45 p.m. in the Biagio Marin Auditorium, Christmas Concert.

• TUESDAY 24^th DECEMBER 2024
  • FROM 05.00 p.m. in Porto Mandacchio , Santa Claus arrives in batela, organised by EventiamoAPS. The route will run from the port to Santa's cottage, where he will read letters and distribute sweets.
  • The SOGIT Sezione Di Grado, together with the Scout group, continues the tradition of delivering presents on Christmas Eve, from 5 p.m. onwards! Parents and relatives can deliver their presents at Sogit's premises from 1st to 20th December, every morning from 09.00 am to 12.00. Remember to enclose a card with the details (child's name, address, bell reference, phone number) with the present; at Sogit's entrance you will find a container for parents to collect donations; the donations will be used to buy presents for the poorest children and for solidarity expenses. This year, upon voluntary donation, a Christmas parcel wrapping service will be active at the venue; info and reservations +39 347 7574994 saracalligaro@sogitgrado.it
  • 10.00 p.m. in the Basilica of St. Euphemia, Holy Mass on Christmas Eve. 
  • AT 11.30 p.m. in Porto Mandracchio, opening of the Crib on the harbour together with the Bearers of the Madonna di Barbana

• WEDNESDAY 25^th DECEMBER 2024
  • AT 10.00 a.m. in St Euphemia's Basilica, Holy Mass on Christmas Day with the 'Santa Cecilia' Orchestral Chorale.

  • AT 10.30 am at the Museum of Fishing and Lagoon Civilisation, a free guided tour dedicated to the magic of Christmas in the lagoon (RESERVATION recommended +39 338 9912068).

• THURSDAY, 26^th DECEMBER 2024  
  • FROM 09.00 a.m. Starting from Piazza Biagio Marin, Panettone March; traditional non-competitive march through the streets of the city.
  • AT 10.30 am at the Museum of Fishing and Lagoon Civilisation, a free guided tour dedicated to the magic of Christmas in the lagoon (RESERVATION recommended +39 338 9912068).
  • FROM 12.00 noon at the Numero Uno beach bar on the GIT beach, music and DJ set.
  • FROM 04.00 P.M. TO 05.30 P.M. at the Basilica di Santa Eufemia, St Stephen's Concert with the "Gocce d'armonia" Choir - Marostica. Event organised by the City of Grado Choir.

• FRIDAY 27^th DECEMBER 2024
  • AT 04.00 p.m., in the foyer of the Palazzo Regionale dei Congressi, "Piagiama Party", interactive musical show for children aged 3 to 8, organised by the Civica Orchestra di Fiati G. Verdi - Città di Trieste. Free event, limited places (max 30 children accompanied). Info and reservations +39 351 7431837

• SATURDAY 28^th DECEMBER 2024
  • FROM 11:45 a.m. at Grado Christmas Village, ‘Sidecar CLOWN’.
  • FROM 12.00 noon at the Numero Uno beach bar on the GIT beach, non-stop opening to enjoy the magic of the ‘Grado Drone Show’ from the front row.
  • AT 04.00 p.m. at the Palazzo Regionale dei Congressi,Christmas concert "Disney Christmas" with the most beautiful Disney music, performed by a 20-piece ensemble. Event organised by the Civic Wind Orchestra G. Verdi - City of Trieste. Free event
  • AT 06.30 pm on the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, Grado Drone Show: Friuli Venezia Giulia's first "Drone Show" arrives in Grado! At 6.30 pm, get ready to daydream! In the amazing setting of the Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade, with the sea in the background, 80 drones will take you on a journey through the most significant stages in the history of Grado, right up to the present day. The show is free of charge, without reservation. In case of bad weather, the event is postponed to the following day. Event organised by the Consorzio Grado Turismo with the contribution of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Municipality of Grado.
  • FROM 07.00 p.m. in Piazza Biagio Marin, concert 'Cindy and the Rock History', rock music.

• SUNDAY 29^th DECEMBER 2024
  • FROM 11:45 a.m. at Grado Christmas Village, ‘LIFE is a CIRCUS’.
  • FROM 12.00 noon at the Numero Uno beach bar on the GIT beach, music and DJ set.
  • FROM 04.00 p.m. at the Basilica of St Euphemia, Christmas Concert 'Te Deum' by Anton Dvorak, Lorenzo Perosi Choir of Fiumicello.
  • AT 05.30 p.m. in Campo Patriarca Elia, Lux Arcana Grand Gala, a show featuring fire, LEDs, special effects, illusionism and aerial dance.

• MONDAY 30^th DECEMBER 2024  
  • FROM 06.00 p.m. in Piazza Biagio Marin, Gospel Concert performed by the 'Soul Circus Gospel Choir'. Concert featuring traditional spiritual and gospel songs, carols and Christmas classics.

• TUESDAY 31^st DECEMBER 2024
  • 06.00 p.m. at the Basilica of St. Euphemia, Solemn Mass and singing of the "Te Deum
  • FROM 10.00 p.m. in Piazza Biagio Marin, end-of-year concert, with Radio Gioconda, Vertical Smile, DJs and vocalists

• WEDNESDAY 01 JANUARY 2025
  • FROM 12.00 noon at the Numero Uno beach bar on the GIT beach, toast with bubbles and fasolari.
  • 5.30 p.m. at the Palazzo Regionale dei Congressi, New Year's Eve Concert. Organised by the Municipality of Grado.

• FRIDAY 03^rd JANUARY 2025
  • AT 07.00 p.m. in Piazza Biagio Marin, concert by Exes.

• SATURDAY 04^th JANUARY 2025
  • AT 10.30 a.m. at the Museo della Pesca e della Civiltà lagunare (Museum of Fishing and Lagoon Civilisation), free guided tour dedicated to lagoon legends: an unmissable opportunity to discover the lagoon's tales and myths, guided by Tullio Svettini and Luciano Cicogna (RESERVATION recommended +39 338 9912068).
  • FROM 11:45 a.m . at Grado Christmas Village, ‘R-Evolution CLOWN & BUBBLE Show’.
  • AT 5.00 p.m. at the Museo della Pesca e della Civiltà lagunare (Museum of Fishing and Lagoon Civilisation), free guided tour dedicated to lagoon legends: an unmissable opportunity to discover the lagoon's tales and myths, guided by Tullio Svettini and Luciano Cicogna (RESERVATION recommended +39 338 9912068).
  • FROM 05.30 p.m. at the Parco delle Rose arena, Dancing Fountains show with special effects.

• SUNDAY 05^th JANUARY 2025
  • 03.30 p.m. in Campo Patriarca Elia, 'Altolivello' show, street theatre with transformism, illusionism and stilts.
  • FROM 12.00 noon at the Numero Uno beach bar on the GIT beach, music and DJ set.
  • 04.00 p.m. at the Basilica of St Euphemia, Holy Mass on Vigil and Blessing of the Children.
  • FROM 05.15 p.m. THE VARVUOLE (Sea witches) will arrive in Mandracchio harbour (travelling show)

• MONDAY, 06^th JANUARY 2025
  • 10.00 a.m. at the Basilica of St Euphemia, Solemn Mass on Epiphany Day with the 'Santa Cecilia' Orchestral Chorale.
  • FROM 11:45 a .m. at Grado Christmas Village, ‘Le Befane’.
  • FROM 4.00 p.m. in Campo Patriarca Elia, travelling show 'Cromosauro', figure theatre and stilts.
  • AT 4.00 p.m. at the beach bar Numero Uno on the GIT beach, "GIT's "Befana" is coming... children are you ready? Initiative organised by GIT Spa.

All events are, unless otherwise indicated, free admission subject to availability. The programme may be subject to change. For last-minute updates you can follow the social networks of the Municipality of Grado and of Consorzio Grado Turismo.

Position: Varie zone di Grado, Palazzo dei Congressi

More than one hundred nativities on display, exhibited on the Mandracchio harbour, in the streets and alleys of Grado's old town centre, in the Regional Palace of Congresses, in Fossalon and Boscat, in Aquileia and in Terzo di Aquileia.

OPENING HOURS OF THE CONGRESS PALACE:

Opening ceremony on 06th December at 16.00.

From 07th December to 12th January, EVERY DAY from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Mondays 09 and 16 December, CLOSED.

FREE ADMISSION

Position: Varie zone di Grado

Grado at Christmas time is very popular with those who want to experience the festivities in a unique atmosphere! The Island of the Sun is already wonderful in itself: it has a large pedestrianised centre, an old town with lots of shops, bars and restaurants, and a characteristic and romantic Y harbour. At Christmas time, however, the small fishing village turns into the 'Island of Christmas', thanks to the lights, atmosphere and numerous events that the municipality organises every year.

Discover the programme with all the initiatives HERE.

COMPANIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSORTIUM GRADO TURISMO AND ASCOM, OPEN DURING THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD
- HOTELS

• GRAND HOTEL ASTORIA 4*S (open from 20/12/2020 to 06/01/2025)
• HOTEL FONZARI 4* 
• RIVA PALACE HOTEL 4* (open from 27/12/2024 to 05/01/2025)

- APARTHOTEL/RESIDENCE

• RESIDENCE APRILIA 3*
• APARTHOTEL ATLANTIC 3*
• APARTHOTEL CAPITOL 3*
• RESIDENCE HOLIDAY 2*
• APARTHOTEL HUNGARIA 3*
• APARTHOTEL ZEFIRO 1*

- RESORT

• TENUTA PRIMERO 4* (MARINA SUITES)

- B&B/GUESTHOUSE/MEUBLE'

• LAURA & CHRISTIAN ROOMS
• B&B SEA GARDEN GRADO 
• SIMBAWAVE AFFITTANZE TURISTICHE 
• SUNSET GRADO

- REAL ESTATE AGENCIES

• AGENZIA IMMOBILIARE ADRIATICA (closed from 15 December to 15 January)
• ATHENA IMMOBILIARE (closed from 20 December to 20 January)
• AGENZIA FUTURA (closed from 20 December to 20 January)
• AGENZIA MARINA (closed from 13 December to 13 January)
• AGENZIA METROPOLIS 
• POLO IMMOBILIARE GRADO DI ELISA POLO (by appointment)

- RESTAURANTS/PIZZERIAS

• AI BRAGOSSI
• AL GRANAIO - Fiumicello (closed on the 31st)
• ALLA BORSA
• ALLA PACE (open from 20 December)
• ALLA POSTA DA JIMMY
• ALLA VECCHIA MARINA
• ALTO GRADO SKY RESTAURANT & BAR (31/12 fixed fish menu, 120 € incl. drinks, also for guests from outside the hotel)
• BELLA GRADO
• DUCA D' AOSTA LOUNGE (open from 20 December)
• LA DINETTE (open on weekends)
• LA PERLA 
• L'INGORDO 1996 (open Thursday to Sunday)
• LOSTERIA 
• PIASSALBER (until 18 December only open on weekends; from 19 December open every evening 18.00 - 22.00)
• 7° CIELO RESTAURANT
• TRATTORIA PIZZERIA SANTA LUCIA 
• ZERO MIGLIA

- BARS/ICE-CREAM PARLOURS/BAKERIES

• AL ANZOLO
• AL GOTO
• BEACH BAR NUMERO UNO - GIT Beach (open from 20 December)
• DA RINO
• GABBIANO
• MAFALDA
• MANZONI
• MOSAICO - Aquileia
• NOVA
• PANIFICIO PASTICCERIA PIGO
• TANDEM

- TAVERNS AND WINE BARS

• CAMPIELLO DELLA TORRE
• ENOTECA DA PINO
• LA'DELACESA
• LA PICCOLA PERLA
• OSTERIA DA FILOMENA
• PORTO BUSO
• SETI CAFE
• VINARIUM (closed on 25 December)

- FOOD AND WINE SHOPS

• FRIUL GOURMET (open from 20 to 30 December)
• PESCHERIA LAGUNARE (fish market)
• WINE STORE

- CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR/ACCESSORIES SHOPPING STORES

• ARMATA DI MARE
• AUSONIA SPORTSWEAR
• BEATRICE
• COSE BELLE
• FATTO A MANO
• FOTO OTTICA MAROCCO
• GENTE CALZATURE (open Friday to Monday mornings)
• HAVAIANAS
• ICS BOUTIQUE
• I SOGNI NEL CASSETTO
• LOMBARDI
• NONSOLOVELA
• ORICALCO (open until 24 December from Tuesday to Saturday, non-stop 09.00-15.00; open at other times, by appointment)
• RIVA CAMPERIO
• SALSEDINE (open from 10 to 24 December or by appointment)
• TIRELLI 2
• VILLA MORI
• YOURSELF BY PIVA (open daily, except Wednesdays, until 6 January)
• ZANETTI_1998

- OTHER SHOPS AND SERVICES

• A & O
• BEINSURANCE
• COIFFEUR CESARE (closed on Mondays; open 23 and 30 December)
• EQUIPE ACCONCIATURE PAOLO E VALENTINA
• FORA DE SUCA HAIRSTYLE
• FUMI E PROFUMI
• MAGENTA DESIGN
• NAUTIC MOTORS
• TABACCHI SCOMERSI ROBERTA
• TAXI BOAT GRADO (by reservation only, closed on 25/12/24 and 01/01/25)
• THERMAL POOL AND GIT WELLNESS CENTRE (closed every Tuesday and on 25 and 31 December. 01 January open from the afternoon)
• TOMBOLO E DISEGNI

Position: Campo Porta Nuova 17, 34073 Grado

Sunday brunch at Seti Café da Teo is an absolutely innovative experience!!! The staff is ready to delight your senses and make every weekend an unforgettable moment.

Every Sunday in November and December, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (from 24 December to 6 January it can also be booked on other days and at other times), we invite you to reserve your place at the Seti Café to enjoy their irresistible culinary offerings. This is a unique opportunity to start the day in a special way, immersing yourself in a cosy and festive atmosphere.

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH:

- 3 canapés: Morgante pre-alpine prosciutto, baccalà mantecato and taggiasche olives, Cetara anchovies stracciatella di burrata pugliese bottarga di muggine citrus.

- Focaccia gourmet: mortadella Bologna, stracciatella di burrata pugliese, homemade pistachio pesto.

- Omelette with seasonal herbs.

- Mixed platter of cold meats and cheeses.

- Potato gnocchi with smoked speck, porcini and truffle sauce, smoked ricotta.

We reserve the right to change the ingredients according to availability.

Fixed price: 25 € per person excluding drinks. The proposed list is served individually per person. This initiative is ONLY UPON RESERVATION.

Info and reservations +39 345 0333968

Click here to visit the event website

Position: Via Orseolo, 22, Grado

The Museum of Fishing and Lagoon Civilisation was established to protect and preserve the history and culture of the "Casonera" civilisation, a community that lived permanently in the casoni (fishermen's huts) of the Grado Lagoon until after World War II, developing its own customs and traditions over the centuries, which remained unchanged until the early 20th century.

Opening hours:

MONDAY TO THURSDAY 09:30 - 13:00
FRIDAY TO SUNDAY 09:30 - 13:00/ 16:00 - 19:00

Tours with free explanations, lasting approximately one hour, to discover the museum, every Sunday at 10.30 am.

The tours will be activated with a minimum number of 5 participants. For both the scheduled Sunday illustrations and any extraordinary illustrations for groups, RESERVATION IS MANDATORY by calling during opening hours or sending a Whatsapp message to +39 338 9912068.

Admission to the museum is free of charge.

Position: Vetrine del Cinema Cristallo, Grado

2025 marks the 150th anniversary of Rainer Maria Rilke’s birth, an event to reflect on his invaluable contribution to poetry and the relevance of his work in the contemporary European context. The human condition, life, love, death and spirituality resonate in Rilke’s work and in a Europe that, today as then, faces crucial challenges, as much political as cultural and social.
Rilke’s cultural adventure aims to enhance Europe’s poetic heritage, demonstrating how poetry continues to play a crucial role in promoting intercultural understanding and dialogue. In a world where borders seem increasingly important, the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke remains a shining beacon. It is still able to guide us through the complexity of human existence, where the power of the word unites people across differences, a place of encounter and reflection for all those who seek to make sense of the challenges of our time.
The exhibition is part of the Festival degli Angeli programme, which also promotes the ‘Rainer Maria Rilke’ International Prize. This prestigious award promoted by the Gruppo Ermada Flavio Vidonis and the Poiein Association is an event that aims to enhance contemporary European poetic heritage through cross-border cooperation.

The exhibition can be visited in the windows of the former Cristallo cinema in Viale Dante Alighieri.

Click here to visit the event website