- Lifestyle
Christmas Village 2025 in Pavia
The magic of the holidays in Piazza della Vittoria!
Once again this year, Pavia is ready to celebrate the magic of Christmas with its Christmas Village 2025, taking place from December 7, 2025, to January 6, 2026, in the beautiful setting of Piazza della Vittoria, right in the heart of the historic center.
This much-loved event transforms the city’s main square into a true Christmas market, with charming wooden cabins offering handmade crafts, local products, gift ideas, and delicious food specialties. The Village is one of the highlights among the Christmas markets in Pavia, an opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere surrounded by lights, scents, and local traditions.
Dates and opening days
The Christmas Village will be open:
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every Saturday and Sunday during the event period;
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from Monday, December 22 to Wednesday, December 24, 2025;
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from Monday, December 29 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025;
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and from Monday, January 5 to Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
A calendar designed to offer both residents and visitors many opportunities to stroll through the illuminated city center, discover local excellence, and enjoy the warm Christmas spirit of Pavia.
Crafts, flavors, and solidarity
Among the Christmas Village cabins, visitors will find a wide variety of products - from artistic crafts to handmade creations, from traditional sweets to typical Pavia specialties, and many original gift ideas.
There will also be stalls run by local associations, engaged in solidarity and charitable initiatives.
Christmas in the heart of the city
The Christmas Village is one of the most anticipated events of the festive season in Pavia - a perfect occasion to experience the historic center among lights, music, and the scents that bring the authentic Christmas spirit to life.
It’s an invitation to discover the city at its most enchanting, ideal for a day trip, a stroll, or a weekend getaway surrounded by holiday warmth and tradition.
The ice skating rink in Piazza del Carmine
The ice skating rink returns again this year. It will be set up in Piazza del Carmine, with opening scheduled from December 7 to January 6. The rink is one of the most popular attractions, especially among families, offering fun for both children and adults in the festive atmosphere of the historic centre.
Opening hours
The city’s event calendar
The Municipality’s official program includes a long series of creative workshops, shows, concerts, and activities for children. Below is a selection of the main events.
6 December 2025
10:00 – Paternicò Prini Library, Via Paratici 23, Pavia
Workshop: “Christmas and the Winter Landscape”
17:15 – Courtyard of the Broletto
“Winter Voices” – Christmas concert by the Ghislieri University Choir
7 December 2025
16:00 – Discover Room, Piazza Vittoria, Pavia
Educational workshop: “Experiments from the North Pole”
Plenty of hands-on experimentation: children will become “Santa’s Apprentice Helpers.” Click here to register your children!
18:00 – Piazza Vittoria, Pavia
Christmas Love – A concert featuring spirituals, gospel, and traditional music. A musical journey through some of the most famous Christmas melodies and beyond.
8 December 2025
15:30 – Piazzale Ghinaglia, Pavia
Show: “The Santa Clauses”
Two performers dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus present a unique Christmas show filled with spectacular acrobatics, juggling, and fire acts that captivate the audience.
15:00 – Departure from APS Borgo to reach Piazzale Ghinaglia
Entertainment: “Joyful Christmas”
Santa Claus himself, accompanied by his reindeer and elf friends, arrives in the city to bring joy to all children and their families.
9 December 2025
15:00 – Room B, Broletto, Piazza della Vittoria 14, Pavia
Children’s show: “The Journey of the Plant”
12 December 2025
18:15 – Basilica of San Teodoro, Piazza San Teodoro 3, Pavia
“Puer Natus” – Songs, dances, and instruments along the Via Francigena and the Via degli Abati, combining ancient medieval repertoire with folk traditions.
14 December 2025
16:00 – Discover Room, Piazza Vittoria, Pavia
Workshop mixing science and magic: “The Mysteries of Christmas”
Freccia and Zavorra, two clumsy elves, with the help of the children, will try to uncover Santa Claus’s secrets. Click here to register your children!
15:30 – Piazza San Pietro in Verzolo (in front of the church)
Musical Santa Clauses – Their joyful and lighthearted nature makes them perfect for entertaining both children and adults.
16:00 – Farewell Room, Via 8 Marzo 10, Pavia
Monumental Cemetery – “Sacred Place of Remembrance”
Christmas concert by the cultural association Chorus Sancti Laurentii
15 December 2025
17:00 – Paternicò Prini Library, Via Paratici 23, Pavia
Workshop: “The Winter Landscape and Winter Sports”
18 December 2025
16:45 – Paternicò Prini Library, Via Paratici 23, Pavia
Workshop: “Let’s Embroider Christmas”
20 December 2025
15:00 – Paternicò Prini Library, Via Paratici 23, Pavia
Workshop: “3D Printing Christmas Decorations”
21:00 – Cesare Volta Cinema-Theatre, Piazzale Salvo d’Acquisto 1, Pavia
Christmas concert by candlelight
The quartet, composed of talented female musicians (two violins, viola, and cello), offers an exceptional performance. Free event, admission until seating capacity is reached.
21 December 2025
15:00 – Piazzale Tevere, Pavia
Show: “The Santa Clauses”
Santa and Mrs. Claus present a spectacular Christmas show featuring acrobatics, juggling, and fire performances.
Entertainment: “Joyful Christmas” with Santa, his reindeer, and elf friends bringing joy to all children and families.
16:00 – Former “Spazio Q,” Pavia North-East Branch Office, Piazzale Torino 40, Pavia
Creative workshop: “The Gift Workshop”
Using simple materials and natural elements, with a focus on recycling and reuse, children will create their own unique works. Click here to register your children!
22 December 2025
15:00 – Room B, Broletto Palace
“Christmas Tales in Song” – Musical show for children
23 December 2025
17:00 – Paternicò Prini Library, Via Paratici 23, Pavia
Workshop: “Christmas Workshop”
28 December 2025
15:30 – Corso Cavour and Strada Nuova, departure from Piazza Vittoria
The Grand Christmas Parade
In an atmosphere of joy and color, stilt walkers—like characters pulled from a dream—fill the streets with acrobatic games and dances.
28 December 2025
16:00 – Discover Room, Piazza Vittoria, Pavia
Theatre workshop: “The Great Elves’ Ball”
Children explore body movement and voice play inspired by Santa’s cheerful and hardworking helpers. Click here to register your children!
3 January 2026
15:00 – Room B, Broletto, Piazza della Vittoria 14, Pavia
“Snow Snow… Without Snow – The Snow Festival”
An activity celebrating the magic and wonder of snow through games and creative workshops.
5 January 2026
16:00 – Discover Room, Piazza Vittoria, Pavia
Creative workshop: “The Workshop of Aromas”
Soap and toothpaste made your way, in the elves’ atelier! What is soap for? Why use toothpaste? Click here to register your children!
6 January 2026
15:30 – Arnaboldi Dome, Corso Strada Nuova 47
Celebrate with us on 6 January 2026
In the darkest night, Karen the quirky performer will entertain children and parents with a unique and amusing show.
16:00 – Discover Room, Piazza Vittoria, Pavia
Workshop: “The Befana’s Band”
Click here to register your children!
