Once again this year, Loano is ready to dive into the Christmas atmosphere with the “Christmas Moments”, the rich calendar of events organized by the City Council's Department of Tourism, Culture and Sports in collaboration with the city's associations to brighten the holidays of Loano residents and guests. The “Christmas Moments” program has obtained a share of 7,370 euros from the Region of Liguria as part of Funt, the Single National Tourism Fund, which allocates grants to municipalities to finance events during the Christmas season 2025/2026.
Download the full calendar here.
They state Mayor Luca Lettieri and vice mayor in charge of tourism, culture and sports Gianluigi Bocchio: “Thanks to the cooperation of local associations and the work done by the offices, once again this year our city will experience many occasions for fun and lightheartedness during the Christmas season. The calendar of events is very dense and rich in variety: from the most characteristic events of the period, such as the ‘Magic Christmas Village,’ the skating rink or the traditional swimming competition, to the more engaging ones such as New Year's Eve in the square or concerts, to new proposals, such as the amusement park in Via delle Caselle or the initiatives of Loa Park. Added to this are the cultural, sports and solidarity events that have always characterized this period. In short, even during the Christmas holidays at Loano you can spend many ‘Christmas Moments’ that ‘make you feel good,’ as suggested by the slogan chosen by our administration as part of the re-branding of our tourist offer.”.
Loano will officially kick off the holiday season on December 6 with the lighting of the “A Thousand Lights of the Holidays”, the artistic illuminations that throughout December 2025 and the first days of January 2026 will light up and “warm up” the city streets and squares. Also this year the traditional illuminations will be enhanced by a video-mapping system: the facade of Palazzo Doria will be decorated with beautiful Christmas images. The lighting of the illuminations will be a real celebration. Starting at 4:30 p.m. performance by the group “U Gunbu de Loa-Verzi” followed by the show “Lumina”, a white circus with aerial show and acrobatic and light installations ready to amaze and fascinate the public. The show will accompany the audience toward the lighting ceremony of the Christmas tree in Italy Square and the city's illuminations, scheduled at 5:30 p.m., which will also be attended by guests from Loano's Ramella protected residence.
The centerpiece of Loano's Christmas events will be, as always, the “Magic Christmas Village”, the traditional Christmas market with a Northern European flavor set up inside the San Josemaria Escrivà Gardens by the Multipurpose Cultural Center in collaboration with Fipe/Confcommercio Loano. Illuminated by magical decorations, the little wooden houses will offer many gift ideas such as handmade Christmas items, cribs, candles, collectible toys, souvenir photos and personalized calendars with Santa Claus, jewelry, gifts, games and local products. Not forgetting the street-food delicacies with which to accompany shopping among the little houses and which this year will feature many brand new goodies. Santa Claus will be waiting for children in his cozy little house to take a photo with them and collect their letters. The market will officially open on Nov. 29 at 3:30 p.m. and will be open until Jan. 6, 2026. The shopping afternoons will be accompanied by music and entertainment events for children. For all information visit www.viviloano.it.
Another Christmas market will be set up at the Loa Park (Fortress Park) where concerts, performances, workshops and entertainment activities for children and adults will be scheduled throughout the Christmas season.
From December 5, 2025 to January 7, 2026, a amusement park with a large ice rink which will allow young and old, experienced and inexperienced, to experience the thrill of sliding on ice. The rink will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
On Dec. 24 from 10:30 p.m., Piazza Italia and Piazza Palestro will come alive with the living nativity scene organized by Old Loano in collaboration with the parish of St. John the Baptist. The living nativity scene will also be set up at Loa Park on Dec. 22.
On December 28, the “Winter swimming competition”. The traditional plunge will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Bagni Medusa and, as always, will feature “professional divers” from all over Liguria and northern Italy: the fearless divers will test themselves by facing the winter sea for a swim lasting a few seconds or, for the most trained, about ten minutes.
On December 31, Loano will greet the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 with a new year's eve in the square full of music and fun. Starting at 11 p.m., Shorty, DJ and well-known face of Radio Deejay, will enliven New Year's Eve with his most beloved hits and an irresistible musical selection. The evening will be full of excitement, with a light show, special effects and gadgets. Before and after Shorty's performance, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. and then from 12:30 p.m. onward, members of “Back to Pick Up,” the crew of seven DJs who made Calizzano's famous “Pick Up ”dance, will be featured. Claudio Decastelli, Federico Santamaria, Claudio Riolfo, Fabio Fabiano, Valter Briozzo, Paolo Gazzano and Stefano Briozzo will give life to a varied and engaging dj-set, which will go through the iconic sounds of the 80s, the hands up and EDM hits of the 90s, the electronic of the 2000s up to contemporary productions.
On January 1, 2026, the traditional new year's fireworks display. From about 6 p.m. from the Doria Pier near Kursaal Palace original creations with fountain, sphere and rain-effect shapes will intersect in the sky, forming a magical play of colorful lights and a crackling scenery that will create an enveloping atmosphere. Light, shape, color and rhythm will compose an original and unique show.
From Saturday, December 20, 2025, to Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Mosaic Room of the Doria Palace will feature the exhibition dedicated to “Loano's walk and the tallest palm tree in Europe” sponsored by the Lodanum Maritime Association. The exhibition will be open Monday through Friday during the opening hours of the municipal offices and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (excluding Christmas and New Year's Day).
January 5, 2026 at Loa Park is “Waiting for the Befana” with the company “Suscia e Colla.” On Jan. 6, 2026 at 3 p.m. children and parents will gather in the old town and caruggetti orbi for the Feast of the Epiphany.
La music will be the big star of the Christmas season. On Nov. 30 at Loa Park live entertainment music with Christmas songs, performed with clarinet and cello. On Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. in the library new appointment with the “Listening Guides” of the Loanese Music Association. On Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. in the council chamber of Palazzo Doria charity concert (with free admission) by the art association “Lo Schizzo.” On Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the atrium of Palazzo Doria performance by students of the first year of study dedicated to singing and piano of the Association of the Arts Legami. On Dec. 19 in the oratory of the Turchine Chapels Christmas concert by the Polyphonic Choir City of Loano. On Dec. 23 at Loa Park Christmas concert with bass, tenor and piano. On Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. in the council chamber hall inaugural concert of the chamber choir “Lovenis,” featuring choral and solo music from the Celtic, white gospel and soundtrack repertoire, by the Association of Bonded Arts. On Dec. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Oratory of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary concert by soprano Megumi Akanuma accompanied on the organ by maestro Silvano Rodi, Organist Emeritus of St. Devote Church in Monaco. On Dec. 27, “Tales of Winter” returns, a musical event of the holiday season organized by the Compagnia dei Curiosi Association with the contribution of the City of Loano that maintains elements of continuity with the City of Loano National Award for Traditional Italian Music. At 5:30 p.m. Piazza Italia will come alive with “Occitan Dances Descend to the Sea.” It will renew the twinning with the musical culture of the Cuneo valleys represented by Sergio Berardo, multifaceted leader of Lou Dalfin, the group that more than any other in recent years has taken Occitan music around the peninsula and Europe. The band will perform to the sound of folk rock for what will be a long and unmissable afternoon of dancing. On Dec. 28 double musical event: at Loa Park singing performance by the students of Asd Modern Jazz Dance; at 9 p.m. in the parish of St. John the Baptist concert with Melissa Briozzo. On Dec. 29 at 5 p.m. in Piazza Italia musical afternoon with young local singing talents: the initiative is part of the “Waiting for Universe in Pink” program. Saturday, Jan. 3, two appointments: at 6:30 p.m. in the oratory of the Cappe Turchine concert of the Schola Cantorum “Exultate Justi” conducted by Maestro Roberto Grasso, who will be accompanied on the organ by Maestro Andrea Verrando, titular organist of Ventimiglia Cathedral; at 9 p.m. in the council chamber the show-concert “Three Wishes.” On Jan. 4, 2026 at 9 p.m. in the oratory of the Turchine Chapels Christmas concert with the Polyphonic Choir City of Loano. On Dec. 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. traveling concert through the streets of downtown with the marching band of the St. Mary Immaculate Music Association.
Music and art will also meet at the many essays promoted by local associations. On Dec. 13 at Loa Park performance and essay by the dance and gymnastics school “Nina Art.” On Dec. 20 triple date: at Loa Park essay by the students of Lorella Brondo's “Attimo Danza” Civic School and concert by the Pietra Ligure marching band; at 3:30 p.m. at PalaGarassini Harry Potter-themed essay by Asr Arteginnastica; at 8:30 p.m. at PalaGuzzetti Christmas essay by Asd Gymnica. Dec. 21 at Loa Park essay by the Boissano dance school “A passi di danza.”.
The holidays have always been a time for the books and therefore there are several literary events scheduled as part of the traditional review “Books under the Tree.” On Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the civic library “Antonio Arecco” in Kursaal Palace appointment with the “Book Club” promoted by Aps #cosavuoichetilegga: the book “The Great Thirst” by Enrica Cassano will be presented. On Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. in the library presentation of the anthology of short stories and poems “Unusual Christmas” edited by Sandra Berriolo. On Dec. 13 in the library will be presented the volume “The Right Time” by Lorenza Gentile; also on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. in the oratory of the Cappe Turchine presentation of the book “Spigolature nell'archivio di Alberto Cibrario” edited by Claudia Ghirardello. On Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. also at Palazzo Kursaal Giancarlo Canepa will present his first novel “26 Hours of Darkness.” On Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. at the library afternoon of Christmas readings and creative workshop for children ages 5 and up by Aps #cosavuoichetilegga. On Dec. 21 at the library presentation of Anna Pavignano's book “Come sale sulla pelle.” On Dec. 28 at Palazzo Kursaal presentation of the book “La signora del Neroli” by Chiara Ferraris. Last appointment on Jan. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the library with Raffaella Verga and her “Creatures.”.
Kids will have the opportunity to socialize and have fun thanks to initiatives organized by Yepp Loano for the “Youth in the Library” project. On Dec. 5 at 8:30 p.m. at the library there will be an evening dedicated to cinema with Yepp Movie and a screening of the film “Welcome to the South.” On Dec. 19 from 8:30 p.m. at Kursaal Palace an evening dedicated to games with Yepp Game and the “13 Clues.” On Jan. 9, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. another movie night with the film “Pacific Rim.”.
In December 2025, the photography atelier The Overpass, in collaboration with Mondadori BookStore, brings to life “Christmas without borders”: three evenings dedicated to board games designed to provide moments of fun, entertainment and creating new human connections. The events, all free of charge, will take place on Friday, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, each hosted at a different location. Each meeting will feature a beloved board game. One can participate as a team or individually. Each evening will not lack a special moment: winners will receive prizes offered by the sponsoring businesses that support the initiative.
Several the Appointments designed especially for young children. On Nov. 29 at Loa Park show with living elves and children's workshop by the “Suscia e Colla” theater company. On Dec. 31, again at Loa Park, year-end raffle for children. On Jan. 3 in Piazza Italia staged “Pinocchio illustrato,” a children's show and parade with Piero Fabbri, the historical face of Teatro della Tosse.
During the Christmas season, the library will host cultural meetings of the Loano-Francheville Twinning Committee: appointments will be held on Dec. 1, 11 and 18 and Jan. 14, 2026.
In addition to the “Magic Christmas Village,” there will be many opportunities to take a stroll among the stalls of the markets. Like every second Sunday of the month, Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. under the porticos of Corso Europa and in the nearby “Bestoso” gardens, the Antiques and Collectibles Market, the event dedicated to antiques and collectibles organized by the E20 Free Cultural and Recreational Association, returns. Dozens of exhibitors will present a selected collection of furniture, silver, paintings, carpets and objects with an antique flavor and full of charm. The market will feature curiosities and “grandma's things,” as well as collectibles and modern antiques. From Dec. 6 to 8 and then again on Dec. 14 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Piazza Massena, ’Mestieri in Piazza“ returns, the artisans” and artists' market organized by the Artigianalmente association. Professional craftsmen and specialized artists will display the fruits of their ingenuity and skill.
Christmas is the perfect time to go exploring the area and its treasures. On Thursday, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, the “Loano not only sea”, the program curated by the Loano section of the CAI that aims to promote hiking as an opportunity for socialization, personal well-being, and knowledge and appreciation of the area. During the holiday season, the Sea Museum, the museum center in Palazzo Kursaal run by the Lodanum Association that houses and exhibits objects and documentation on the seafaring industry in Loano and the western Savona area.
There will be no shortage of appointments with the sports. On December 6, PalaGarassini will host the 2025 edition of the International Fight Show, a prestigious combat sports gala organized by Asd Team Perlungher. On December 6 and 7, 2025 and then again on January 10 and 11, 2026 in the stretch of sea in front of Marina di Loano will be held the regattas of the eighth Winter Championship of Marina di Loano organized by Circolo Nautico Loano with Marina di Loano and Yacht Club Marina di Loano. Sails will also return to unfurl on Dec. 13 and 14 with the zonal sailing regatta also promoted by the Loano Yacht Club. From January 2 to 5, 2026, the 12th edition of “Loano in Dance - Magic Winter 2026” organized by Asd Promozione Danza Liguria will be held at PalaGarassini.
From December 5 to 8 at Michero Administrations on 348 Aurelia Street will be distributing the ’Christmas stars” that help the research of Ail, the Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma.
On Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m. at the association's new headquarters on Verdi Street, there is the Pro Loco Greetings Party by Loano. The crib set up on the Aps premises will also be unveiled on the occasion.
With the arrival of the holiday season at churches and oratories in Loano, numerous cribs traditional. Each recreation of the Nativity play is set in a scenic landscape. Alongside the canonical characters of the nativity scene are figures of folk characters and scenes of everyday life. Sometimes there are mechanical scenes. Traditional nativity scenes have been set up at the oratory of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary or “dei Turchini” in Italy Square (Dec. 8, 2025 to Jan. 25, 2026); in the parish of St. Pius X on Bergamo Street (Dec. 24, 2025 to Feb. 1, 2026); in the parish of St. Mary Immaculate on Gazzi Street (Dec. 24, 2025 to Feb. 1, 2026); in the Oratory of St. John the Baptist or ’dei Bianchi“ on Boragine Street (Dec. 6, 2025 to Jan. 25, 2026); in the parish of St. John the Baptist (Dec. 24, 2025 to Feb. 2, 2026); and at the Mount Carmel Convent on Costino di Monte Carmelo Street (open year-round). An exhibition of nativity scenes will also be set up at Loa Park on Caselle Street from Dec. 8. By visiting the Nativity reconstructions set up in the city's parishes, chapels and oratories, it will be possible to trace a real itinerary to discover the architectural-religious riches of Loano.
