Christmas in Nicolosi

Christmas in Nicolosi is an event that is organized every year in the period of Christmas holidays, in the country that is considered the gate of Etna, precisely because of its proximity to the volcano. In these three weeks the historic center of the village is transformed into an open-air market but there are many religious and folk events that are aimed at involving a very large audience. Therefore, for those who decide to take part in Christmas in Nicolosi, here is all the useful information that can be used to organize themselves in the best possible way.

Description of Christmas in Nicolosi

When we talk about Christmas in Nicolosi we are actually referring not to a single event but to a program of appointments that involves the entire holiday period.
Within that program there are some very typical activities, such as can be the Christmas market or the stand providing the opportunity to taste it Sicilian street foodespecially holiday recipes.
Then there are some appointments that are reserved for children, such as the preparation of the Santa's house to whom to deliver your letter or the party train, which leads to the discovery of the most beautiful corners of the country. Then there are the songs to the sound of pipers, Christmas music concerts, themed exhibitions and much more. To conclude the event, on January 6, the arrival of the Epiphany who brings gifts for all children.

The story linked to Christmas in Nicolosi

Christmas in Nicolosi is an event that is now a few years old and which involves more and more visitors. Originally in the village there was the custom of organizing the classic Christmas market during the holiday season, an opportunity also to attract visitors from neighboring countries and make the village better known. Then it was decided to make this event even richer by including the markets in a calendar of activities designed to satisfy every taste and every need. Then, from edition to edition, the appointment has always been enriched with new activities to attract a varied tourism, made up above all of families.

When Christmas takes place in Nicolosi

The Christmas event in Nicolosi is usually held in a period of time ranging from 12 December to 6 January but obviously from edition to edition the dates may undergo changes.

Where Christmas takes place in Nicolosi

The fulcrum of the Christmas event in Nicolosi is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, which is also the center of the town, but also the entire historic center is involved in the many activities that are envisaged in the rich programme.

What to do during Christmas in Nicolosi

Nicolosi has always whetted the imagination of his visitors, so much so as to push both Giovanni Verga and Goethe to talk about it. Certainly the merit is also of its enchanting historic center and the many monuments that can be visited inside. Among these stand out the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the oldest building in the town and the Church of San Francesco di Paola, with elegant and tidy lines.

Almost a victim of Etna's fury is also the Veil of Sant'Agata, a relic to which a small altar is dedicated just outside the town, in the exact point where the volcano's lava split in two, in the suggestion of the villagers to avoid overwhelming the relic. The heart of the country is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II where both the mother church and the town hall are located. Very nice the volcanological museum which also collects photographic finds of the various eruptions of Etna.

From Nicolosi you can reach the famous Wisdom refuge to explore and spend a pleasant day on the highest active volcano in Europe.

Recommended activities for a tour of Etna

How to get to Nicolosi

To reach Nicolosi and take part in the Christmas events, it is possible to leave from Catania and take the Sp10 while from Palermo, Caltanissetta, Enna and Agrigento you must first choose the A19 and then the E932. From Messina it is advisable to choose the A18 while from Syracuse the most suitable road is the E45. Finally, those leaving from Trapani will find it very convenient to take the E90.

The village of Nicolosi does not have its own railway station, so those who prefer the train they will have to refer to those of Nesima or of Catania itself and then continue the journey on board the bus numbers premises made available by the AST company.