Christmas in Genoa: nativity scenes and mass at the Acquarium

As part of Christmas in Italy, a tour of the nativity scenes of any town or city is usually on the cards.
In Genoa “Il tempo dei presepi” involves a series of events, artistic nativity scenes, concerts, and guided tours that start on December 5.

The traditional Christmas Eve midnight mass will be celebrated at the Genoa Acquarium for a celebration with a difference and to recognise the city’s maritime tradition.

A special nativity scene to visit is at the Palazzo Rosso, or Red Palace.

December 7 sees the lighting of the fir Christmas tree in Genoa, and the final Saturday before Christmas sees a traditional Christmas wish exchange representing the abbot and the doge of the city, who is now the lord mayor.