Christmas Events for Kids in Genoa (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

5 min read · Leggi in italiano

For 2026, we confirmed 8 Christmas events for kids in Genoa. The season opens on December 3 with Sous le sapin (Under the Tree) and runs until January 6 with La bella mai addormentata (The Beauty Who Never Fell Asleep). Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Italy.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Genoa: 8
  • First: Sous le sapin (Under the Tree), Genoa, December 3
  • Free events: None confirmed yet

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Genoa

Kids’ Christmas events
8 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Genoa
Season
December 3 to January 6
Free events
None confirmed yet
Last checked

Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Genoa

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

Christmas show

Sous le sapin (Under the Tree)

Expand to see the parent tip

On Christmas Eve, around 11:30 pm, a Nutcracker soldier and a pretty doll wait for midnight under the tree. While the guests have dinner, the two characters come to life, meet and venture all the way into the mouse hole.

The show, by Los Guardiola, mixes dance, pantomime, comedy and poetry set to Tchaikovsky's music. It lasts 30 minutes and suits ages 1 and up. Shows are at 11 am on weekends, and at 10:30 am on weekdays during the school vacation.

Parent tip: A short session, ideal for babies and toddlers. Reserve in advance for the vacation.

Host
Théâtre de l'Essaïon (opens in a new tab)
Where
Théâtre de l'Essaïon, Passo Eugenio Montale 4, 16121 Genoa (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Théâtre de l'Essaïon (opens in a new tab)

New events in Genoa every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Genoa every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 7 more Genoa events researched for you.

  • New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Genoa.
  • Exclusive access to free events Be first to hear about new free events in Genoa.
  • Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
  • Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
  • One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.

Coming up on this page

  • 8 Shows
  • 1 Santa

Enter your email to get new Christmas events in Genoa every week.

Free. One email a week with new events in Genoa. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy

Christmas show

N'est pas Père-Noël qui veut (Not Just Anyone Can Be Santa)

Expand to see the parent tip

On the eve of Christmas, Santa (le Père Noël) has disappeared and the delivery of presents is approaching. He has to be replaced quickly, and the only solution is to hold an audition. There are many candidates and one character seems linked to the mysterious disappearance.

The show by the company Scénofolies lasts 50 minutes, in the Théâtre room. It is full of humor and is for children ages 4 to 10, whether or not they believe in Santa. Shows are at 2:20 pm, with a few shows at 4 pm during the school vacation.

Parent tip: Times change during the school vacation (no shows on Tuesdays and Fridays from Dec 19 to Jan 3, except Dec 22 and 29 at 4 pm). Check the calendar before you come. Expect it to be in French.

Host
Théâtre de l'Essaïon (opens in a new tab)
Where
Théâtre de l'Essaïon, Piazza Gaggero 1, 16158 Genoa (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Théâtre de l'Essaïon (opens in a new tab)

New events in Genoa every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Genoa every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

A Sensory Christmas (Un Noël sensoriel)

Expand to see the parent tip

Children discover the tactile picture book Le géant de Noël by Magali Bardos by touching the illustrations. The giant's coat, with 24 pockets, lets them open each pocket to handle an object linked to a page of the story.

The workshop ends with a creative activity: making a tactile Christmas card. It is led by Les Doigts qui rêvent and is for children ages 5 and up, accompanied by an adult. Entry is free while seats last.

Parent tip: Free entry, no registration, while seats last. Arrive a little early. Expect it to be in French.

Host
Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothèque du 5e Saint-Jean, Via Paggi 43b, 16143 Genoa (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon (opens in a new tab)

New events in Genoa every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Genoa every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

Charlotte et le Costume du Père Noël (Charlotte and Santa's Suit)

Expand to see the parent tip

Charlotte, a little girl bullied in the schoolyard, finds herself at the head elf's place, who offers her the gift of her dreams. But she has another idea in mind: to steal Santa's suit (le costume du Père Noël). A frantic chase follows.

The show mixes theater, singing and dance and lasts 50 minutes, in the Théâtre room at the Théâtre de l'Essaïon, in the heart of the Marais. It highlights sharing and forgiveness, values close to the spirit of Christmas. Shows are at 4 pm, and at 2:20 pm on Tuesdays during school vacations.

Parent tip: Remember to reserve, vacation shows fill up fast. The theater is closed on Dec 25 and Jan 1. Expect it to be in French.

Host
Théâtre de l'Essaïon (opens in a new tab)
Where
Théâtre de l'Essaïon, Piazza Gaggero 1, 16158 Genoa (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Théâtre de l'Essaïon (opens in a new tab)

New events in Genoa every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Genoa every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

Bilingual Christmas Stories in French and LSF (French Sign Language)

Expand to see the parent tip

The Part-Dieu library offers a moment of magic and wonder with bilingual Christmas stories, in French and in French Sign Language (LSF). The sessions are led by a facilitator from 1 2 3 Signes and an actress who interprets in LSF.

Two 30-minute slots are offered on Saturday, Dec 12, at 10:15 and at 11. The event is part of the Disability Fortnight 2026 (Quinzaine des handicaps). It is for children ages 3 to 6, accompanied by an adult. Parents and children must both be registered.

Parent tip: Registration opens Nov 28, 2026 at 9 am. Remember to register each adult and each child.

Host
Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothèque Part-Dieu, Passo Eugenio Montale 4, 16121 Genoa (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon (opens in a new tab)

New events in Genoa every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Genoa every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

Le Père Noël aime la lumière ! (Santa Loves the Light)

Expand to see the parent tip

In Christmas Town (Noël-Ville), the presents sparkle and the trees twinkle, but the star of the celebration has disappeared. Santa loves the spotlight, yet he has a secret: he is afraid of the dark. His fireflies have colds, so a solution has to be found.

Thanks to Mrs. Claus (la Mère Noël) and Tétine the elf, the children take part and bring Santa the confidence he needs. The show lasts 35 minutes, is performed in the Cabaret room and is for children ages 2 and up. It deals with emotions with poetry and humor.

Parent tip: A short format, well suited to first trips to the theater. Reservation recommended, especially during the Christmas vacation. Expect it to be in French.

Host
Théâtre de l'Essaïon (opens in a new tab)
Where
Théâtre de l'Essaïon, Piazza Renato Negri 6, 16123 Genoa (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Théâtre de l'Essaïon (opens in a new tab)

New events in Genoa every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Genoa every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Visit with Santa

Christmas Card (Carte de Noël)

Expand to see the parent tip

At the Gerland library, children make their Christmas card on a computer. They choose their text and illustrations, then print their creation to give as a gift.

The workshop lasts an hour, on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 11 am. It is free and reserved for children ages 6 to 9. Registration opens Dec 2, 2026 at 9 am.

Parent tip: Registration required from Dec 2, 2026 at 9 am. Expect it to be in French.

Host
Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bibliothèque du 7e Gerland, Piazza Borgo Pila 42, 16129 Genoa (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Bibliothèque municipale de Lyon (opens in a new tab)

New events in Genoa every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Genoa every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Christmas show

La bella mai addormentata (The Beauty Who Never Fell Asleep)

Expand to see the parent tip

On the afternoon of Epiphany (the Epifania, January 6), Teatro della Tosse, in its La Tosse in Famiglia series, brings the Eco di fondo company to the Sala Aldo Trionfo with an original and ironic version of Perrault's Sleeping Beauty, with music by Tchaikovsky.

The three fairy godmothers find themselves having to raise a lively little girl who doesn't want to sleep at all. A single actress gives voice and body to their clumsy and tender attempts, to tell us that you are not born a parent, you become one. The show speaks above all to children and families, and it is a simple way to end the holidays at the theater. A ticket costs €8.

Parent tip: The tale has no Christmas theme, but it falls on the day of the Befana, the kindly witch who brings gifts on January 6. Check seat availability on the theater's website. Expect it to be in Italian.

Host
Fondazione Luzzati Teatro della Tosse (opens in a new tab)
Where
Teatro della Tosse, Sala Aldo Trionfo, Piazza Renato Negri 6, 16123 Genoa (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Fondazione Luzzati Teatro della Tosse (opens in a new tab)

New events in Genoa every week

Rally looks for new Christmas events in Genoa every day and adds them to this page. Enter your email for one weekly update with the latest finds.

Free. Unsubscribe at any time. Privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

More Christmas events for kids in Italy

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.it (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Genoa: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Genoa?

For 2026, we confirmed 8 Christmas events for kids in Genoa, each on its host’s own page: La bella mai addormentata (The Beauty Who Never Fell Asleep), Charlotte et le Costume du Père Noël (Charlotte and Santa's Suit), Le Père Noël aime la lumière ! (Santa Loves the Light) and 5 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Genoa?

Where to see Santa: Christmas Card (Carte de Noël). Check the listings above for times and booking.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Genoa

In Genoa, Christmas opens with a bonfire. In front of the Ducal Palace, a spokesman for the people hands the mayor a laurel log decorated in red and white, and if the flame climbs straight up, the new year will be a good one. It is called the Confeugo, and it is documented from the 1300s. For a visiting family, the season is that bonfire, a tree in Piazza De Ferrari and a full calendar of family theater, ballet and carol concerts.

How Genoa celebrates Christmas, and what makes it different

Genoa begins its Christmas with fire and a laurel log instead of a tree. As early as the 1300s, the Abate del Popolo, the spokesman of the citizens, set out from the Bisagno Valley, crossed the Sant'Agata bridge and arrived at the Government Palace, today's Ducal Palace, with a laurel log covered in branches. He greeted the Doge with "Ben trovòu Messê ro Duxe," and the Doge answered "Ben vegnûo Messê l'Abbòu." In the evening the Doge lit the bonfire, poured wine, sugared almonds and sugar on it, and everyone took home a lucky ember.

The rite stopped in the 1700s. The association A Compagna revived it in 1923 and, after a pause in 1937, has brought it back to the square every year since 1951. For a visiting family, it is a short, vivid show that is easy to watch with kids.

What a child will meet: a flame that predicts the year, a tiny branch on a cake and a laurel tree

If the flame of the Confeugo goes straight up toward the sky, tradition says the new year will be lucky. In 2025 the north wind bent the flame, but it straightened up right away. When the bonfire is over, people collect pieces of burned wood as lucky charms. The Abate also hands the mayor a list of the city's complaints, called mugugni.

The Genoese Christmas cake, the pandolce, has its own ritual. The youngest in the family plants a little olive or laurel branch on top, and the oldest cuts the first slice. Two pieces are set aside: one for the poor person who knocks at the door, and one for Saint Blaise, to protect against a sore throat. According to legend, the cake was born in the 1500s from a contest among pastry makers called by Andrea Doria: it had to last on long sea voyages.

In the past, instead of a fir tree, homes decorated a big laurel branch with walnuts, hazelnuts, acorns and even macaroni.

Planning a Christmas visit to Genoa with kids

This page lists the confirmed shows from early December to Epiphany, all in theaters and all ticketed, so there are no free events. Most family shows cost 8 euros. They are mostly in the afternoon, which suits younger children.

The Nutcracker, performed by the Astana Opera ballet at Teatro Carlo Felice, runs from December 3 to 6, with weekend matinees at 3 p.m. on December 5 and 6. Other shows include the Rodari-based Blue Arrow adventure at Teatro del Ponente on December 12, a family version of A Christmas Carol at Teatro Garage on December 13 and Yule, the light of Christmas, on December 19 at Teatro del Ponente and December 20 at Teatro della Tosse. Also on December 20 is Merry Christmas at the Carlo Felice, where the children's choir marks its 20th anniversary. A Santa Claus musical is on December 21 at Teatro della Corte, and Sleeping Beauty closes the season on January 6, 2027, at Teatro della Tosse. Most events are in Italian, so check with the host.

A fun story: the mayor answered in Genoese

At the Confeugo on December 20, 2025, the greeting was adapted for a woman: "Madamma ra duxessa," because the mayor, Silvia Salis, had taken the Doge's place. She answered in Genoese too. On December 8, 2025, at 6 p.m., a 16-meter tree made of reusable material was lit in Piazza De Ferrari, and Palazzo Tursi opened the Santa Claus House for the first time.

Traditions today

  • The Confeugo: On the Saturday before Christmas a costumed procession brings the laurel log to Piazza De Ferrari, where the Abate offers it to the mayor and the bonfire is lit.
  • The tree in Piazza De Ferrari: Lit on December 8 together with waterfalls of light on the historic buildings. In 2025 it was 16 meters tall.
  • The Nativity Passport: A tour of the city's nativity scenes with stamps to collect. In 2025, in its third edition, there were 85 nativity scenes.
  • Pandolce with a little branch: The youngest plants the laurel or olive branch, and the oldest cuts the first slice.
  • Santa Claus House at Palazzo Tursi: In 2025, from December 17 to 24, children brought their letters there.
  • The Befana and the fire department: On January 6 the Befana comes down from a fire department ladder truck in Piazza Matteotti.

A fact for kids

In Genoa, before Christmas, a big laurel log is burned in the square. If the flame goes straight up toward the sky, the new year will be lucky. And at the end people pick up bits of burned wood as good-luck charms.

Questions about Christmas in Genoa

Is Genoa worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes, especially for the bonfire, the nativity scenes and the family shows. Genoa has a Christmas bonfire documented since the 1300s, a Nativity Passport tour of 85 nativity scenes in 2025 and a theater calendar from early December to Epiphany.

When is the Nutcracker at Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa?

From December 3 to 6, with extra matinees at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6. It is danced by the Astana Opera ballet with the Carlo Felice orchestra and children's choir. Ticket prices are in the theater's ticket section or box office.

Where can kids meet Santa in Genoa?

The shows on this page do not include a Santa meet-and-greet. There is a Santa Claus musical at Teatro della Corte Ivo Chiesa on December 21, with live music, songs and immersive sets, from 29 euros plus a presale fee. In 2025, Palazzo Tursi opened a Santa Claus House for the first time, from December 17 to 24, where children brought their letters.

What is the Befana?

The Befana is the gift bringer of Epiphany, on January 6. In Genoa in 2025 she came down from a fire department ladder truck in Piazza Matteotti at 3 p.m. On this page, the Blue Arrow show on December 12 is about toys that escape the Befana's shop to bring presents to children who would get none.

Are there free Christmas events in Genoa?

None of the events on this page is marked free, since they are all theater and concert tickets. Most family shows cost 8 euros. The Confeugo and the tree lighting in Piazza De Ferrari are outdoor events, so check this season's program for details.

Are Christmas events in Genoa in English?

Most events here are in Italian, since they are local theater shows. The Nutcracker is a ballet and Yule uses glowing objects and live music, so younger kids can follow along. The Merry Christmas concert has a choir that also signs in Italian sign language (LIS). For plays, check with the host.

What is the Confeugo in Genoa?

It is the city's Christmas bonfire. The Abate del Popolo offers the mayor, as once the Doge, a laurel log decorated in red and white, which is burned in the square as a wish for the new year. It is held on the Saturday before Christmas and organized with the association A Compagna.

How old is the Confeugo?

The first written records date to the 1300s, in the time of the Republic of Genoa. Its origins are traced even further back, to the People's Commune in the 1100s. At first the log went to the Podestà, then the Captain of the People and finally the Doge.

Who is the Abate del Popolo?

In medieval Genoa he was the spokesman of the citizens before the government. Since 1951 the Abate has been the president of A Compagna, the association that safeguards Genoese traditions. In 2025 that was Franco Bampi, who spoke in the Great Council Hall of the Ducal Palace after the bonfire.

What do the Abate and the Doge say to each other at the Confeugo?

They greet each other in Genoese. The Abate says "Ben trovòu Messê ro Duxe" and the Doge replies "Ben vegnûo Messê l'Abbòu." In 2025, with a woman as mayor, the greeting became "Madamma ra duxessa," and Silvia Salis answered in Genoese too.

Why does everyone watch the flame at the Confeugo?

By tradition the flame is an omen: if it goes straight up toward the sky, the coming year will be favorable. In 2025 the north wind was strong and the flame bent when first lit, but straightened right away. The fire was lit at the stroke of the bell of the Grimaldina Tower.

Why do Genoese take home an ember from the Confeugo?

Because it brings luck. Already in the Doge's time, after the bonfire people picked up an ember of burned laurel and kept it at home as a lucky charm. The custom survives: in the 2025 program in Piazza De Ferrari the collecting of embers followed the lighting of the fire.

What are the mugugni the Abate brings to the mayor?

In Genoese, mugugno means complaint. Along with the laurel log the Abate hands over a list of the city's main problems. In 2025 Mayor Silvia Salis answered by promising a cleaner city, attention to the old town, social policies and more maintenance.

Why did the Confeugo stop, and when did it return?

The ceremony was suspended in the 1700s, as the Republic of Genoa was nearing its end. The association A Compagna revived it in 1923, but it stopped again in 1937. Since 1951 it has been held every year, with a procession and bonfire in front of the Ducal Palace.

How do you explain the Confeugo to a four-year-old?

You can say: long ago a man who spoke for all the people brought the king of Genoa a big, sweet-smelling laurel log. They burned it together, and if the fire went straight up to the sky it meant good luck. Then everyone took home a little piece of burned wood.

What was the Christmas tree in Piazza De Ferrari like in 2025?

It was an artificial 16-meter tree made of reusable and recyclable material, supplied free by Iren, which also gives the square's lights for three years. It was lit on December 8 at 6 p.m. together with waterfalls of light on the historic buildings, after afternoon choirs.

Why is a little laurel branch planted on the Genoese pandolce?

It is a sign of devotion, and an olive branch can replace the laurel. The youngest in the family plants it on top of the pandolce, while the first cut belongs to the oldest. The ritual gives one role to the youngest and one to the oldest of the house.

Why do Genoese keep a slice of pandolce for Saint Blaise?

Genoese families set aside two pieces of pandolce. One is for the poor person who knocks at the door, and the other is kept for the feast of Saint Blaise, because tradition says it helps against a sore throat. So when the cake is cut, not all of it reaches the table.

Did Andrea Doria really invent the pandolce?

It is a legend. The story goes that in the 1500s Andrea Doria called a contest among pastry makers for a cake that would last on long sea voyages. The origins may be even older, so there is no certain birth date.

What do Genoese eat on Christmas Day?

Natalini in broth, long smooth pasta tubes that are less common today, and ravioli al tuccu, dressed with the sauce of a slow-cooked roast. Then comes the capponmagro, a layered terrine of fish, vegetables, hardtack and green sauce, and the cima genovese, stuffed veal breast served in thin slices.

Did Genoese once decorate a laurel branch instead of a tree?

Yes. In Ligurian homes a big laurel branch was decorated on Christmas Eve with string, twigs, acorns, walnuts, hazelnuts, macaroni and leaves. In the hearth a big olive or laurel log burned from Christmas Eve until New Year's for good luck. With kids you can try remaking the branch with dried fruit.

Where can we see nativity scenes and lights in Genoa?

In 2025 the Nativity Passport linked 85 nativity scenes with stamps to collect, and the artistic nativity scene of Palazzo Rosso could be seen from via Garibaldi. At the Old Port there were 8 km of lights. This season's program may differ, so check the city's announcements.

Which family shows are on in Genoa this Christmas?

The Blue Arrow adventure is at Teatro del Ponente on December 12, A Christmas Carol is at Teatro Garage on December 13, Yule, the light of Christmas, is on December 19 and 20, and Merry Christmas is at the Carlo Felice on December 20. Sleeping Beauty, the last show of the season, is at Teatro della Tosse on January 6, 2027.

Sources

  1. Confeugo a Genova 2025: falò di rami d'alloro, corteo e rievocazioni, Mentelocale
  2. Confeugo Genova 2025: programma, orari e percorso del corteo, Mentelocale
  3. Silvia Salis dogaressa accende il Confeugo, fiamma dritta, l'Adige (ANSA)
  4. Albero di Natale 2025 in piazza De Ferrari: quando l'accensione e chi lo fornisce, Mentelocale
  5. Albero di Natale 2025 a Genova: si sono accese le luci in piazza De Ferrari, Mentelocale
  6. Natale a Genova 2025: programma degli eventi del Comune, iniziative e novità, Mentelocale
  7. Le tradizioni di Natale in Liguria, Viaggiapiccoli
  8. Pandolce genovese (Pandoce), Visit Genoa (Comune di Genova)
Kelsey Cecil
Previous

Christmas Events for Kids in Ghent (2026)
Next

Christmas Events for Kids in Geneva (2026)