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In San Marino, the Christmas of Wonder also known as "Natale delle Meraviglie" starts from late November to early January. The annual festival includes street performances, musical shows, decor, and other shows that take place every year.
How to reach San Marino:
By Air:
San Marino is a separate country but still doesn’t have its own airport. Rimini Airport and Bologne Airport are the closest airports. From Bologne Airport, you can take a shuttle to Rimini, and from Rimini, you can use the following ways reaching to San Marino.
a. By Car or Taxi:
San Marino is around 20 km from Rimini. The Taxi may range between 70 -100 euros for one way.
b. By Public Transportation:
There’s no train connection to San Marino. But, it’s still pretty convenient to reach San Marino by bus from Rimini. There’s a bus connection which takes around 1 hour from Rimini to San Marino and vice versa.
You can check out our blog on reaching San Marino from Rimini below.
Tips for Visiting San Marino Christmas Market:
The Christmas markets and events begin in late November and run until early January.
Since San Marino is on a mountaintop, the weather gets very cold and chilly. I made a mistake by misjudging the weather from the app. It didn’t show that it would be very cold, but the wind made it much chillier, and I wasn’t well prepared. As a result, I ended up getting sick.
It’s also suggested to carry cash, as most street vendors don’t accept card payments.
Christmas Market in San Marino:
1. Christmas Market at Piazza della Libertà Market in San Marino:
The main Christmas market of San Marino is set up at Piazza della Libertà Market which is a center of the city and home to the palace of San Marino’s government. It’s not a very big square but it’s one of the main gathering points for the locals.
During the Christmas season, the square turns into a platform of " Polar Express" where families can enjoy the Christmas music, sounds, lights, and colors with the backdrop of the palace.
In the evening, the Christmas lights are lit up and different entertainment activities like singing performances give an ultimate Christmas vibe.
2. Cava dei Balestrieri Christmas Market in San Marino:
Cava dei Balestrieri used to be a medieval arena but it turns into a Christmas market every year where the small wooden stalls are set up and selling Christmas specialties like hats, scarves, mittens, etc.
There are also decorative stalls which are also selling traditional Christmas delicacies and delights. There are also different musical performances like carol singing.
The people from the neighboring town and tourists make the Christmas market even more charming with their bustle and hustle.
3. Christmas Ice Rink in San Marino:
For the entertainment of the kids and adults, the Outdoor Ice Rink is set up at Campo Bruno Reffi, and the surroundings are decorated with festival lights. Even if you don't want to do Ice skating, you can stand and watch people doing it.
4. Christmas Decor on the streets and restaurants of San Marino:
San Marino is a very small country but they still celebrate Christmas in full spirit. The narrow streets are well-decorated with twinkling lights and decor.
San Marino's towers, walls, and historical landmarks like Piazza della Libertà, Piazza del Titano, and Piazza Garibaldi are lit up with Christmas decor. You can find the festivity in every corner of the city.
There are also locals dressed up and presenting the nativity scene accompanied by live music.
While walking in the streets of San Marino during Christmas, it feels like we are stepping into a postcard scene.
There are also some beautiful Christmas trees set up in different corners. The shops and cafes aren't behind in the celebrations. They also embrace the festivity and decorate their windows, indoors, and entrances with Christmas lights.
5. Christmas Village:
For the kids, there is also a small Christmas tent set up which is like a chocolate village and offers Monde Chocolate.
6. The white and blue train:
In the past, there was a train run between Rimini to San Marino - but now, you can also see the original objects and relics of the time and unpublished photographs during Christmas.
7. Try out the Christmas Food in San Marino:
If you are in San Marino during Christmas times, you should try out these:
Bustrengo is a traditional Christmas cake made with cornmeal, apples, raisins, and honey
Torta Titano which is a sweet cake filled with chocolate and nuts.
Cioccolata Calda - Hot Chocolate
8. Christmas Themed Train:
A small Christmas-themed train operates within the town. This festive train typically runs between key points, such as parking areas and the main attractions in the old town, making it easier for visitors to get around, especially with the kids.
Conclusion:
Usually, during the christmas season, it's expensive to look for accommodation in San Marino. We would recommend staying in Rimini which is an Italian city and it's around 1 hour drive from San Marino.
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