Christmas 2026
Christmas in Sardinia
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
14 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 28 ideas
- 3 nights out
- 9 for families
- 5 free
Don't miss
Cagliari Christmas Market - Piazza Yenne
Cagliari Christmas Market - Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
Christmas Village in Piazza del Carmine
Friday 20 November
Grigorij Sokolov Piano Recital
A piano recital by the acclaimed artist Grigorij Sokolov, marking the closing event of the 2026 Concert Season.
Sunday 6 December
Mercatino del Vintage - Winter Edition
An 8th edition vintage market with a special music theme, featuring clothing, music (thousands of vinyls), books, furniture, collectibles, and artisan creations. Located in Pavilion G.
Tuesday 8 December
Centro Commerciale I Fenicotteri - Holiday Opening Hours
The I Fenicotteri shopping center and its hypermarket/food area will be open with extended hours on the Immaculate Conception public holiday.
ONE DAY MORE il Musical
A musical performance titled 'ONE DAY MORE il Musical - la rivoluzione Canta dalle barricate'.
Family
Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception) - Public Holiday
A national public holiday in Italy.
Saturday 12 December
Mercatino del Vintage - Winter Edition (Second Weekend)
The second weekend of the vintage market with a special music theme, offering a wide range of vintage items, music, and cultural experiences. Located in Pavilion G.
Candlelight: Tributo a Ludovico Einaudi
A candlelight concert dedicated to the music of Ludovico Einaudi.
Night out
Candlelight: Tributo ai Queen
A candlelight concert featuring a tribute to the band Queen.
Night out
Friday 18 December
Candlelight: I classici del Natale
A special candlelight Christmas classics concert, offering a magical and musical experience for the festive season.
Family
Candlelight: Tributo a Michael Jackson
A candlelight concert featuring a tribute to Michael Jackson's music.
Night out
Saturday 19 December
Presepe Vivente di Genoni
A living nativity scene event in the town of Genoni.
Family
Monday 21 December
Max Gazzè 'L'ornamento delle cose secondarie'
A concert by Italian singer-songwriter Max Gazzè.
Wednesday 23 December
Max Gazzè 'L'ornamento delle cose secondarie'
A concert by Italian singer-songwriter Max Gazzè.
Thursday 24 December
Centro Commerciale I Fenicotteri - Christmas Eve Opening Hours
The I Fenicotteri shopping center (galleria) will be open from 09:00-20:00. The hypermarket and food area will be open from 08:30-20:00 on Christmas Eve.
Traditional Sardinian Christmas Feasting
Sardinian Christmas traditions emphasize family gatherings and specific festive foods, particularly on Christmas Eve ('Sa Nott'e Xena') and Christmas Day ('Paschixedda' or 'Pasca de Nadale'). Special breads like 'Su Accèddhu' and various sweets including 'pabassinas', 'pane 'e saba', and 'torrone' are common.
Friday 25 December
Natale (Christmas Day) - Public Holiday
A national public holiday in Italy. Most shops and businesses will be closed. Families celebrate with traditional meals.
Centro Commerciale I Fenicotteri - Christmas Day Closure
The I Fenicotteri shopping center will be closed on Christmas Day.
Saturday 26 December
Santo Stefano (St. Stephen's Day) - Public Holiday
A national public holiday in Italy, the day after Christmas. Most shops and businesses will be closed.
Centro Commerciale I Fenicotteri - St. Stephen's Day Closure
The I Fenicotteri shopping center will be closed on St. Stephen's Day.
All season
Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi
Opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi, part of the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari's 2025-2026 opera season.
Extended Shopping Hours in Central Cagliari
During the Christmas period, especially from late November through December, many shops in central Cagliari, including Via Manno and Via Garibaldi, extend their opening hours, often operating continuously or opening on Sundays to accommodate Christmas shopping.
Cagliari Christmas Market - Piazza Yenne
Traditional Christmas market featuring island cheese, honey nougat, handmade crafts, and local products. Open daily from 10:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 22:00. On Christmas Eve (December 24th), hours are 10:00 to 20:00.
FamilyFree
Cagliari Christmas Market - Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
Traditional Christmas market stalls, part of the city's festive offerings. Features artisan products, local sweets, and a large Santa's House (Casetta di Babbo Natale) dedicated to children.
FamilyFree
Christmas Village in Piazza del Carmine
A new Christmas village for 2026, featuring 40 stalls, an ice skating rink, and a dedicated play area for children. It aims to revitalize the square and offer a wide range of activities and food options.
FamilyFree
Fiera Natale
The 44th edition of Fiera Natale at the International Fair of Sardinia. This event aims to be more than a traditional market, functioning as a showcase for local territories and a meeting point for families, with free entry and activities.
FamilyFree
Ice Skating Rink at Piazza del Carmine
An ice skating rink is a central attraction of the new Christmas Village in Piazza del Carmine, open throughout the festive season.
Family
Natale in Centro - Street Entertainment
Christmas street entertainment along the city's main shopping streets, featuring carols, gospel choirs, zampognari (traditional Sardinian pipers), and parades with Disney characters. Hours are 16:30-20:30, with a morning session on Dec 23rd.
FamilyFree
Lotteria Italia Ticket Sales
Tickets for the national 'Lotteria Italia' are typically sold throughout the Christmas period, with the main draw and prize announcements occurring in early January. Visitors can participate in this popular national lottery.
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 31 Oct