by InTrieste
The high-plateau village overlooking Trieste is ushering in its annual holiday program, Natale con Noi, a weeks-long celebration that blends local craft skills, religious tradition and community gatherings. Festivities begin on Tuesday, Dec. 9, with the arrival of San Nicolò by horse-drawn carriage, followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazzale Monte Re and the illumination of the nativity scene on Via di Prosecco.
The program, which runs through Jan. 11, 2026, includes extended shopping hours, musical performances, children’s activities, and guided visits to the Opicina bunkers and to Kleine Berlin. This year, Opicina will again display four nativity scenes — at Villa Carsia, Via di Prosecco, the Percedol pond, and the Obelisk.
Shoppers strolling through Via Nazionale, Strada per Vienna and Largo San Tommaso will find the streets illuminated and anchored by the traditional Christmas tree donated by the City of Trieste. The intricately crafted nativity scene by “Nonna Bruna” returns in an expanded version featuring new handmade figures created each season with collaborator Dario Rota.
The tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. will be accompanied by performances from the choir Chi canta prega due volte and the Stane Malič male choir. Earlier in the afternoon, San Nicolò’s carriage tour starting at 3:30 p.m.will bring sweets and greetings to children throughout the village.
The Villa Carsia nativity inauguration on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. will include the lighting of the display and a tree decorated by local kindergarten students. A reception offered by the Bosco supermarket will follow.
The Percedol nativity opening on Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. will feature students from the A. M. Slomšek High School, a blessing by parish priest Franc Šenk, and performances by the school choir, accordionist Aleksander Ipavec, and the Nino Baldi Alpini Choir.
Cultural and recreational events include a Christmas cheer-dance performance on Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m., the skating show “The Disney Dream” on Dec. 13 and 14, and a Christmas gathering for seniors on Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m., organized by the Volop volunteer association.
On Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m., Santa Claus’s arrival by carriage, portrayed by Omar Marucelli and accompanied by the Viktor Parma band, will bring another moment of festivity for families.
Outdoor activities include the Pickleball Christmas tournament on Dec. 27 at 10 a.m., weather permitting. On the same day, the holiday artisan and antiques market from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. will line Opicina’s main streets, including a children’s exchange area for books, toys and collectibles.
Religious observances remain central to the season. These include a bilingual Christmas Mass on Dec. 19 at 3:30 p.m.at the Antonella nursing home; the inauguration of a toy-themed nativity scene on Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. at the San Bartolomeo church; the Slovenian-language Christmas program, Midnight Mass on Dec. 24 at 10 p.m. followed by the symbolic placement of the Baby Jesus figure at the Via di Prosecco nativity; the solemn Christmas Day Mass on Dec. 25; the Christmas concert at 6 p.m. on the same day; and the year-end Mass on Dec. 31 at 7 p.m..
History enthusiasts can participate in guided tours of the Opicina bunkers on Dec. 13, 14, 18, 21, 27, and again on Jan. 10 and 11, with three daily time slots at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Guided tours of Kleine Berlin on Dec. 26 at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. round out the historical offerings.
Art lovers may visit the Fulvio Cazzador atelier, which will remain open throughout the holiday period.
Local merchants have extended special holiday shopping hours and the ZKB bank is offering free weekend parking throughout December.
