by InTrieste
The city of Trieste inaugurated its seasonal ice skating rink and the traditional San Nicolò Fair on Friday, marking the start of the city’s official holiday festivities under the municipal program “A Trieste per le Feste.”
Mayor Roberto Dipiazza attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Piazza Ponterosso, where the new ice skating rink will remain open to the public until January 11, 2026. The rink, enhanced with wooden railings, updated lighting, and new scenic decorations, is designed to attract young visitors and complement the broader Christmas Market, which runs from December 7, 2025, to January 6, 2026, across the city’s central streets including Via delle Torri, Via Ponchielli, Via Bellini, Piazza del Ponterosso, and Piazza della Borsa.
During the market period, visitors can expect a range of festive activities, including street performers, costumed entertainers, and a mascot engaging with children. A dedicated photo area will also be set up for visitors to capture holiday memories.
Following the rink inauguration, the San Nicolò Fair was officially opened in Viale XX Settembre, near Largo Bonifacio, with the accompaniment of the Banda dell’Ongia. The fair, organized annually by the municipal Department of Economic Policies, will be active until Sunday, December 7, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring 85 vendor spaces including food stalls and small seating areas for on-site consumption.
A central feature for young attendees is the “Casetta di San Nicolò” in Largo Bonifacio, which will host daily animation activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children can meet San Nicolò in traditional attire, participate in crafts and letter-writing workshops, and receive sweets and small gifts. On December 6 and 7, a face-painting station will also be available.
The fair and skating rink are part of Trieste’s broader effort to attract tourists and provide festive experiences for residents. Mayor Dipiazza highlighted the continued popularity of the city’s holiday illuminations and expressed confidence that the newly enhanced rink would draw significant interest.
Safety measures at the fair include oversight by local police and trained personnel equipped to handle fire emergencies, first aid, and crowd management.
