Cities where you can enjoy a long weekend filled with events

The Ponte dell'Immacolata is a great opportunity to take a few days off and start enjoying the special atmosphere that only December and the Christmas holidays can offer

What days does the Ponte dell'Immacolata public holiday fall on? The holiday falls on 8th December which this year is a Friday: so you will have a long weekend to take a break and look forward to the holidays at the end of the year. If you are wondering where to go over the Ponte dell'Immacolata long weekend, we have three destinations to recommend.

Milan: opening night at La Scala and Sant'Ambrogio fair

The Ponte dell'Immacolata 2023 is one of the most atmospheric times to visit Milan: the city is getting ready for the Christmas holidays and several not-to-be-missed event happen around this time. Given that the feast of the city's patron saint Sant'Ambrogio falls on 7th December, Milan takes two days off, guaranteeing a long weekend full of surprises.

La Prima at the Scala

On 7th December, as per tradition, La Prima takes place at La Scala opera house: a unique musical and cultural event of its kind, as evidenced by the presence of the highest representatives of city and State. With a host of elegant dresses, prominent personalities and great works, the evening is a real tour de force.

But that's not all: from 1st to 7th December, free events will be held in the city so everybody can enjoy Verdi's Don Carlo in the streets and squares of Milan. An initiative that unites the city and offers exhibitions, performances and concerts dedicated to the opera that inaugurates the theatre season at La Scala. On the evening of 7th December, you can follow live from over 30 places in Milan for free. 

The "Oh bej! Oh bej!" fair

The "Oh bej! Oh bej!" fair is the popular event that brings the week of Sant'Ambrogio to life and enchants locals and tourists alike: five centuries old, the great fair will take place from 7th to 10th December near the Sforzesco castle.

Whether you are looking for the ideal gift or just want to enjoy the atmosphere of Milan as it prepares for the festivities, this event is a must: everyone exhibits here, from florists to artisans, sellers of prints, toys and sweets. 

In Milan, the Maison Milano | UNA Esperienze, located a few steps from the Duomo, and the UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano, a prestigious 4-star hotel very close to Castello Sforzesco, are waiting for you and preparing to make your stay unique.

The living nativity scene in Matera

Matera is a city known everywhere for its Sassi, or ancient cave dwellings, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993: they boast an ancient history and their beauty is a sight to behold.

In Matera, which exudes a unique spirit during the Christmas holidays, one of the most famous events of this time of year is held. This is the large living nativity scene in the Sassi of Matera, accompanying locals and tourists to the celebration of Christmas.

A captivating representation that comes to life on various weekends in the month of December: its inauguration is scheduled precisely for the Immaculate Conception holiday in 2023, between December 7th and 9th.

The UNAHOTELS MH Matera is waiting to guarantee you a dream stay: immersed in a 5-hectare park, the property is just five minutes from the Sassi and the city centre. 

Inside you'll find the OLOS SPA, the new wellness and fitness centre with a whirlpool, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and herbal tea corner overlooking the waterfall.

Ponte dell'Immacolata in Naples

Naples is a city with timeless charm, and even in winter, it retains the magic that seems to exist only in its streets. The city combines tradition, spirituality, tourism and gastronomy like very few others, and strolling through its streets during the Ponte dell’Immacolata holiday will leave you breathless.

There are many places to visit during the Ponte dell’Immacolata holiday in 2023: from picturesque Spaccanapoli to Castel dell'Ovo, taking in Underground Naples and the many museums in the city. The most famous place at this time of year, however, is the district of San Gregorio Armeno.

This street in the historic centre is known for its workshop selling handmade nativity scenes and attracts many tourists every year: a truly traditional experience, a unique spectacle that tells the magic of Christmas as experienced in Naples.

Special events abound, from the gospel concert on the night of Friday 8th December, at the Gelsomino Theater in Afragola, to the fascinating guided night tour among the various buildings and peculiarities of the Monumental Complex of Santa Maria La Nova. 

If you want to spend the Ponte dell'Immacolata in Naples and enjoy this special atmosphere then book your stay at UNAHOTELS Napoli: the hotel enjoys an enviable location, a few steps from the Central Station and the historic centre. In addition, you can enjoy the best dishes of Neapolitan food and wine at the Vesuvio Roof Bar & Restaurant by "UNA cucina".

The Ponte dell'Immacolata 2023 is an excellent opportunity to take a few days off before the Christmas break and await the holidays while breathing in the atmosphere of what many consider the most magical time of the year.