Manarola nativity scene 2026: dates, times and where to see it

The history of the Manarola nativity scene

In 1961 Mario Andreoli, a railway worker from Manarola born in 1928, lit up the Tre Croci on the hill facing the village for the first time, to fulfil a wish of his father’s. Over the years, evening after evening, he added figures built from cheap and recycled materials, climbing hundreds of steps among the vineyards to put them in place and checking the effect from the square in front of the chiesa di San Lorenzo. The nativity scene grew to more than 250 illuminated figures, spread across the terraces above the village, and the Cinque Terre National Park describes it as the largest illuminated nativity scene in the world.

Mario Andreoli died in December 2022. Since then the nativity scene has been looked after by the Associazione Presepe di Manarola – Mario Andreoli, with the support of CAI La Spezia; the Cinque Terre National Park and the Municipality of Riomaggiore help with the maintenance and protection of the work. The 2025 edition was the 64th.

Manarola nativity scene 2026: dates and lighting

By tradition the nativity scene is lit around 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and stays lit every evening until January. In 2025 the lighting was brought forward to Sunday 7 December and the nativity scene stayed illuminated until 18 January 2026. For 2026 the lighting is expected on Tuesday 8 December, with the switch-off in mid-January 2027, but the official programme has not been released yet: we will update this page as soon as the Park and the Association publish it.

Lighting day is a celebration for the whole village. In 2025 the programme included the Pro Loco Christmas markets from 9am to 8pm, the band playing through the streets from early afternoon, a gospel concert in the chiesa di San Lorenzo, the opening of the old mill and a photo exhibition in the oratory. At 5.20pm the CAI La Spezia torchlight procession set off, followed by speeches and the lighting. That day the Via dell’Amore between Riomaggiore and Manarola was open free of charge in both directions from 3pm.

Where to see the nativity scene

You view the nativity scene from Manarola, looking towards the hill opposite: the Park asks visitors to admire it from the viewpoints, so you see the whole composition and respect the work. The easiest spots are the square in front of the chiesa di San Lorenzo, in the upper part of the village, and via Rollandi. The widest view is along the Via Beccara, the path that climbs from Manarola towards Riomaggiore: it is made of steps, it is unlit and you need a torch, so only walk the first stretch, and carefully.

The figures light up at sunset, around 5pm: arrive while it is still light so you can climb to the square and wait for the lighting. On holidays and on the inauguration day the village fills up, so it is best to arrive in the early afternoon.

How to get to Manarola for the nativity scene

By train. This is the easiest way. Manarola has a station on the Genoa–La Spezia line, connected to the village by a pedestrian tunnel; from La Spezia, Riomaggiore and Corniglia the journey takes a few minutes. In December the special Cinque Terre fare, valid from 14 March to 1 November, does not apply: you travel with ordinary regional tickets. In 2025 extra trains from Genoa and La Spezia were added for the lighting. Check the last evening train before you set off.

By car. From La Spezia follow the Cinque Terre road towards Riomaggiore and then Manarola, about 30 minutes. There is only one paid car park at the entrance to the village, about 400 metres from the church; beyond the barrier only residents may enter. The car park fills up early, especially on lighting day: the train is a better option.

Tips for your nativity scene evening

In December, in the evening by the sea, temperatures drop towards 7–8 °C: bring a warm jacket and comfortable shoes for the stairways. Before you set off, check the Manarola weather: with rain and weather alerts the paths get slippery and the outdoor programme may change. If you want to enjoy the nativity scene without worrying about the last train, stay the night: you will find places to stay in the guide where to stay in Manarola, but book early, because there are few beds in the village.