When:
Sat 5 Dec
-Sun 31 Jan
Where:
Lignano Sabbiadoro, Lungomare Trieste 7
As the holiday season approaches, the Friulian coast is preparing to welcome one of the most evocative and anticipated events of the year: the 23rd edition of the Sand Nativity Scene in Lignano Sabbiadoro. From 5th December 2026, to 31st January 2027, the golden beach transforms into an open-air art gallery, ready to enchant visitors of all ages with monumental sculptures modelled entirely from sand and sea water.
A work of art between faith, memory, and territory
Every year, internationally renowned artists come to Lignano Sabbiadoro to shape tons of sand, combining sculptural technique, artistic sensitivity, and deep ethical and emotional narratives. The technique, which uses only compacted sand and water, allows for the creation of extremely fine details and scenes of great emotional impact, protected by the large tensile structure set up on Lungomare Trieste.
The theme for the 2026/2027 edition will be “On the move: roads, thresholds, encounters. The echo of the Gospels in everyday steps”, focusing on travel, encounters, and human solidarity, on the “journey” understood as the universal experience of human beings: movement in space, but also an inner path, a succession of choices, encounters, passages, landscapes, and transformations. Among the most relevant new features of this edition is a special installation entitled “Trema” (Trembles), a touching tribute and memorial 50 years after the earthquake that struck the Friuli region in 1976. A work that celebrates resilience, community strength, and the capacity to be reborn.
Where and when to visit the nativity scene
The artwork is set up inside the tensile structure located on Lungomare Trieste, at Beach Office n. 6 (Pinguino – Lungomare Trieste, 7).
- Opening period: From 5th December 2026 to 31st January 2027.
- Opening hours: Every day with continuous hours from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Admission: Free with voluntary donation (proceeds are traditionally donated to charity to support humanitarian projects).
Useful information for your visit
- Accessibility: The facility is completely free of architectural barriers, easily accessible for people with reduced mobility and for families with strollers. Equipped restrooms are available nearby.
- Four-legged friends: Pets are allowed inside the tensile structure as long as they are kept on a leash.
- Groups and organized tours: For organized groups and buses, it is recommended to send an email to presepesabbialignano@gmail.com indicating the day, time, and number of people.
- How to get there and parking: During the Christmas period, the city centre may experience vehicular traffic limitations. Parking spaces dedicated to buses are located about 300 meters from the exhibition area, with parking stalls reserved for people with disabilities available nearby.
The event is organized by the Association Dome Aghe e Savalon d’Aur, in collaboration with Pro Loco Lignano, Lignano in Fiore Onlus, Lignano Sabbiadoro Gestioni, with the support of the City of Lignano Sabbiadoro and the contribution – fundamental – of the local associations.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a unique emotion a stone’s throw from the sea and our seaside resort. For further information and program updates: www.presepelignano.it.
