Book your hotel in Bibione
When:
Sat 6 Dec
-Sun 1 Feb
Where:
In front of the Beach Office n. 6 (Pinguino) in via Lungomare Trieste 7
Winter in Lignano Sabbiadoro lights up once again with the magic of its most awaited attraction. The monumental Sand Nativity returns, now in its 22nd edition. The work, the beating heart of the “Natale d’A…mare” event calendar, is ready to enchant residents and visitors with a profound and current theme, capable of uniting Gospel tradition with contemporary reflection.
The official opening is set for Saturday, 6th December 2025, and the exhibition will remain open until Sunday, 1st February 2026.
The theme: A dialogue between past and present
The title chosen for the 2025/2026 edition is “Mary in the Gospels and in Today’s Women”. This year, the master sand sculptors will not limit themselves to depicting the classic Nativity; instead, they will create an exhibition path conceived as a genuine dialogue.
The exhibition will be divided into two distinct but specular sections:
- Tradition: A first part dedicated to the figure of Mary as portrayed in the Nativity Gospels, particularly those of Luke and Matthew.
- The Contemporary: A second section offering a modern reinterpretation of the same Gospel episodes, interpreting them in light of the experiences, challenges, and strength of today’s women.
These two perspectives will converge towards a large central Nativity, designed as a symbol of continuity, unity, and dialogue between the sacred narrative and everyday life.
Ephemeral art that defeats winter
As every year, the work will be brought to life by internationally renowned artists, who will transform tons of Friulian sand into monumental sculptures. The technique, using only compacted sand and water, allows for the creation of extremely fine details and scenes of great emotional impact, all protected by a large tensile structure set up on the Lungomare Trieste. Work begins between late October and early November.
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.
Useful information for your visit
For those wishing to immerse themselves in this unique atmosphere, here are the details to plan your visit:
- Where: The tensile structure is located at Beach Office n. 6 (Pinguino – Lungomare Trieste, 7).
- Period: From 6th December 2025 to 1st February 2026.
- Admission: Access to the Sand Nativity is, as per tradition, by free donation. There is no reservation needed (for organized groups and coaches, we recommend sending an email to presepesabbialignano@gmail.com indicating the day, time and number of people).
- Opening hours:Days and times will be as follows:
- Full time from 10 am to 6 pm:
- December: on 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, and 14th, from 20th to 24th, from 26th to 31st
- January: from 1st to 6th, on 11th, 18th and 25th
- February: on 1st.
- Only afternoon from 2 to 6 pm:
- December: from 9th to 12th, from 15th to 19th, on 25th
- January: on 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st.
- Full time from 10 am to 6 pm:
The Sand Nativity reaffirms its status not only as an unmissable Christmas event in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, but also as a moment of profound artistic and spiritual reflection by the winter sea.
Photocredit: Associazione Dome Aghe e Savalon d’Aur