Has anyone ever been there at Christmas time? Are any of the restraunts open? I've tried to contact the hotel, for suggestions but I haven't heard back yet. I thought I might get a faster reply from all you wonderful travels

I've been there at Christmas time some years ago now... it's as nice as ever (and as cold as it always is in winter) and most (if not all) restaurants are open. You might better book if you are thinking about lunch on December 25th as a lot of families go out for lunch.

Thank you so much for giving me this information! I was starting to get nervous that nothing would be open. I will look into getting a reservation. You don't by any chance have any great resturaunt suggestions, do you?

I'm sorry but in Bologna I always stay with friends and I tend to let them take wherever they wish and not ask!
You can have a look at this beautiful review if you haven't already done so! Have fun planning!

Thank you so much! I hadn't seen that review. I printed it out and we're going to look over all the recommended restuarant! Thanks again!

Trattoria Il gusto del Tempo, Via Massarenti 78 and Trattoria Serghei, Via Piella 12. Both great places, go by to book in advance. You will not find any tourist there.

Bologna is absolutely beautiful at Christmas. I really enjoyed the lighting they put up in the streets.

Bologna is gorgeous during the holidays. We spent the 1st week of January there after having spent Christmas in Venice. Many of our favorite restaurants were closed by the time we got to Bologna, which I believe was on Jan. 2nd. They did not reopen until after Befana, which is January 6th. I can't specifically answer to Christmas however.

Our favorite restaurants are:
Anna Maria - Via Belle Arti 17/A (They were open during our visit)
Cesari - Via Carbonesi, 8
Da Gianni - Via Clavature, 18
Il Calice - Via Clavature (A great place for a cocktail, good snacks and a casual restaurant upstairs)
Caminetto d'Oro - Via Falegnami, 4
Cesarina - Via Santa Stefano, 19
Tamburini - Via Caprarie, 1 (Incredible food store with a casual sit down area, good for a quick meal)
Serghei - Via Piella, 12 (Reserve, they only have about 6 or 7 tables)

We have been to Bologna at least 16 times and I have to say I think I enjoyed it most during the holidays with the beautiful lights and garlands strung everywhere. Even the 2 towers were outlined in lights.