Gathering of Santa Clauses at the Regina Margherita (2026)
Date of the event:
16th edition of the gathering of motorcyclists dressed as Santa Claus, organized by the Fondazione Forma in support of the Regina Margherita Children's Hospital in Turin and scheduled for 13 December 2026, which for the first time will not include the motorcycle parade because of Smat roadworks in piazza Polonia.
The gathering of Santa Clauses at the Regina Margherita is a charity event organized by the Fondazione dell'Ospedale Infantile Regina Margherita di Torino (Forma), reaching its sixteenth edition in 2026 and scheduled for Sunday 13 December. The event traditionally brings together thousands of motorcyclists dressed as Santa Claus who ride to the children's hospital in piazza Polonia, to greet the young patients looking out from the windows, and raises funds for the hospital's healthcare projects [1][2].
The announcement of 3 November 2026
On 3 November 2026 the Fondazione Forma announced through its social media channels that the 2026 edition of the gathering will, for the first time, lose the traditional motorcycle parade [1][2]. The decision is linked to Smat roadworks occupying piazza Polonia and the access roundabout, narrowing the roadway and blocking the view between corso Unità d'Italia and the hospital windows, where young patients used to look out to watch the motorcyclists go by [1][2]. The whole procession that in previous years set off from the Movi Mobility Village in Beinasco to reach the hospital through the city's streets will therefore not take place [2].
The alternative solution
Instead of the parade, the Fondazione Forma has proposed that motorcyclists meet on Sunday 13 December from 8:30 to 10am at the Lingotto, where a reserved parking area for motorcycles will be available [1][2]. From there participants will reach piazza Polonia on foot, wearing the red Santa Claus costume, to still ensure the presence of a crowd of Santa Clauses in front of the hospital [1][2]. The Movi Mobility Village in Beinasco will also move to the Lingotto, where a stage with surprises for participants will be set up [1][2].
Fundraising
The gathering is one of the main events of the Fondazione Forma's Christmas campaign, which through the sale of costumes and charity products supports the hospital's projects [2]. In the 2025 Christmas edition the fundraiser reached 540,000 euros, intended for the new paediatric haemodynamics room at the Regina Margherita, while around 40,000 people had taken part in the event [2].
Related articles: Regina Margherita Children's Hospital
Sources
- TorinoToday — 3 November 2026
- La Stampa — 3 November 2026