Villages of Italy to visit at Christmas

Christmas is a fantastic time to discover some of the most beautiful villages scattered throughout Italy, places where you can savor the slowness of the Italian dolce vita. But which are the most fascinating villages of Italy during the Christmas period
Let’s find out together!

Attention : some of the events mentioned in the article could be canceled due to Covid19. It is advisable to read up on the official websites before booking your stay.
Location Region Average cost of stay (2 nights / 3 days) San Candido Trentino Alto-Adige (BZ) from € 300.00 – find out more
Asiago Veneto (VI) from € 160.00 – find out more
Greccio Lazio (RI) from € 90.00 – find out more
Amalfi Campania (SA) from € 120.00 – discover more
Pietracupa Molise (CB) from € 86.00 – discover more
Villalago Abruzzo (AQ) from € 130.00 – discover more
Longiano Emilia Romagna (FC) from € 130.00 – find out more
Loreto Marche (AN) from € 110.00 – find out more
Poffabro Friuli – Venezia Giulia (PN) from € 120.00 – find out more
Manarola Liguria (SP) from € 144.00 – find out more
Merano Trentino South Tyrol (BZ) from € 160.00 – discover more
Erice Sicily (TP) from € 100.00 – discover more
Custonaci Sicily (TP) from € 90.00 – discover more
Genga Marche ( AN) from € 140.00 – find out more
Gubbio Umbria (PG) from € 110.00 – find out more
Bressanone Trentino Alto Adige (BZ) from € 200.00 find out more
Matera Basilicata (MT) from € 100.00 – find out more

1 – San Candido, Bolzano (Trentino Alto-Adige)
In the Alta Val Pusteria, within the Tre Cime Natural Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Candido is a wonderful village where Christmas enhances every corner of this mountain jewel, as well as throughout Trentino.

Crafts, colorful Christmas markets, typical food and drinks of the area and a visit to the most important Romanesque monument in South Tyrol, the Collegiate Church of San Candido, are some of the reasons why you should go up there, especially at Christmas. In addition, the Christmas markets invade the entire historic center , in the context of Christmas in the Dolomites in San Candido. Hereyou can taste various typical sweets , such as Lebkuchen, or gingerbread cookies, and Zelten, the traditional sweet fruit bread), all accompanied by mulled wine.
But not only markets and events: San Candido is the ideal base even if you want to discover the surroundings, in fact very close to the famous Lake Braies (20 km, 27 min), which in winter freezes completely and you can skate on it. You will come across several people who also play Hockey.

• How to get there: once you have reached Bolzano, proceed along the E66 and A22 / E45 to reach San Candido (2 h). By plane to Verona, then via A22 / E45 by car (3 h 40 min). With public transport, times are doubled – Get directions
• What to do / see : famous Christmas Market, where you can taste typical specialties and sweets. The Tre Cime Natural Park and the Collegiate Church of San Candido. In the surroundings, the Braies Lake and Sesto
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 150.00 per room – look at the offers

2 – Asiago, Vicenza (Veneto)

The Asiago plateau is among the most beautiful in Italy : it stretches along 500 km in which to practice Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and excursions, surrounded by breathtaking views and absolute silence, broken only by handfuls of snow falling from trees and small movements of circumspect animals.

The Christmas markets here too are a real institution . They are called Christmas Gardens and they start already in mid-November, so that the holiday climate invades the area for as long as possible. Here you will find typical products, handmade home decorations and lots of original gifts.
You can also take advantage of your stay to explore the city and its surroundings! The Laiten Shrine is the most important site of the First World War, and it is fascinating to visit it in winter, in a rarefied atmosphere. But Asiago is also the birthplace of the Asiago Cheese of the same name, so don’t miss to taste it accompanied by the delicious polenta directly from one of the small local producers . Its genuine and savory taste will seem totally different from that bought in any supermarket.

• How to get there: from Verona, with its airport, via A4 / E70 for 95 km (1 h 20 min). From Venice Marco Polo always via A4 / E70 for 107 km (1 h 25 min) – Get directions
• What to do / see : definitely the Christmas gardens. Do not miss the opportunity to try your hand at the ski slopes and visit the Laiten Memorial
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 80.00 per room – see the offers

3 – Greccio, Rieti (Lazio)
Photo of altotemi. If there is a perfect time to get to the village of Greccio, this is Christmas, given that in 1233 St. Francis of Assisi created in this area the first living nativity scene in history , now twinned with Bethlehem: the magnificent sanctuary. that stands on the ground proudly testifies to it. Inside the sanctuary there is the Chapel of the Nativity.
The atmosphere in Greccio is intimate and the Christmas holidays are particularly heartfelt . Between early December and early January, the village turns into a real Christmas village, with wonderful markets in the classic wooden houses and numerous events! Inside the Borgo di Natale, at an altitude of 700 m, there is also the International Exhibition of Crafts and Nativity Objects.
If you visit the village, we recommend that you also explore its surroundings! In fact, about 30 minutes from Greccio, there is the Marmore Falls, one of the highest in Europe , with a height difference of 165 meters and 3 jumps, open at set times all year round. In winter the spectacle is even more beautiful, often some ice stalactites form on the waterfall!

• How to get there: arrived in Rieti, then continue along Via Spinacceto and Via Chiesa Nuova for 15 km to the village of Greccio (22 min). Recommended to move by car, there is no public transport – Get directions
• What to do / see : markets and nativity scene, Santa Claus Village, Sanctuary with the Nativity Chapel, International Nativity Scene Museum, International Exhibition of Crafts and Nativity Objects, Marmore Falls
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 45.00 per room – see the offers

4 – Amalfi, Salerno (Campania)
Why not attend the winter spectacle of the Christmas holidays in a unique context such as the Amalfi Coast
The cribs follow one another , in symbolic places such as the Emerald Grotto and the Conca dei Marini.
In Amalfi, the setting of the most spectacular comet , which reaches the Cathedral of Amalfi from Mount Tabor, confirms Christmas as the most scenic and heartfelt celebration in the area, with strong contrasts between the sacred and the profane, between prayer and dinners. And this is one of the best times to discover the excellent culinary tradition of the area! So if you decide to visit Amalfi at Christmas, forget about the diet: desserts are the main characters, such as mustacciuoli, struffoli, zeppole and nougat!
Here too you can find the traditional Christmas markets , which are held mainly on the Lungomare dei Cavalieri, and various workshops and workshops for young and old!

SEE ALSO : Amalfi: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

• How to get there: starting from Naples, take the A3 for 60 km (1 h 20 min) or through organized tours. From Salerno, by car via SS163 for 25 km (1 h) or bus 5120 Salerno-Maiori-Amalfi to Amalfi (1 h 15 min, from € 2.40) – Get directions
• What to do / see : Emerald Grotto, Conca dei Marini, Amalfi Cathedral
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 61.00 per room – see the offers

5 – Pietracupa, Campobasso (Molise)
Photo by Gianfranco Vitolo. Among all the beautiful villages that at Christmas seem to have an extra charm, Pietracupa is at the top of the list: dominated by a huge rocky spur, this tiny cluster of houses on the rock, is called the Bethlehem of Molise .
Pietracupa has a mysterious cave, called the Rock Crypt, which over the centuries has been used as a place of prayer, as a prison and court during the years of the Inquisition, as a refuge during the air raids of the World Wars and as a place of capital executions. Yet during Christmas the crypt shines with its own light, attracting crowds of people who in the intimacy of the cave find that ancient original message of the deepest meaning of the holidays. You sit on spartan wooden benches and listen to the silence of the place in front of an ancient millstone used as an altar.
One of the most beautiful and profound experiences is the Christmas midnight mass held inside the crypt . You will feel like you have been taken back in time!

• How to get there: land in Naples, then by car via A1 / E45 for 168 km (2 h 15 min), alternatively direct bus line 107 (Naples Garibaldi-Pietracupa, 3 h 25 min). From Rome, by car via A1 / E45 for 241 km (3 h) – Get directions
• What to do / see : the whole perched village, the Rock Crypt, the Vigil Mass
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 43.00 per room – see the offers

6 – Villalago, L’Aquila (Abruzzo)
Photo of Cmassari. Another magnificent village perched on the rock, inserted by right in the circuit of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy. Villalago is a perfect destination for the Christmas holidays: on December 26th the underwater nativity scene is set up at Lake San Domenico ! The local group of divers, in a sui generis procession, prepares the whole scenography with the various ceramic statues transported with special rafts and placed on the bottom of the water and, all around the surface, dozens of torches and candles that make this one shine. truly original custom. The fireworks conclude the magical evening .

Nearby is the magnificent Lake Scanno: really a shame not to jump there taking advantage of the short distance. Even here in Scanno the holidays are very heartfelt! The whole area is also surrounded by ski resorts , ideal for those who love winter sports!

• How to get there: from Pescara, on the Adriatic coast, for 91 km via the A25 / E80 (1 h 10 min). From Rome via A25 / E80 and A24 for 148 km (1 h 50 min). Car recommended, the village is not well connected by public transport – Get directions
• What to do / see : underwater nativity scene, Lake Scanno, Scanno
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 65.00 per room – see the offers

7 – Longiano, Forli-Cesena (Emilia-Romagna)
Photo by Marco Musmeci. Longiano is a pearl of a medieval village , located in the heart of the Romagna region. Developed around the original Maletestian Castle of 1200 , the village has been restored with all the trappings, managing to offer the feeling of medieval atmosphere with Carthusian care. The Petrella Theater from the end of the 19th century is another jewel of the town, still used today by Italian and international artists for their tours.
At Christmas, the unmissable event has now become a classic, is ” Longiano dei Presepi“: every street, alley, square hosts various nativity scenes, traditional or revisited in a contemporary artistic key, at the head of which we can admire the Great Mechanical Nativity Scene of the Santuario del Ss. Croficisso. The celebrations begin in the first days of December, generally on the 8th , with the inauguration in the presence of the Bishop of the city, and lasted until about mid-January.
It is also worthwhile to make a few kilometers to reach Cesenatico and its Floating Marine Crib , organized by the Marine Museum of the city: from December to January, in the port of the city, the boats of the museum host the nativity scene, with life-size statues!

• How to get there: a few steps from the Riviera Romagnola, reachable from Rimini via the SS9 for 22 km (35 min). From Cesena via SS726 for 13 km (20 min) or by direct bus 140 (30 min) – Get directions
• What to do / see : Malatesta Castle, Petrella Theater, Langiano dei Presepi, Mechanical Nativity Scene, Cesenatico with the Marine Floating Nativity Scene
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 65.00 per room – see the offers

8 – Loreto, Ancona (Marche)
Loreto does not have the tiny dimensions of a typical village, but it enters the list of the most beautiful villages to visit at Christmas because of the most important relic that it has the honor of keeping within the walls of the town: the Holy House of Nazareth where, according to belief, the Virgin Mary received the Annunciation. Next to it stands the basilica, and everything overlooks the most beautiful square in the town, Piazza della Madonna, a true landmark of the life of the city , in the center of which we can see the magnificent Fontana Maggiore.
The celebrations begin with the lighting of the big tree at the beginning of December and end with the Befana concert at the beginning of January.Throughout the period, the traditional Christmas fair is held in the streets of Loreto , with stalls and markets, music, festive occasions but also moments of meditation, such as the traditional Christmas masses.

• How to get there: it is 30 km from the capital Ancona, from here reachable by car via the A14 Adriatic motorway (28 min). Alternatively, direct regional train Ancona-Loreto (26 min, 4 stops) – Get directions
• What to do / see : the Holy House of Nazareth, Piazza della Madonna, the Polish Military Cemetery
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 55.00 per room – see the offers

9 – Poffabro, Pordenone (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
Photo by Gabriel Marchionni. Poffabro, in the list of The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy, has a completely authentic charm characterized by stone houses with large wooden terraces , from which you can admire a wonderful view over the whole of Friuli! Wandering through the streets there are various churches, votive capitals, but no stately palace or imposing cathedrals.

At Christmas all the inhabitants of Poffabro create their nativity scenes and display them in the streets , so as to create a large house illuminated by lights and colors. In addition, throughout the country, there are wooden silhouettes of life-size farmers, who will “accompany” you during the exploration of the village. Poffabro’s Christmas and certainlya simple, intimate, participatory and joyful Christmas .

• How to get there: from Udine by car via SR464 for 50 km (1 h). From Pordenone via SR251 and SP19 for 35 km (40 min) – Get directions
• What to do / see : the village with its simple houses and nativity scenes scattered around the streets
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per room – see the offers

10 – Manarola, La Spezia (Liguria)
Photo by Francesco Crippa. The magnificent village overlooking the sea of ​​Manarola is located in an equally beautiful area that is that of the Cinque Terre National Park .
Manarola is the place where the largest nativity scene in the world is built , which for years has entered the Guinness Book of Records: the whole hill lights up in a unique and exciting game of large and small lights that follow the shapes of the various characters of the religious representation. The inauguration of the crib falls on the day of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, then continuing for all the Christmas holidays . Year after year, the nativity scene designed by Mario Andreoli has come to count as many as 300 characters, which are scattered all over the hill of the Three Crosses. The show that can be admired in the evening is truly wonderful, an incredible sight!

SEE ALSO : Manarola: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

• How to get there: from La Spezia via SP370 for 16 km (20 min). Alternatively, direct regional train La Spezia-Manarola (11 min, 2 stops). Nearby Rio Maggiore (6 km) and Vernazza (10 km) – Get directions
• What to do / see : the largest nativity scene in the world, the Cinque Terre National Park, the rocky port, the Castle of 1200, the Oratory of 1400
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 72.00 per room – look at the offers

11 – Merano, Bolzano (South Tyrol)
Christmas is always magical in South Tyrol! Merano is not really a village, but an alpine city that really deserves to be visited during the Christmas holidays! Furthermore, its strategic position makes it a very famous ski resort , thanks to the many facilities in the surrounding area! But that’s not all: it is also known for its wonderful spas , ideal for relaxing after spending the day outdoors!
Christmas is the period in which the streets of the city are filled with traditional markets , represented by about 60 wooden houses that sell handicrafts and excellent local products! But that’s not all: the whole month of December is characterized by numerous events! Starting with the Krampus parade and the arrival of San Niccolo at the beginning of the month, the events continue with workshops for children, shows and concerts.

SEE ALSO : Merano: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

• How to get there: in the northern part of South Tyrol, near the border with Austria. The best solution is to arrive by car, from Bolzano about 34 km (30 min) via SS38 – Get directions
• What to do / see : Christmas Village, Merano 2000 ski resort, Trauttmansdorff Castle, Princely Castle and Schenna Castle. Nearby Tyrol
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 80.00 per room – see the offers

12 – Erice, Trapani (Sicily)
Let’s move now to the opposite side of Italy, in Sicily! Here, in fact, from December (generally from 8) to the beginning of January, the EriceNatale – Il Borgo dei Presepi is held, a month full of events to celebrate Christmas ! Starting from the inevitable markets, where you can buy local handicraft products and taste the excellent Christmas specialties of the village and Sicily!
But the real notoriety revolves around the great organized events ! Here the Zampogne dal Mondo festival is held, which attracts bagpipers from all over Italy. It is one of the pivotal events of the holidays, born in the 60s and which every year has gained more and more popularity, thus also saving a tradition that was fading! Furthermore, we speak of “Borgo dei Presepi” as nativity scenes are set up on display in the churches, courtyards and shops throughout the historic center . In the past it was also possible to admire famous nativity scenes, such as the Monumental Nativity Scene by master Callari (with over 300 characters built entirely by hand), or the smallest nativity scene in the world (built on a pinhead).

SEE ALSO : Erice: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

• How to get there: you must first arrive in Trapani, conveniently served by the airport. From there, you can take the Erice-Trapani cable car (€ 5.50, round trip € 9.00) – Get directions
• What to do / see : EriceChristmas, Bagpipes Review from the World, Monumental Nativity Scene, Cathedral of the Assumption, Castle of Venus
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 50.00 per room – see the offers

13 – Custonaci, Trapani (Sicily)
Photo by tato grosso. We always stay in Sicily, in the province of Trapani. Here there is a unique village of its kind: we are talking about Custonaci. Mainly a seaside resort and a summer destination , being not far from natural wonders such as the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve and the Zingaro Reserve, there is an event that also makes it the perfect Christmas destination : the Living Nativity Scene in the Mangiapane Grotto.
The Mangiapane Cave is a cave of prehistoric origin, with important evidence of the past inside, such as many rock paintings. And right inside is the famous Living Nativity scene. The representation features about 160 characters and attracts people from all over Italy! In order to access it you need to buy a ticket, to book as soon as possible to secure a seat, consult the official website.

• How to get there: from Trapani continue for about 20 km towards Custonaci via the SP20 and SP18 (25 min). Better to be equipped with a car for travel – Get directions
• What to do / see : Living Nativity Scene in the Mangiapane Cave, Monte Cofano Nature Reserve
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 45.00 per room – see the offers

14 – Genga, Ancona (Marche)
Photo of Alicudi. Continuing to discover the most particular nativity scenes , you absolutely cannot miss the one in Genga, in Ancona. But this is no ordinary nativity scene, we are talking about the largest living nativity scene in the world ! It covers about 3,000 square meters inside the famous Frasassi Caves (65 km from Ancona). About 300 people are involved in the event who give life to different characters , reviving even the most ancient traditions of the area. The nativity scene takes place only for two days and admission and payment, consult the official website.
In addition to the crib, numerous other events are also organized in the historic center of Genga: the Christmas markets with handicrafts and typical local products are not to be missed, but also workshops and laboratories for the little ones.

• How to get there: reachable from Ancona, by car via SS 76 (about 70 km, 1 h 10 min). It is recommended to have a car, it takes at least 2 h 30 min by public transport – Get directions
• What to do / see : Living Nativity of Genga, Frasassi Caves, Castle of Santa Claus, historic center of Genga
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 75.00 per room – see the offers

15 – Gubbio, Perugia (Umbria)
Gubbio is a wonderful medieval village in Umbria , not too far from Perugia. One of the best times to visit it, besides the summer, is certainly the Christmas period, as it hosts the largest Christmas tree in the world , which stands out over the entire medieval city. And the celebrations begin with its lighting, at the beginning of December!
The whole city is decorated throughout the month of December and the Christmas Land is set up ! There are attractions for both adults and children, such as the Kingdom of Santa Claus and the International Exhibition of Nativity Scene (with new proposals every year, consult the official website).
In addition to the Christmas Land, you candiscover the city through some attractions designed especially for Christmas , such as the Gubbio Express Christmas, a train that goes around the historic center.

SEE ALSO : Gubbio, Umbria: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

• How to get there: from Perugia by car via SR 298 (40 km, 50 min). It is recommended to have your own vehicle, alternatively direct bus E001 between the two central city squares (1 h 15 min) – Get directions
• What to do / see : historic center of Gubbio, largest tree in the world, Christmas Land, ride on the Gubbio Express Christmas
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 55.00 per room – see the offers

16 – Bressanone, Bolzano (South Tyrol)
Photo of Casalmaggiore Provincia. Let’s go back to South Tyrol again, this time to Bressanone. Also in this case it is not really a village, but more an ancient archiepiscopal city , but the beauty that it releases at Christmas makes it rightfully enter this ranking! In fact, in the square in front of the famous Cathedral of Bressanone , the wonderful Christmas markets are held , famous throughout Italy!

In the center of the square there is a large Christmas tree, surrounded by the classic wooden houses that sell handicrafts and tasty local specialties.
In addition to the markets, there are many activities around: from workshops for young and old to the skating rink always in the central square, up to concerts and shows. In this regard, the Liora Light Musical Show, or the multimedia show made of lights and music that takes place every year in the courtyard of the Bishop’s Palace of the city, is not to be missed.

• How to get there: easily reachable from Bolzano by car via the A22 / E45 and Via Statale 12 (41 km, 45 min). Alternatively, there is also the direct regional train between the stations of the two cities (40 min) – Get directions
• What to do / see : Christmas market, Liora Light Musical Show, Bressanone Cathedral, Witches’ Slide, Colle Pinaz panoramic terrace
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 100.00 per room – look at the offers

17 – Matera (Basilicata)
We conclude with Matera, in Basilicata. Known as the Citta dei Sassi, even in this case it is not really a village, but if you want an Italian destination for Christmas it is absolutely worth considering! Because it is in the Sassi area that the wonderful living nativity scene is held , as well as numerous other events.
The Living Nativity of the Sassi di Matera involves hundreds of escapees and takes place on the weekends of December and around Christmas day. But not only that, visiting the Sassi during the Christmas period also means discovering the Sacred events of Advent, as well as performances of bagpipes and traditional songs. The little ones can instead have fun in the Santa Claus Village!

SEE ALSO: Matera: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

• How to get there: if you arrive by plane the best solution is to land at Bari airport, and from there travel by car to Matera (65 km, 55 min). The best solution is to have a means to move freely – Get directions
• What to do / see : Living Nativity of the Sassi of Matera, Santa Claus Village, historic center, Tramontano Castle, Matera Basilica
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 50.00 per room – see the offers