Here are some small Italian towns known for their unique holiday charm and magical experiences, from festive decorations to local traditions that bring the spirit of Christmas to life:
1. Gubbio, Umbria
Gubbio transforms into a holiday wonderland with the world’s largest Christmas tree, displayed on Mount Ingino. The “tree” is made up of hundreds of colorful lights covering the hillside, visible from miles away. Gubbio’s medieval streets are decorated with lights, and the town hosts Christmas markets and traditional Umbrian food stands.
Must-See: The lighting of the giant Christmas tree on December 7, a local celebration filled with fireworks and music.
2. Bressanone (Brixen), South Tyrol
Nestled in the Dolomites, Bressanone offers an enchanting holiday experience with its traditional Tyrolean Christmas market, local crafts, and holiday lights. The town is known for its “Light Musical Show,” a multimedia light show projected on the walls of the Bressanone Cathedral that tells magical stories with light, music, and visuals.
Must-See: The Bressanone Christmas market and the Light Musical Show at the Bishop’s Palace.
3. Orvieto, Umbria
Orvieto, with its stunning cliffside location, offers a peaceful and festive holiday experience. The town is famous for its beautiful nativity scenes, including a life-size presepe (nativity) set up in St. Patrick’s Well. Orvieto also hosts a winter jazz festival, “Umbria Jazz Winter,” during the holiday season, which draws visitors from across Italy.
Must-See: The life-sized nativity scene in St. Patrick’s Well and the Umbria Jazz Winter festival.
4. Greccio, Lazio
Greccio holds a special place in Italian holiday tradition, as it’s said to be the birthplace of the very first nativity scene, created by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223. The town celebrates with a living nativity scene (presepe vivente) every Christmas season, recreating the event in a natural cave. Visitors can also explore the “Path of the Nativity” museum.
Must-See: The living nativity scene, held from December 24 to January 6, recreating Saint Francis’s original nativity with actors and local residents.
5. Città di Castello, Umbria
Città di Castello has a charming holiday tradition where local artists create beautiful wooden and ceramic nativity scenes displayed throughout the town. The town square also hosts an ice-skating rink and Christmas market, and the medieval architecture and quaint streets make it feel like a scene from a holiday storybook.
Must-See: The “Nativity Trail” of artistic nativity scenes scattered throughout the historic town center.
6. San Gimignano, Tuscany
Known as the “Medieval Manhattan” for its iconic towers, San Gimignano is enchanting during the holiday season. The town’s medieval charm is accentuated by Christmas lights and festive decorations, and it offers a cozy, intimate experience with fewer crowds. Local wineries also offer tastings of Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine, perfect for a winter’s day.
Must-See: Holiday markets with local artisanal products and seasonal wines, as well as festive decorations illuminating the medieval towers.
7. Manarola, Cinque Terre, Liguria
Manarola is home to the world’s largest illuminated nativity scene, which stretches across the hillside overlooking the town. This impressive display is the work of a local artist and features over 300 figurines illuminated with eco-friendly lights. The nativity scene makes Manarola a popular Christmas destination in Cinque Terre.
Must-See: The hillside nativity scene, which is lit every evening from early December to the end of January.
8. Caltagirone, Sicily
Known as the “City of Ceramics,” Caltagirone’s holiday decorations include a unique twist: ceramic nativity scenes created by local artisans. The town’s famed staircase, La Scala di Santa Maria del Monte, is adorned with lights and decorations, and there are holiday markets with local crafts and traditional Sicilian sweets.
Must-See: The illuminated staircase and ceramic nativity scenes in the town’s churches and workshops.
9. Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abruzzo
This small mountain village in the Gran Sasso National Park looks like a winter fairytale during the holidays. Santo Stefano di Sessanio has a medieval ambiance with cobbled streets and rustic stone buildings, and holiday visitors can enjoy winter hiking, local markets, and traditional Abruzzese food.
Must-See: Christmas markets featuring local foods like truffles, pecorino cheese, and Abruzzese sweets.
10. Matera, Basilicata
Matera, known for its ancient cave dwellings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique holiday atmosphere. During Christmas, the town hosts a living nativity scene (presepe vivente) within its historic sassi (stone dwellings), making visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into Bethlehem itself.
Must-See: The living nativity scene in the sassi, complete with actors, animals, and ancient costumes, held throughout the Christmas season.
These small Italian towns each offer a unique holiday experience, combining local traditions, historical charm, and festive decorations to create an unforgettable holiday season. Whether you’re exploring holiday markets, marveling at illuminated nativity scenes, or enjoying traditional food and wine, these destinations capture the magic and warmth of an Italian Christmas.
