10 Christmas Markets in Abruzzo Not to Miss in 2025

The Christmas markets that take place in Abruzzo turn this region into a magical place, offering unforgettable experiences linked to local culture and traditions.

They are an opportunity to do some shopping and enjoy local delicacies in a special atmosphere: the landscape offers unmissable scenery, ranging from the Adriatic coastline to the inland mountains, and is coloured by an exciting atmosphere for young and old alike.

The 2025 Christmas markets in Abruzzo transform the region into a mosaic of lights, fragrances, and traditions, with each village telling its own story. From coastal towns along the Adriatic to hilltop hamlets nestled between the Gran Sasso and the Majella, the air fills with music, decorations, and inviting aromas that turn the holiday season into a true journey of emotion.

Among the most enchanting experiences are the region’s living nativity scenes, staged in narrow alleyways, courtyards, and centuries-old cellars. Costumed performers, soft lighting, and carefully crafted settings recreate scenes from long ago, allowing you to walk inside the nativity and witness the rituals and traditions that Abruzzo preserves with pride. Each performance becomes a collective tale, rich, immersive, and deeply moving.

From early December through Epiphany in Abruzzo, the calendar fills with events, concerts, guided tours, tastings, and cultural experiences: illuminated castles, scenic caves, mountain villages, and historic cities come alive with festivities perfect for anyone who loves Christmas celebrated among lively squares, artisan workshops, and winter landscapes. It’s the ideal time to sample local delicacies, discover regional craftsmanship, and bring home meaningful souvenirs.

In the sections ahead, you’ll explore the 10 must-see Christmas markets in Abruzzo for 2025—from snow-dusted villages to historic trains, panoramic fortresses, glowing caves, and postcard-perfect holiday towns—helping you craft your perfect winter itinerary.

Scanno, nestled in the Sagittario Valley, offers a Christmas experience like no other, where the charm of its ancient village blends seamlessly with the magic of the season. Here, the 2025 Christmas markets begin on the last weekend of November, bringing Piazza San Rocco to life with decorated chalets, shimmering lights, and artisans showcasing local delicacies and handcrafted goods.

The atmosphere enveloping the historic center is warm and intimate, enriched by the scent of traditional sweets and the intricate textures of baskets, lacework, and wooden creations.

Beside the village, the famed Lake Scanno mirrors the holiday lights like golden threads on the water, while medieval alleys invite slow strolls beneath stone arches, winter-blooming balconies, and picture-perfect corners reminiscent of a miniature nativity scene. Snow, when it arrives, heightens the poetry of the landscape, making each moment even more unforgettable.

2025 Christmas Markets in Scanno: Last weekend of November – Late December

In the village of San Demetrio ne’ Vestini, the renowned Stiffe Caves become one of the most enchanting settings in Abruzzo during the holiday season, transforming into a natural theater where the 2025 Christmas markets blend with a unique spectacle of lights and traditional symbols. From November 29, 2025, through January 6, 2026, Meraviglia di Luci lights up the mountain's depths with a radiant nativity scene weaving through stalactites and stalagmites, offering visitors an experience that unites nature, art, and the spirit of Christmas.

The underground path, usually beloved by geology enthusiasts and curious travelers, turns into a fairytale realm: illuminated figures brighten the chambers, shifting lights cast dancing shadows along rocky walls, and the sound of subterranean waterfalls accompanies each step, creating a fully immersive, multisensory moment.

Beside the main attractions, traditional markets with artisan stalls and local specialties welcome families and couples, encouraging leisurely strolls beneath festive lights and the discovery of authentic Abruzzese flavors. In this setting, every visit becomes a keepsake, where the magic of Christmas intertwines with the wonder of nature.

2025 Christmas Market Dates in Stiffe: December 6–8, 2025.

In the medieval village of Roccascalegna, the cobblestone lanes and ancient squares glow with lights and color during the 2025 Christmas markets, creating an enchanting setting that delights families and couples seeking an authentic holiday experience.

At the foot of the majestic Roccascalegna Castle, artisan stalls showcase local crafts, traditional sweets, and regional delicacies, while warm lights and festive décor transform the village into a living canvas of scents and sensations. Music, evening performances, and children’s entertainment add a joyful, communal spirit that makes the visit unforgettable.

Strolling through the illuminated streets, with the castle rising above like a silent guardian of tradition, invites visitors to embrace the season with a sense of wonder, savoring each moment beneath the winter sky and the soft glow of Christmas lights.

2025 Christmas Markets in Roccascalegna: November 29–30 and December 6–7–8, 2025.

In the picturesque village of Civitella del Tronto, the grand Spanish Fortress becomes a stage of holiday spirit and wonder during the 2025 Christmas markets, offering unique events for families and curious visitors alike. Here, Christmas is more than festive stalls — it is an experience woven from history, theater, and light.

Beginning December 7, 2025, the village, known as the “Nativity Town,” comes alive with theatrical tours such as Custodi del Tempo and Storie di Luce, where costumed actors guide guests through historic corners, winding alleys, and illuminated viewpoints, bringing local tradition to life in a captivating, interactive way.

Alongside these performances, the streets fill with artisan stalls, traditional sweets, and seasonal décor, while a striking natural nativity scene frames each step under warm, glowing lights. Wandering through the small squares and ancient walls feels like traveling back in time, allowing visitors to experience the magic of Christmas with depth and charm.

2025 Christmas Markets in Civitella del Tronto: December 7–28, 2025.

In the fortified village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of the true gems of the Gran Sasso National Park, Christmas 2025 takes on intimate, poetic tones. The stone-paved lanes, softened by lantern light and delicate decorations, welcome artisans, the scent of warm spices, and small installations inspired by ancient mountain traditions, inviting visitors to experience the village with a sense of calm and wonder.

Throughout the season, the village offers themed tours, tastings of local specialties, and evocative nativity scenes set inside historic cellars, creating an emotional journey ideal for families and couples. Beginning on Sunday, December 7, the opening of the Presepi Diffusi marks the start of a captivating route: the guided walk sets off from the small lake in the late afternoon, while in the following days visitors can explore the installations independently until January 7.

2025 Christmas Markets in Santo Stefano di Sessanio: mid-December 2025.

In the heart of the Abruzzo capital, L’Aquila lights up with a festive glow as the 2025 Christmas markets animate Piazza Duomo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and the surrounding streets, where traditional wooden chalets offer local crafts, regional sweets, and unique gift ideas. The luminous installations create a path that invites visitors to rediscover the city with a sense of wonder.

Alongside the markets, the beloved Fiera della Magia returns, bringing fantastical shows, enchanted characters, food areas, and a School of Magic to the historic center—an experience that captivates families and visitors of all ages. Illuminated decorations and beautifully adorned trees intensify the holiday atmosphere, blending scents of mulled wine and ginger with the sound of Christmas melodies.

2025 Christmas Markets in L’Aquila: early December through Epiphany.

In the enchanting village of Campo di Giove, nestled at the foot of the Majella, Christmas 2025 takes on a truly emotional glow with Il Borgo Incantato, one of Abruzzo’s most beloved holiday markets. The historic center transforms into a fairytale Christmas village, where illuminated alleyways and warm atmospheres frame artisan stalls offering local crafts, traditional treats, and unique gift ideas. Sparkling lights and music create the perfect setting for families and couples alike.

Throughout the holiday season, activities, children’s workshops, and entertainment alternate to make every visit engaging and memorable. Not to be missed is the chance to witness the arrival of the Transiberiana d’Italia directly at the markets, adding an extra touch of magic to the festive atmosphere.

2025 Christmas Markets in Campo di Giove: November 22, 2025 – January 6, 2026.

In the enchanting setting of Caramanico Terme, nestled within the Maiella National Park, the 2025 Christmas Village wraps the town in a radiant atmosphere of soft lights, sweet aromas, and decorations that turn the historic center into a fairytale path filled with color and holiday sparkle. Thematic installations and displays dedicated to local craftsmanship add an authentic, refined touch.

The festive season brings shows, music, creative workshops, and meetings with Santa Claus, along with rides, little trains, and outdoor moments designed to showcase every nuance of the village. Nature walks, snowshoeing excursions, and wellness-focused activities complete an experience that blends Christmas charm with the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

2025 Christmas Village in Caramanico Terme: November 15 – January 6, 2026.

In the heart of Avezzano, Magie di Natale 2025 once again lights up Piazza Risorgimento from December 8, 2025, to January 7, 2026, transforming the town center into a festive village filled with lights, color, and joyful holiday spirit. The streets come alive with illuminated installations and themed displays that invite visitors to experience the season with wonder and curiosity.

Among the highlights are Santa’s House, the holiday train, Elf workshops, the skating rink, the Candy Kingdom, the cinema, the Christmas markets, and a wide range of food and wine offerings. Each day features shows, entertainment, music, and activities that celebrate creativity and local craftsmanship, making every visit fresh and engaging.

The event area also includes spaces for theater, exhibitions, and food stalls, creating a pathway of lights and installations that guides visitors into a fairytale world where imagination and tradition meet.

Christmas Markets in Avezzano: December 8, 2025 – January 7, 2026.

The renowned Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy, the historic train that winds through Abruzzo’s mountain landscapes, returns for Christmas 2025, offering a unique way to experience the region’s holiday markets. From November 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026, special departures leave from Sulmona and travel to charming towns such as Campo di Giove and Roccaraso, stopping at historic stations where passengers can savor snowy scenery, mulled wine aromas, and local crafts.

The journey unfolds aboard vintage carriages, climbing through the Peligna Valley and crossing striking stretches of the central Apennines before reaching the heart of the markets, where traditional foods, music, and festive performances await.

If you have extra vacation days, you can extend your trip all the way to Rome and enjoy the city with the Visit Rome Pass, turning your Christmas tour into an unforgettable travel experience.

Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy – 2025 Christmas Market Schedule: November 22, 2025 – January 6, 2026.