Do you feel the winter scent in the air? Everyone are about (some already have) to decorate their homes with the Christmas tree, the lights in the streets and squares of our cities light up: the Christmas atmosphere has arrived with the month of December, with its charm and its magic. But where can you live at its best the Christmas spirit? Among the Christmas markets, of course!
By now we all know the most famous, in northern Europe and Italy, but in the center of the peninsula little gems are hidden, and they also deserve them a visit. They are the Christmas markets of Marche, Abruzzo and Umbria, where ancient villages are adorned and prepare to celebrate these special days!
1. Urbino and the Way of the Nativity
Scattered in the streets and alleys of the city, in Urbino nativity scenes from around the world and made with every material arrive on December 8 to make Christmas markets even more special. For the opening there will be a concert and the lighting up of the tree in Piazza Duca Federico.
2. Santa Claus in a medieval castle
At 1700 meters above sea level, on Mount Catria, there’s the Castle of Frontone that for the weekends of December becomes the home of Santa Claus. Gifts and crafts fill the heated rooms of the castle, the scent of mulled wine and chestnuts inebriate visitors, while children can meet Santa Claus and take with him some pictures.
3. The candles of Candelara
The only festival in Italy dedicated to the candles! Candelara is a medieval town of Pesaro-Urbino province, which until 11 December will tell the wonder of the candles world, with shows and crafts. Every night the Every night the artificial light is switched off for 15 minutes and the village is illuminated by the warm light of thousands of candles, for a truly unique and evocative atmosphere.
4. Christmas markets in an ancient village of Abruzzo
It’s only for a few days, but this is a truly unique experience. We are among the most beautiful landscapes of the region, in the village of Campo di Giove that from 8 to 11 December becomes a small Christmas village, framed by snow-capped mountains. The small houses scattered in the streets of the old town lead visitors to the discovery of traditions, flavors and crafts of Abruzzo.
5. The largest Christmas tree in the world
Few hours down to the largest Christmas tree in the world: on December 7, the 460 lights that draw 650 meters tall tree on the wild slopes of Monte Igino, behind the beautiful medieval town of Gubbio, will turn on. The tree largely uses green energy. In the street of the town you also can find the traditional Christmas market.
In an ancient village or in a castle, your green stay!
To continue to live the Christmas spirit, here is 3 accommodations close to Christmas markets that will make you live a dream holiday!
Near Mombaroccio, Candelara and Fossombrone Christmas markets, Casa Oliva invites you to spend a wellness weekend, sleeping in one of the 25 housing units scattered in the village of Bargni of Serrungarina. The Albergo Diffuso also offers an exclusive spa and a fine restaurant where you can enjoy the traditional flavors of Marche.
Born from the remains of an ancient village, the Farmhouse Villa Dama offers rooms and apartments furnished with elegant and romantic elements. Here the night is lit by the stars and the welcoming hosts makes you feel part of the family. The spearhead of the accommodation is the restaurant, where dishes are prepared only with organic produce that are grown in the farm itself.
In Abruzzo you can sleep in a romantic castle, in the heart of the ancient village of Loreto Aprutino. Castello Chiola offers the best services without spoiling the charming and refined atmosphere of the space. Between sea and mountain, it is the ideal place to discover the region.
Which Christmas market are you going to visit? Tell us about your days of celebration!
Cover photo by Rachel Docherty via Flickr