A Magical Christmas

The Christmas that lights up the historic center of Altamura

A Magical Christmas is the grand holiday festival promoted by the Municipality of Altamura, in the province of Bari, in the heart of the Murgia plateau. Every year, from the first days of December until Epiphany, the charming historic center of the city transforms into a village of lights: artistic illuminations, decorations, and a packed calendar of events accompany residents and visitors throughout the festive season.

A month of events across squares and streets

The program unfolds in the main squares of the historic center - Piazza Duomo, Piazza Repubblica, Piazza Municipio, Piazza Matteotti, Piazza San Giovanni - and in the municipal park, featuring dozens of shows, concerts, workshops for children, and roving entertainment. The inaugural event, at the beginning of December, coincides with the official lighting of the Christmas Tree in Piazza Duomo, accompanied by carols, cabaret, and entertainment for the little ones.

Markets, crafts, and flavors of the Murgia

The heart of the Christmas atmosphere is the Christmas markets, held in the late afternoon in the squares of the center: stalls featuring local artistic crafts, handmade products, traditional food and wine, and typical flavors of the Murgia, from the famous Altamura bread to festive sweets. For children, the main attraction is Santa's Grotto set up in Piazza Duomo, which gives way to the Befana's House during the days of Epiphany.

Shows, nativity scenes, and tradition

The program alternates between clowning and comedy magic, gospel choirs and concerts, bagpipers, mascot parades, stilt walkers, and street artists. The tradition of the living nativity scene is also a highlight, re-enacting the Nativity with dozens of participants in the ancient streets of the center. The festival concludes with the Epiphany celebrations, featuring the descent of the Befanas and the final scheduled events.

A free event for the whole city

A Magical Christmas is a widespread and largely free event that highlights the historical and architectural heritage of Altamura - starting with the splendid Cathedral - and strengthens the bond between the community and its historic center during the holidays. For a full month, this Murgia city becomes an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Christmas in inland Puglia.