Avezzano D'incanto – Christmas in Avezzano

Avezzano's Widespread Christmas

Avezzano D'incanto is the festival through which the Municipality of Avezzano, the heart of the Marsica region in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo), brightens up the holiday season. Succeeding the event previously known as Magie di Natale (Christmas Magic), the festival offers a packed program that has grown to include over eighty appointments, enlivening Piazza Risorgimento, the historic center, and the surrounding districts for over a month, from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception until Epiphany.

Piazza Risorgimento, the Heart of the Festival

The focal point of the event is Piazza Risorgimento, where a large, spectacular tree is set up every year; its lighting on December 8th officially kicks off the festivities. Surrounding the square, the Elf Village comes to life—a marquee dedicated to families featuring creative workshops, shows, and screenings of cartoons and children's films—alongside the ice skating rink, Santa's house, and Christmas markets offering local crafts and food products.

Shows, Concerts, and Marsican Tradition

The program spans several iconic city venues: from the stage set up in the square to concerts at the Castello Orsini and performances at the Teatro dei Marsi. With marching bands, choirs, singing and dance schools, the festival also reserves ample space for local roots, with events dedicated to the rituals, magic, and traditions of the Marsican Christmas. Classic holiday events are also included, such as the Christmas concert at the Cathedral and Epiphany celebrations.

• Tree lighting in Piazza Risorgimento (December 8th)
• Elf Village with workshops and shows for children
• Ice skating rink and Santa's house
• Christmas markets with crafts and local products
• Concerts at the Castello Orsini and the Teatro dei Marsi

A Charitable Festival

Alongside the festive atmosphere, Avezzano D'incanto dedicates space to social and charitable initiatives: awareness-raising moments against bullying, inclusive experiences for people with visual impairments, and a grand Epiphany concert at the Teatro dei Marsi, with free admission, often linked to a charitable fundraiser. It is a way to experience Christmas as a community occasion, as well as a source of entertainment.

Information

The event is organized and coordinated by the Municipality of Avezzano, in collaboration with local cultural, sports, and volunteer associations. Most events are free to attend. The detailed calendar and schedules are published every year on the official municipal website.