Cadeaux al Castello - Christmas Markets at the Castle of Limatola

Christmas in the Norman fortress of Limatola

Every autumn, the Castle of Limatola, a Norman-era manor overlooking the Volturno Valley in the town of Limatola, in the province of Benevento (Campania), transforms into one of the most popular Christmas villages in Southern Italy. Cadeaux al Castello occupies the halls, courtyards, ramparts, and the village at the foot of the castle with dozens of wooden huts, scenic displays, and light installations: a journey that combines artisan shopping, gastronomy, and live entertainment, making this small town in the Benevento area a staple of the Campanian Christmas calendar.

A festival born with the castle's rebirth

The event is closely linked to the restoration of the fortress: abandoned for decades, it was restored and brought back to life in 2010 by the Sgueglia family, who repurposed it for hospitality, dining, and events. The idea for the markets came from Giuseppina Martone Sgueglia, who, together with her family and a staff of hundreds, oversees the displays and program every year. Since then, the event has grown with each edition, exceeding one hundred thousand visitors between November and December, with guests coming from all over Campania, the rest of Italy, and abroad—a rare case of a major Southern Christmas event capable of competing with the most famous Alpine markets.

What you will find along the route

• Crafts: nativity scenes and figurines, tree decorations, ceramics, textiles, wooden objects, and handmade gift ideas.
• Typical products of the Sannio and Campania: traditional sweets, preserves, cheeses, local wines, and spirits.
• Christmas street food: mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, zeppole, and hot fried treats to enjoy while strolling.
• Santa's House, where children can have their photos taken with Santa Claus.
• Roving shows and entertainment spread throughout the courtyards and along the manor walls.

The 2025 edition: Cirque de Noël

The 16th edition, held from November 7 to December 14, 2025, chose the theme Cirque de Noël, a tribute to the world of the circus: the castle and village were dressed in a circus style, welcoming jugglers, acrobats, stilt walkers, illusionists, and street artists in a tight schedule of performances, without losing the Christmas spirit that has characterized the event from the beginning.

Towards the 2026 edition

The 17th edition is expected, as always, between November and December 2026, but the official calendar and the theme of the year have not yet been announced by the organizers. The established format includes opening on weekends in November followed by a continuous period until mid-December: those who want to plan their visit in advance can follow the official website and the online ticket office, where dates are generally published between late summer and early autumn.

Limatola and the Sannio area

Limatola is a small town on the border between the provinces of Benevento and Caserta, in an area of hills cultivated with vines and olive trees that marks the transition between the Volturno plain and the Sannio region. The castle, with its double walls and inner courtyard, is the town's landmark and hosts weddings, stays, and a spa throughout the rest of the year. A visit to Cadeaux al Castello can easily be combined with a day in the Caserta area—the Royal Palace of Caserta is nearby—or with a food and wine itinerary among the wineries of the Sannio, a wine region known for Falanghina and Aglianico.

Why it is worth a visit

More than just a market, Cadeaux al Castello is an open-air theatrical production: the choice of a different theme each year, the luminous scenography, and the medieval setting create an atmosphere hard to find elsewhere in Southern Italy. It is an outing designed primarily for families with children, but anyone looking for artisan gifts or simply a charming stroll will find one of the most well-curated Christmas offerings in Campania here.