Candele a Candelara
The first Italian Christmas market entirely dedicated to candles, in the hillside village of Candelara
About Candele a Candelara
A festival of light in the heart of Montefeltro
Candele a Candelara is one of the most beloved Christmas events in the Marche region and the first Christmas market in Italy entirely dedicated to candles. It takes place in Candelara, an ancient medieval village perched on the hills behind Pesaro, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino. The very name of the village recalls the candle, and it is from this connection that, in 2003, a festival was born that in a few years became an event of national importance.
The most anticipated moment: the candle black-out
The heart of the event is a simple and evocative gesture: twice a day, at dusk, the village's electric lighting is turned off. For about fifteen minutes, Candelara is plunged into darkness, illuminated only by the warm and reassuring light of thousands of candles lit in the windows, along the alleys, and in the small squares. It is an intimate and silent experience that attracts visitors from all over Italy every year.
The market and the artisans
Along the streets of the historic center, numerous wooden stalls display selected handicrafts: candles of every shape, color, scent, and size, Christmas decorations, gift items, and typical products of the Marche tradition. The market is designed as a path to be experienced slowly, among workshops, tastings, and the intimate atmosphere of the village.
Shows and entertainment
The festival offers a rich program of itinerant entertainment that involves both adults and children:
- Luminous stilt walkers and street artists animating the alleys
- Bagpipers, bagpipe players, and musicians spreading festive music
- Jugglers and circus-theater companies
- The Elf Workshop, with creative workshops for children dedicated to wax, paper, clay, and wood
- Guided tours of the village, the 18th-century Villa Berloni, and the Pieve di Santo Stefano
A village to discover
In addition to the festival, Candelara is worth a visit for its medieval layout, its walls, the Museum of Weaving and Embroidery, and the views that stretch over the Pesaro hills to the Adriatic Sea. The event is organized by the Associazione Turistica Pro Loco di Candelara (Tourist Association Pro Loco of Candelara) with the support of the Municipality of Pesaro and confirms itself as one of the symbolic events of Christmas in the Marche region.
Candele a Candelara — edition 2026
The 23rd edition of Candele a Candelara is scheduled for the 2026 Christmas season, following the usual format spread over weekends between late November and December, including the days around the Immaculate Conception. The event will reprise the elements that have made it famous: the programmed black-outs of the electric lighting with the village illuminated only by candles, the Christmas market with artisan stalls, itinerant shows by stilt walkers, bagpipers, and jugglers, and children's workshops at the Elf Workshop.
Currently, the detailed dates and program for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially published by the Associazione Turistica Pro Loco di Candelara. Please consult the event's official website and social media channels for updates on opening days, times, prices, and the event calendar.
Highlights Candele a Candelara 2026
- Programmed lighting black-outs: the village by candlelight
- Christmas market with candle artisans and typical Marche products
- Itinerant shows: luminous stilt walkers, bagpipers, jugglers
- Elf Workshop and creative workshops for children
- Guided tours of the village and Villa Berloni
Prices Candele a Candelara 2026
Practical information — Candele a Candelara
How to get there
Candelara is a hillside hamlet of Pesaro, about 8 km from the city center. By car, it can be reached from the Pesaro-Urbino highway exit (A14) following the signs for Candelara. The reference train station is Pesaro, on the Bologna-Ancona Adriatic line, with onward travel by bus or taxi.
Opening hours and tickets
The event is usually open from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission is subject to a fee (reduced rate in the morning, full rate in the afternoon); free admission for children under 10 years old. Final rates and times will be published on the official website before the event.
Tips
On weekends, visitor numbers are high: it is advisable to arrive early and use the dedicated parking areas, including those for campers. Don't miss the late afternoon candle black-outs. Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes for the sloping village alleys.
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Where does it take place — Candele a Candelara
Borgo medievale di Candelara