Castle of Christmas

Christmas in a medieval village

Every winter, the Municipality of Gradara, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the Marche region, transforms into something magical: the Castle of Christmas. For over a month, from November 30, 2025, to January 6, 2026, the entire medieval village at the foot of the famous Malatestiana Fortress becomes the stage for a large, widespread Christmas event designed for all ages. Among the cobblestone alleys, crenellated walls, and small historic shops, the festive atmosphere is particularly intense, aided by an architecture that lends itself naturally to lights and decorations.

Festive shows, entertainment, and characters

The program is rich and focuses mainly on weekends, holidays, and the days before holidays during the Christmas period. Along the village streets, you can meet Santa Claus with his elves, the Befane, court jesters, and numerous street artists. Among the most popular events are the animated tours "Il Giullare di Natale" (The Christmas Jester), Nonno Bolla's soap bubble shows, Kalu's juggling, and traveling theater performances that retell the Malatestiana history of Gradara.

Markets, crafts, and guided tours

Every Sunday and on public holidays, the village hosts the traditional bazaar, set up in historic shops, featuring artistic crafts, handmade gift ideas, souvenirs, and local products. The heart of the experience also includes animated guided tours, the "Christmas Experience," themed routes for all ages with sessions at different times of the day, and the evening opening of the Fortress, allowing visitors to experience the monument in an unusual and evocative way.

An experience for families and the curious

The Castle of Christmas is one of the most well-known Christmas attractions in the Marche region and attracts visitors from all over the region and neighboring provinces each year, thanks to Gradara's location just a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast and the border with Romagna. The combination of children's shows, medieval atmospheres, markets, and holiday traditions makes it an ideal destination for a day trip in winter or a long weekend in the heart of the Pesaro hinterland.