Celleno Living Nativity
The Nativity comes to life in the alleys of the Ghost Village of the Viterbo Tuscia
About Celleno Living Nativity
The Living Nativity in the Ghost Village of Celleno
Every winter, the Ghost Village of Celleno, one of the most evocative places in the Viterbo Tuscia, awakens from its silence to host one of the most beloved living nativity scenes in Lazio. The small town of Celleno, in the province of Viterbo, preserves an ancient inhabited core perched on a tuff spur, which was gradually abandoned during the twentieth century due to earthquakes and landslides. It is precisely among these silent houses, dominated by the Orsini Castle, that the representation of the Nativity takes place.
Over a hundred performers and ancient crafts
The heart of the event is the participation of the community: up to a hundred performers, including actors, volunteers, and staff, animate the scenes along the route. Every corner of the village becomes a fragment of life from the past, with the reconstruction of ancient crafts: carpenters, blacksmiths, bakers, fishmongers, sculptors, knife grinders, tanners, shepherds, spinners, and millers work in front of visitors as if on a journey into the past. The most significant scenes of the birth of Jesus intertwine with peasant and artisanal daily life, in a path designed for the whole family, with the possibility of meeting animals and tasting the typical flavors of Christmas.
Lights, torches, and a giant Christmas tree
At nightfall, the village lights up: torches and illuminations brighten the squares and alleys around the castle, creating an intimate and magical atmosphere. In recent editions, the event has been enhanced by an imposing luminous Christmas tree, visible from afar, which accompanies the magic of the performance. Along the way, there is no shortage of markets and refreshment points where you can enjoy wood-fired focaccia, pasta and beans, polenta, herbal teas, roasted chestnuts, fresh cheeses, and mulled wine.
An event that tells the story of Celleno's identity
For the Celleno community, the Living Nativity is not just a re-enactment, but a living testimony of their roots and the identity of the territory. The event, which has grown year by year to become a highly anticipated appointment throughout the Tuscia, combines the enhancement of the historical heritage of the Ghost Village with the Christmas tradition, attracting visitors from all over Lazio and neighboring regions. A precious opportunity to discover a unique place and to experience Christmas in an authentic and timeless setting.
Celleno Living Nativity — edition 2026
Celleno Living Nativity 2025/2026
The edition spanning 2025 and 2026 confirmed the great appeal of the Celleno Living Nativity, with the two dates of December 28, 2025, and January 4, 2026. As per tradition, the Ghost Village hosted the representation of the Nativity with evening entry from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM and a free shuttle service from the new town.
In this edition as well, up to a hundred performers, volunteers, and staff brought the scenes to life along the route, reconstructing ancient crafts and the most significant tableaux of the birth of Jesus. The atmosphere was made even more suggestive by the village lights and a large illuminated Christmas tree, while along the way there was no shortage of markets and refreshment points with typical traditional flavors.
Programme Celleno Living Nativity 2026
The Celleno Living Nativity 2025/2026 took place over two days, December 28, 2025, and January 4, 2026, with entry from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- Representation of the Nativity along the Ghost Village route
- Up to 100 performers including actors, volunteers, and staff
- Reconstruction of ancient crafts: carpenters, blacksmiths, bakers, shepherds, spinners, knife grinders, millers, and others
- Christmas markets and refreshment points with wood-fired focaccia, polenta, roasted chestnuts, cheeses, and mulled wine
- Illuminated Christmas tree and lights among the village alleys
- Free shuttle service from the new town of Celleno
Highlights Celleno Living Nativity 2026
- Unique setting in the Ghost Village of Celleno, dominated by the Orsini Castle
- Over a hundred performers and the reconstruction of ancient crafts
- Evening atmosphere with torches, lights, and an illuminated Christmas tree
- Markets and tastings of typical Christmas flavors
- Event designed for the whole family, with animals along the route
Prices Celleno Living Nativity 2026
Practical information — Celleno Living Nativity
How to get there
Celleno is located in the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio. By car, it can be reached from the SS Teverina road that connects Viterbo to Orvieto; the Ghost Village is about one kilometer away from the new town. During the event days, a free shuttle service is active from the town center of Celleno to the entrance of the old village.
Entrance and hours
The event takes place in the late afternoon, with entry generally from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Admission is free for children under 10. Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the paved and slightly sloping paths of the village are recommended.
Information
For information and the shuttle service: tel. +39 333 5223194. Further details are published by the Municipality of Celleno and on the social media channels of the Ghost Village.
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Where does it take place — Celleno Living Nativity
Borgo Fantasma di Celleno