Christmas in Assisi

Christmas in the city of the first Nativity scene

Christmas in Assisi is one of the most evocative Christmas events in Italy. For about a month, from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to Epiphany, the city of Saint Francis (Province of Perugia) dresses up for the holidays with markets, lights, shows, and installations. The connection with Christmas is very deep here: it was Saint Francis himself who created the first living Nativity scene in history in Greccio in 1223, and Assisi preserves its spiritual heritage.

Markets, Nativity scenes, and videomapping

The squares of the historic center, from Piazza del Comune to Piazza Santa Chiara, host markets for crafts and local products. The facades of churches and monuments light up with spectacular videomapping projecting masterpieces of art. The heart of the event is the large exhibition of Nativity scenes, which brings together hundreds of Nativity scenes from around the world displayed in Palazzo Monte Frumentario, Galleria Le Logge, and other spaces, alongside monumental and living Nativity scenes in the hamlets.

Between Assisi and Santa Maria degli Angeli

The celebration also extends to Santa Maria degli Angeli and the hamlets of Assisi, with living Nativity scenes, processions, concerts, medieval music festivals, and family-friendly activities. Over two hundred events, including markets, exhibitions, workshops, and shows, make Christmas in Assisi an experience that combines spirituality, art, and popular tradition.