Christmas in Callabiana - Nativity Scenes in the Woods and Mechanical Nativity

The village of nativity scenes in the Biella mountains

When Christmas arrives, the municipality of Callabiana, a tiny village in the province of Biella in Piedmont, puts on its most charming attire and becomes the "village of nativity scenes." The hamlets scattered across the slopes of the Biella mountains come alive with nativity scenes, lights, and industrious folk creativity, in one of the most beloved Christmas events in Upper Piedmont. The festival is organized by the Association of Friends of the Nativity Scenes of Callabiana and runs for over a month, from December 6th until Epiphany.

The Mechanical Nativity Scene, the heart of tradition

The true symbol of Callabiana is the Mechanical Nativity Scene, housed in the Oratory of San Carlo, in the Nelva hamlet. It is a handcrafted work of about 90 square meters, featuring moving statues that depict the rural life of the past. The background reproduces the landscape of the Biella mountains, including the great sanctuaries of Oropa and Graglia: a patient masterpiece built over the years by local volunteers and visitable only during the Christmas season.

Nativity Scenes and Christmas Trees in the Woods

Since 2018, the event has been enriched by the Nativity Scenes in the Woods, which transform the trails of Callabiana into an open-air path. The itinerary is divided into two distinct routes:

• Route 1 — Corte Hamlet: nativity scenes created with great inventiveness among the trees of the forest;
• Route 2 — Fusero Hamlet: in the heart of the woods, Christmas Trees created by the community.

Walking through the snow-covered woods to discover the nativity scenes is an experience that attracts visitors from all over the Biella area and beyond every year.

A month of events for the whole family

In addition to the exhibitions, the village hamlets come alive with a packed calendar: the Nativity Scene Exhibition in the Fusero hamlet, the comedy show on St. Stephen's Day, the Pilgrim's Festival with a market and theater, the itinerant New Year's treasure hunt, and the day dedicated to waiting for the Befana. All events are free of charge and designed for families, children, and lovers of folk traditions.

Why it's worth the trip

Callabiana is one of those places that make lesser-known Piedmont a small treasure: a village of few souls capable of staging, with the sole strength of volunteer work, an event that combines nativity art, nature, and community. Visiting the Callabiana nativity scenes means breathing the authentic spirit of alpine Christmas, far from the frenzy of big cities.