Christmas in Colli sul Velino (Living Nativity and Christmas Markets)

Christmas in the village of Colli sul Velino

During the festive season, the small village of Colli sul Velino—home to just over five hundred souls perched in the hills of the Rieti province—transforms into an open-air nativity scene. The ancient streets of the historic center fill with lights, music, and scents as the community gathers to celebrate the winter traditions of the Rieti area. The calendar, running from mid-December through Epiphany, is co-promoted by the Municipality of Colli sul Velino and the Pro Loco Colli sul Velino APS.

The "A Natale al Villaggio" Living Nativity

The heart of the celebrations is the "A Natale al Villaggio" Living Nativity, which reached its sixth edition in 2025. For the occasion, the village is closed to traffic, and its narrow stone alleys come alive with shepherds, artisans, and costumed performers recreating the Bethlehem of two millennia ago. Amidst scenes of daily life, ancient crafts, and the Holy Family, visitors follow an evocative path that culminates at the nativity. A cozy refreshment area is also available to warm up and sample local gastronomic specialties.

Markets, carols, and concerts

The Christmas program extends well beyond the Living Nativity. The festive days are accompanied by markets under the tree, featuring stalls with handicrafts and local products, and children's Christmas carols, who are the true stars of afternoons dedicated to creativity. A highly anticipated event is the concert by the Colli sul Velino Brass Band, which brings together different generations of the village and involves young students from the local music school.

The Befana and Epiphany

The festivities conclude on January 6th with Epiphany: a solemn mass for the arrival of the Three Wise Men, a concert, and the traditional Pro Loco Befana, who distributes sweets and coal to the little ones. It is the moment that bids farewell to the Christmas season and brings the entire community together one last time.

A village in the heart of the Rieti Holy Valley

Colli sul Velino is located in Lazio, north of Rieti, in a territory rich in history and spirituality. We are just a few kilometers from the Franciscan sites of the Rieti Holy Valley, where Saint Francis created the first nativity scene in history in Greccio in 1223. In this context, the Colli sul Velino Living Nativity fits into a tradition rooted in the territory, weaving together faith, folklore, and a sense of community.

A community Christmas

More than just a series of events, Christmas in Colli sul Velino is the expression of a town that comes together: it is the volunteers of the Pro Loco, the residents, and the families who bring the scenes, markets, and musical evenings to life. For visitors, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Rieti province, far from the major tourist flows and immersed in the most genuine festive atmosphere.