Christmas in Nepi

A whole Tuscia village in its Christmas attire

For over a month, from early December until January 6th, Nepi transforms its historic center into a trail of lights, music, and tradition. The Christmas in Nepi program is promoted by the Municipality of Nepi in collaboration with the Pro Loco Nepi Association and various local organizations. It is not just a single event, but a widespread festival that spans squares, alleys, churches, and the famous Forte dei Borgia.

We are in the province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Lazio Tuscia region, just over forty kilometers from Rome. Nepi is a village of Faliscan origin known for its mineral waters, polygonal walls, and the fortress commissioned by the Borgia family: a setting that, when illuminated by winter lights, offers visitors a sober and authentic Christmas experience, far removed from large commercial Christmas villages.

The Christmas Market

The commercial heart of the festival is the Christmas Market, set up in Piazza del Comune and along Corso Matteotti. The stalls host local producers, artisans, and associations offering gift ideas, decorations, festive sweets, and typical products from the Tuscia region. You will also find mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and charity stands managed by local volunteer associations.

This is complemented by the Christmas at the Corte dei Borgia artisan markets, hosted within the spaces of the Forte dei Borgia: a Renaissance setting that gives the craft stalls a unique charm and represents one of the most photographed events of the season.

The Christmas of the Citizens of the World

Among the most distinctive events is the Christmas of the Citizens of the World, which reached its fourth edition in December 2025. In Piazza del Comune, from the afternoon until late evening, foreign communities residing in Nepi and the surrounding area set up tasting stalls featuring traditional sweets from their respective countries. Over the years, participants have included Brazil, Albania, the Czech Republic, the Philippines, Colombia, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Poland, Romania, and Afghanistan. The initiative was created by the municipal departments of Public Education and Social Policies in partnership with the Ti.Ne.R.I. VT5 Consortium, Arci Nuove Cittadinanze, Arci Solidarietà Viterbo, the Pro Loco, and the Circolo Arci Sette Fratelli Cervi, and it combines tastings with entertainment and workshops for children.

What to expect from the program

• Lighting of the Christmas tree and festive lights in the historic center, accompanied by the town band
• Christmas market in Piazza del Comune and on Corso Matteotti
• Artisan markets at the Forte dei Borgia
• Artistic nativity scenes and itineraries through the village churches
• Christmas concerts, choirs, and theatrical performances, often for charity
• Creative workshops and entertainment for children
• Guided tours of the historic center and monuments
• Befana festival and closing of the program on January 6th

Why it's worth the trip

Christmas in Nepi proves that in Lazio, the festive season can be enjoyed perfectly well away from the most crowded circuits. The program is almost entirely free, distances are minimal—everything takes place on foot within the historic center—and the hospitality is typical of the Tuscia villages. It is an ideal destination for a family Sunday in December, perhaps combined with a visit to the Nepi waterfalls and a tasting of local products, such as pecorino cheese and cooked salami, which also have a dedicated festival in the spring.