Christmas in Our Streets

Christmas in Our Streets in Santa Maria Imbaro

Christmas in Our Streets is the festival that, every year in late November, lights up the Christmas spirit in Santa Maria Imbaro, a small town of just over two thousand inhabitants nestled in the hills of the province of Chieti, in Abruzzo. For an entire day, the historic center of the village, gathered around the mother church of Santa Maria and the 18th-century Palazzo Paolucci, dresses up for the occasion and fills with stalls, music, and festive scents.

A Christmas village through the streets of the hamlet

The event transforms the streets and squares of the historic center into a themed trail. Along the narrow lanes, you will find artisan markets featuring handmade items, decorations, gift ideas, and local gastronomic specialties. There is no shortage of stands showcasing typical local products, which tell the story of the rural traditions of this part of the Frentano region.

A festival for children and the community

The heart of the day is the participation of the little ones: the Christmas tree is decorated by the local schoolchildren, who hang their creations amidst the enthusiasm of their families. Bringing the streets to life, the Santa Claus band arrives, accompanying both young and old along the festival route with music and cheer. It is an event designed for families, where the community spirit of this small Abruzzese village can be felt in every corner.

A consolidated tradition

Reaching its twentieth edition in 2025, the festival is now a fixed appointment on the local Christmas calendar, promoted by the Municipality of Santa Maria Imbaro. Its simplicity is its strength: no grand displays, just the desire to gather among neighbors, rediscover the streets of the historic center, and inaugurate the most magical time of the year together.

Why attend

• Artisan markets and gift ideas in the historic center
• The Santa Claus band bringing the village streets to life
• The Christmas tree decorated by local schoolchildren
• Typical products and flavors of the Abruzzese tradition
• A free, family-friendly event in the heart of the Frentano area