Christmas in Santa Rufina

Christmas in Santa Rufina, the festive heart of lower Cittaducale

Every year, at the beginning of December, the village of Santa Rufina — in the Municipality of Cittaducale, in the province of Rieti (Lazio) — dresses up for the Christmas season. The focal point of the event is Piazza Santa Maria del Popolo, which for the occasion becomes a small Christmas village animated by lights, music, and activities designed especially for children and families.

Santa's House and letters

The most anticipated moment for the little ones is the opening of Santa's House: here children can meet Santa Claus, deliver their letters to the Post Office, and take home a souvenir photo. It is a simple ritual that immerses both young and old in the magic of anticipation, repeated over several afternoons starting in the late afternoon.

Lighting of the tree and the comet star

Among the symbols of the event is the lighting of the Christmas tree and the comet star in Piazza Santa Maria del Popolo. The Christmas tree remains lit throughout the holiday period, until Epiphany, becoming a meeting point for the village residents.

Shows, puppets, and tradition

The program is enriched with family shows, particularly the puppet theater, and moments of conviviality with typical gastronomy and the atmospheres dear to the Rieti Christmas tradition. The initiative is promoted by the Rulli e Cantine Association, the same group that enlivens the village with their namesake autumn event, in collaboration with the Municipality of Cittaducale.

An event distinct from the historic center

Christmas in Santa Rufina is designed for the village and should be kept distinct from the Christmas events in the historic center of Cittaducale, with its markets and nativity scene. Together, however, they make up a rich calendar of festivities that accompanies the area throughout the month of December.