Christmas in Vasto – Markets, Vasto in the Nativity and the Magic of Christmas

Christmas in the heart of Vasto

Christmas in Vasto is the major holiday festival that transforms the historic center of this Adriatic city into a Christmas village every year from early December until Epiphany. Organized by the Municipality of Vasto in collaboration with the Pro Loco "Città del Vasto" and numerous local cultural associations, the program features dozens of events including markets, shows, concerts, folk traditions, and food and wine events, spread across the town's squares and historic buildings.

A village that lights up

The heart of the event is Piazza Gabriele Rossetti, which hosts the ice skating rink and most of the activities for children, while the Christmas Village with its colorful markets comes to life along the streets and alleys of the historic center. The illuminations, traditional carols, and the intimate atmosphere of the town, overlooking the Gulf of Vasto and the Costa dei Trabocchi, make these weeks one of the most cherished winter events in Abruzzo.

Vasto in the Nativity and local traditions

Among the most iconic events is "Vasto in the Nativity", a nativity scene exhibition-competition organized by the Pro Loco, which displays nativity scenes created by citizens in the rooms of the Episcopal Curia on Via Vescovado, interpreting the Nativity according to local Vasto tradition. Other highlights include the living nativity scene in the historic center, traditional dialect carols such as "Cand' aja caminàtə chista nottə…" for the New Year, and the festive "Befana coming from the sea" that closes the celebrations on the beach.

Music, taste, and culture

The program caters to every taste: from classical and gospel concerts in churches and the Teatro Rossetti to contemporary art exhibitions at Palazzo d'Avalos, and from the Vasto Beer Festival to food and wine events featuring typical Abruzzo products in the city squares. It is a rich calendar that combines faith, entertainment, craftsmanship, and local flavors, designed for families, children, and visitors alike.

• Municipality: Vasto (CH), Abruzzo
• Period: December – January 6th
• Locations: Historic center, Piazza Rossetti, Episcopal Curia, Palazzo d'Avalos
• Organizers: Municipality of Vasto and Pro Loco "Città del Vasto"
• Admission: Most events are free of charge