Christmas Village

The Christmas spirit lighting up the old town of Bisceglie

Every year, as winter arrives, the historic center of Bisceglie—a coastal town in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani (BAT), Puglia—dresses up for the holidays and becomes the Christmas Village. The alleys, courtyards, and squares of the old town fill with lights, music, and aromas, offering visitors a widespread, free Christmas experience open to everyone. It is not just a market, but a true community story that weaves together tradition, folk culture, and a spirit of solidarity.

A 100% sustainable setup

The hallmark of the Christmas Village is its eco-friendly soul. The streets are illuminated with low-energy lighting to conserve energy, while all decorations used are "upcycled": discarded ornaments, broken trees, and reclaimed materials that volunteers collect and repurpose, preventing them from ending up in landfills. It is a community installation, built with the spirit of the circular economy, which beautifies the streets of the old town by turning reuse into beauty.

Santa's Village and family activities

The beating heart of the event is the grand Santa's Village in Piazza Duomo, where little ones can participate in creative workshops, games, and the unmissable meeting with Santa Claus for a souvenir photo. Every weekend, the calendar is enriched with Christmas carols, children's storytelling, and street music and entertainment that accompany the evenings through the illuminated alleys.

A culinary journey and the solidarity market

The Christmas Village is also a journey through festive flavors: local restaurateurs offer a culinary trail throughout the old town, featuring typical Puglian Christmas dishes. Along Via Cardinale Dell'Olio, the Solidarity Market comes to life, showcasing local crafts and regional associations. All activities are free: visitors are encouraged to donate basic necessities and non-perishable food to support the Caritas of Bisceglie.

A project by the Associazione Borgo Antico

The event is conceived and set up by the volunteers of the Associazione Borgo Antico, the same group that enlivens the old town with the historic summer festival "Libri nel Borgo Antico." The Christmas Village is realized in collaboration with the Municipality of Bisceglie, Confcommercio, Assolocali, and numerous local entities, confirming a project that unites merchants, associations, and citizens in a single shared celebration.