Dream Christmas

Christmas in the village of Pinocchio

Perched on a tuff spur in the heart of the Tuscia region, Farnese is one of the most evocative villages in the province of Viterbo, in Lazio. With just over a thousand inhabitants, Renaissance alleys, and a special bond with Pinocchio: it was here that, in 1972, Luigi Comencini filmed several scenes of the historic television series based on Carlo Collodi's masterpiece. Every winter, this fairytale setting is transformed by Dream Christmas, the long calendar of events that brings the village to life from December 8th to January 6th with markets, lights, music, and traditions.

A month of festivities in the alleys

Promoted by the Municipality of Farnese together with the Pro Loco and the Selva del Lamone Nature Reserve, "Dream Christmas" spreads its initiatives throughout the holiday season. The Christmas markets, set up in Largo Guglielmi, offer handicrafts, gift ideas, and typical products of the Lazio Maremma, while street food and gastronomic stalls accompany your stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center.

• Artisanal markets and typical Tuscia products
• Street food and tastings in the historic center
• Attractions and workshops for children, including a charity raffle
• Musical and theatrical performances and concerts by the town band
• Guided tours of the village and tastings in local cellars

The nativity scene and the Pinocchio museum

There are two symbolic locations for the event. The nativity scene is set up in the church of San Rocco, on Via San Magno, while the Pinocchio museum opens its doors in the former school building on Corso Vittorio Emanuele III, telling the story of the bond between the town and the famous puppet. There is also a show dedicated to "Pinocchio, a puppet in Farnese," which brings the fairytale to life right where the character was brought to the screen.

New Year's Eve and the Befana

The calendar continues until Epiphany. On New Year's Eve, it is tradition to take a guided tour of the village with a toast in local cellars, such as Vigne del Patrimonio, while the arrival of Santa Claus and the Befana marks the days dedicated to children. Soft lights, music, and the intimate atmosphere of a small village make Farnese an ideal destination to experience Christmas away from the crowds of big cities.

Farnese and the Tuscia to discover

Beyond the festivities, Farnese is worth a stop for its medieval historic center, the "Ferrante Rittatore Vonwiller" Civic Museum, and the nearby Selva del Lamone Nature Reserve, with its oak forests and hiking trails. Local cuisine, featuring mushrooms, game, legumes, and Canino PDO extra virgin olive oil, completes the experience of an authentic Christmas in the most hidden part of Lazio.