Frascati... in Festa!

A Christmas festival in the heart of the Castelli Romani

"Frascati... in Festa!" is the Christmas event with which the Municipality of Frascati, in the Metropolitan City of Rome and the Lazio region, welcomes the holiday season. It is more than just a market: the event was born with a clear goal—to celebrate the territory through art, taste, craftsmanship, and music, turning the wait for Christmas into an experience to be savored slowly. For a few days, the city becomes a grand open-air living room where local shops, associations, and producers present their work to the public.

The Mura del Valadier, an exceptional setting

Starting with the 2025 edition, the festival takes place at the Mura del Valadier, a monumental space located along Via del Castello, just a stone's throw from the Cathedral of San Pietro. These ancient walls, restored as a cultural hub for the city, offer both indoor spaces and panoramic terraces that light up at night—a setting far removed from standard exhibition halls and perfect for an event focused on atmosphere. In previous years, the event was held in other parts of the center, such as the Covered Market in Piazza del Mercato; the move to the Mura has given the initiative a more evocative feel, deeply connected to the city's heritage.

What to expect

• Craft markets featuring unique items, Christmas decorations, gift ideas, and traditional creations from the Castelli Romani;
• Food and wine tastings of local products, with a special focus on Frascati wines and labels from the Tusculum area;
• Live shows, entertainment, and performances designed for both adults and children;
• Music, choirs, and Christmas atmosphere, with evening performances held within the Mura;
• Light installations that enhance the site's architecture after sunset.

A city-wide Christmas

"Frascati... in Festa!" does not stand alone; it is part of a broader Christmas calendar that the Municipality builds each year in collaboration with local cultural entities. In recent seasons, the city has hosted an ice skating rink in Piazza San Pietro, wooden market stalls along Viale Vittorio Veneto, carousels in Piazza del Mercato and Piazza Roma, as well as the L.U.C.I. su Frascati festival, which brings creative workshops, readings, cinema, and free performances to various city spaces, including the Mura del Valadier. The result is a December where the historic center remains vibrant for weeks, not just during the festival weekend.

Why Frascati

Frascati is the gateway to the Castelli Romani. Located just over twenty kilometers from Rome, it is famous for its Tusculan villas, its centuries-old relationship with the white wine that bears its name, and the tradition of fraschette—taverns where one can enjoy bulk wine and simple food. A Christmas market here is inevitably a story of the land: the producers' stalls, tastings, and workshops showcase a short supply chain involving local wineries, dairies, bakeries, and artisans.

Target audience

The event is designed for a wide audience: families with children, who will find dedicated entertainment and activities; day-trippers from Rome, who can combine the festival with a stroll through the historic center and a visit to the villas; and food and wine enthusiasts, drawn by the tastings and the opportunity to purchase local products. Admission is free, with continuous hours during the festival days and performances concentrated in the evening.