Historical Re-enactment of the World's First Nativity Scene (Greccio Living Nativity)
The Christmas of 1223 comes to life beneath the Franciscan Sanctuary, in the village where Saint Francis invented the Nativity scene.
About Greccio Living Nativity
The village where the Nativity scene was born
In the heart of the Holy Valley of Rieti, perched on the slopes of Mount Lacerone, the town of Greccio (Province of Rieti, Lazio) preserves one of Christianity's most celebrated memories: here, on Christmas night in 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi created the first representation of the Nativity, with the help of the local nobleman Giovanni Velita. From that simple gesture, performed in a mountain cave, stems the tradition of the Nativity scene that has since spread throughout the world.
Six living tableaux to tell the story of Saint Francis
The Historical Re-enactment of the World's First Nativity Scene, organized by the Pro Loco of Greccio APS, is not a static living Nativity but a true itinerant theatrical performance, divided into six living tableaux involving about a hundred performers in medieval costume. The narrative begins with the arrival of the friars at the hermitage and retraces the key moments of the bond between Francis and Greccio, leading to the final procession toward the manger, with an emotionally intense finale.
The scene takes place outdoors, on the square below the Franciscan Sanctuary-Hermitage, at an altitude of over 700 meters, with the forest and the village lights serving as a natural backdrop. Spectators watch from a designated area with seating; access is regulated by free tickets that must be booked in advance through the ticketing platform indicated by the Pro Loco.
A month of Christmas in Greccio
The re-enactment is the heart of a much broader Christmas program that enlivens the village for about a month, from early December until Epiphany:
- Artisan market in the historic center, open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, free admission
- International Nativity Scene Museum (MIPGreccio), featuring collections of Nativity scenes from all over the world
- Photography exhibitions curated by local associations
- Live performances, music, juggling, and street artists along the village streets
- "Baroque Christmas" concert at the Sanctuary, the season's closing event
A tradition that unites communities
Greccio is twinned with other Italian Franciscan and Nativity-focused towns—including Assisi, Corleto Perticara, Frisanco, San Donato Val di Comino, Aulla, Celano, and Faggiano—whose delegations regularly participate in the final events of the Christmas period. The event is therefore also a moment of encounter between territories that share the same spiritual heritage.
When to go and what to expect
The dates of the performances change every year but follow a consolidated pattern: a special performance on Christmas Eve, late in the evening on December 24th, and a series of afternoon/evening performances between Boxing Day and Epiphany. The event is held in the mountains, in winter, and outdoors: very warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and arriving a little early to reach the area calmly are essential.
Surrounding the re-enactment, the Holy Valley offers a complete Franciscan itinerary, with the sanctuaries of Fonte Colombo, La Foresta, and Poggio Bustone nearby: an opportunity to combine a visit to the Nativity scene with a weekend in the Rieti area.
Greccio Living Nativity — edition 2026
The 2025-2026 edition
The season opened with the special performance on Christmas night, December 24, 2025, at 10:30 PM, the most evocative moment of the entire calendar. This was followed by performances on December 26, 27, and 28, 2025, and on January 1, 3, 4, and 6, 2026, all starting at 5:40 PM on the square below the Franciscan Sanctuary.
Surrounding the re-enactment was a widespread program from December 7, 2025, to January 6, 2026: the artisan market open daily from 10 am to 6 pm with free admission, the opening of the International Nativity Scene Museum from December 6, as well as live performances, music, juggling, and street artists in the historic center.
The closing: "Wishes of Peace"
On January 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Sanctuary hosted the "Baroque Christmas" concert with the ORPHEUS and GIUSEPPE ROSATI choirs, conducted by maestros Angelo Fusacchia and Emanuele Ciogli, in the presence of delegations from the seven twinned towns (Assisi, Corleto Perticara, Frisanco, San Donato Val di Comino, Aulla, Celano, and Faggiano). The program, titled "Wishes of Peace," concluded with Mother Teresa's prayer for peace and a speech by the rector of the Sanctuary, Friar Giovanni Loche.
On January 6, the Utopia photography association presented the "Market in Photos" exhibition, and the MIPGreccio awarded the artisan market exhibitors: first prize to Simonetta Panunzi, second to Gabriella D'Urso, third to Maurizio Colantoni.
Programme Greccio Living Nativity 2026
Historical Re-enactment Performances
- Wednesday, December 24, 2025 — 10:30 PM (Holy Night performance)
- Friday, December 26, 2025 — 5:40 PM
- Saturday, December 27, 2025 — 5:40 PM
- Sunday, December 28, 2025 — 5:40 PM
- Thursday, January 1, 2026 — 5:40 PM
- Saturday, January 3, 2026 — 5:40 PM
- Sunday, January 4, 2026 — 5:40 PM
- Tuesday, January 6, 2026 — 5:40 PM
Collateral Events (December 7, 2025 - January 6, 2026)
- Artisan market — daily, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, free admission
- International Nativity Scene Museum (MIPGreccio) — open from December 6, 2025
- Live performances, music, juggling, and street artists in the village
- Photography exhibitions curated by local associations
- "Baroque Christmas" concert — January 5, 2026, 6:00 PM, at the Sanctuary: ORPHEUS and GIUSEPPE ROSATI choirs, conductors Angelo Fusacchia and Emanuele Ciogli
- "Market in Photos" exhibition and exhibitor awards — January 6, 2026, MIPGreccio
Highlights Greccio Living Nativity 2026
- The Holy Night performance on December 24, at 10:30 PM, the most evocative of the year
- Six living tableaux with about a hundred performers in medieval costume
- The natural scenery of the Franciscan Sanctuary-Hermitage at an altitude of over 700 meters
- The "Baroque Christmas" concert on January 5 with the ORPHEUS and GIUSEPPE ROSATI choirs
- The artisan market and the International Nativity Scene Museum open throughout the period
Prices Greccio Living Nativity 2026
Practical information — Greccio Living Nativity
Location
Square below the Franciscan Sanctuary-Hermitage of Greccio (RI), about 3 km from the village center, at an altitude of over 700 m.
How to get there
By car: from Rome via the A1 motorway, Ponzano-Soratte exit, or the Salaria SS4 road to Rieti, then the SP road to Greccio (approx. 1h 40m). From Terni, about 40 minutes. Parking is available in the historic center, at the Sanctuary, and along Via San Francesco.
By train: Rieti or Terni station, then local bus or taxi to Greccio.
Tickets
Free admission with tickets to be booked online via the Liveticket platform. Free for children under 6 and people with disabilities, upon notification to the organizers. Issued tickets are non-refundable.
Tips
Dress very warmly: the performance is in the evening, outdoors, and in the mountains. Arrive well in advance, especially on the night of December 24th.
Information
Pro Loco Greccio APS, Piazza Roma 11, 02045 Greccio (RI) — tel. +39 0746 753883.
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Where does it take place — Greccio Living Nativity
Santuario-Eremo francescano di Greccio
Piazzale del Santuario di Greccio, 02045 Greccio