Christmas markets in a mountain village at the foot of the Majella
At an altitude of over 1,060 meters, at the foot of the imposing Majella mountains and in the heart of the Majella National Park, the small town of Campo di Giove in the province of L'Aquila lights up every winter with Il Borgo Incantato, the Christmas event that has made this mountain village famous throughout Abruzzo. For several weeks, from late November until Epiphany, the historic center turns into an authentic Christmas village, often wrapped in a pristine blanket of snow that enhances the fairytale atmosphere.
The ancient streets of the old town, its alleys, and stone fondaci (storerooms) come alive with chalets and stalls featuring artisan goods, Christmas decorations, and creations by local craftsmen and hobbyists. A major focus is placed on Abruzzese gastronomy: arrosticini, scrippelle, almond sweets, aged cheeses, honey, jams, artisan liqueurs, and the essential mulled wine to warm visitors on cold mountain days.
Il Borgo Incantato is designed with families in mind: every opening day is enriched with shows, entertainment, workshops for little ones, and demonstrations of ancient crafts. A must-visit is Santa's House, where children can deliver their letters, along with many other surprises that make the visit an unforgettable experience.
One of the most evocative moments is the arrival of the historic Transiberiana d'Italia train: departing from Sulmona, the vintage train travels through the forests and snowy landscapes of the Abruzzo Apennines to reach the Campo di Giove station, where passengers are welcomed by the lights and music of the markets. A journey through time that blends slow tourism, mountain panoramas, and Christmas magic.
Organized by the Pro Loco of Campo di Giove with the support of the municipal administration, Il Borgo Incantato is now a consolidated fixture of the Abruzzo winter calendar, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. Between tradition, hospitality, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Majella, it represents one of the most beautiful ways to experience Christmas in Abruzzo.
For the 2025/2026 edition, Il Borgo Incantato in Campo di Giove (AQ) opened its Christmas chalets on numerous days between late November and Epiphany: November 22, 23, 29, and 30; December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 20, 21, and from 26 to 30; January 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Every opening day, from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM, the village at the foot of the Majella filled with lights, music, and aromas.
Visitors discovered stalls filled with artisan goods, decorations, and typical Abruzzese food and wine products—arrosticini, scrippelle, almond sweets, cheeses, honey, and mulled wine. Highlights included Santa's House, workshops and entertainment for children, and demonstrations of ancient crafts. The peak moment was the arrival of the Transiberiana d'Italia historic train departing from Sulmona, with passengers welcomed by the festive atmosphere of the markets.
Campo di Giove is located in the province of L'Aquila, within the Majella National Park. By car: take the Sulmona exit (A25 motorway), then follow mountain roads towards the village (about 20 km from Sulmona). By train: you can reach Campo di Giove via the historic Transiberiana d'Italia from Sulmona, which is particularly scenic during the event.
The markets are generally open from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM on opening days (concentrated on weekends and the Christmas period). Admission to the event is free.
Being at over 1,000 meters above sea level, warm, mountain-appropriate clothing is recommended. It is best to arrive early, especially on weekends. Bring cash, as not all exhibitors accept cards.
Pro Loco Campo di Giove, Piazza A. Duval 67, 67030 Campo di Giove (AQ) — tel. +39 339 248 1018.
No photos yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.
Centro storico di Campo di Giove
Centro storico, 67030 Campo di Giove