Il Borgo Incantato – Campo di Giove Christmas Markets
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Local produce Mountain

Il Borgo Incantato – Campo di Giove Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in a mountain village at the foot of the Majella

Campo di Giove — L'Aquila (066)
Dates 22 Nov — 06 Jan 2026
Location Campo di Giove (066)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Il Borgo Incantato

Every year, between late November and Epiphany, the historic center of Campo di Giove (AQ) transforms into the most charming Christmas village in Abruzzo. With its cobblestone streets dusted in snow at over 1,000 meters above sea level, the village fills with twinkling lights, wooden chalets, the scent of mulled wine, and local Majella delicacies. "Il Borgo Incantato" combines artisan markets, Abruzzese gastronomy, Santa's House, and the scenic arrival of the historic Transiberiana d'Italia train for an authentic, family-friendly mountain Christmas.

The most magical Christmas village in Abruzzo

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.

Markets, crafts, and the flavors of the Majella

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.

Santa's House and activities for children

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.

The Transiberiana d'Italia

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.

A staple of the Abruzzo winter

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.

Il Borgo Incantato — edition 2026

The 2025/2026 edition of Il Borgo Incantato brought Campo di Giove to life from November 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026, with 21 opening days across November, December, and early January. The historic center transformed into a Christmas village featuring artisan markets, Majella gastronomy, Santa's House, and the arrival of the historic Transiberiana d'Italia train.

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.

Programme Il Borgo Incantato 2026

Opening days: November 22-23 and 29-30, 2025; December 6-7-8, 13-14, 20-21, and 26-27-28-29-30, 2025; January 2-3-4-5-6, 2026. Hours: 09:30–20:00. Artisan and food markets, Santa's House, workshops and entertainment for children, shows, arrival of the Transiberiana d'Italia historic train from Sulmona.

Highlights Il Borgo Incantato 2026

Santa's House; Transiberiana d'Italia historic train; artisan stalls in the ancient village storerooms; typical Majella gastronomy (arrosticini, almond sweets, mulled wine); entertainment and workshops for children.

Prices Il Borgo Incantato 2026

Free admission to the markets. Travel on the Transiberiana d'Italia historic train requires a separate paid ticket.

Practical information — Il Borgo Incantato

How to get there

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.

Opening hours and admission

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.

Useful tips

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.

Contacts

Pro Loco Campo di Giove, Piazza A. Duval 67, 67030 Campo di Giove (AQ) — tel. +39 339 248 1018.

Festival-goer photos

No photos yet. Share yours!

Share your photos

5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)

Noticed an error or missing information?

Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.

Festival-goer reviews

No rating yet — be the first!

No comments yet. Be the first!

Were you there?

Share your experience with the community.

Where does it take place — Il Borgo Incantato

Centro storico di Campo di Giove

Centro storico, 67030 Campo di Giove

Contact Il Borgo Incantato

Tel
+39 339 248 1018

Il Borgo Incantato in brief

Gastronomy Local produce Mountain Folk traditions Folklore Family Children Art crafts Crafts Outdoor L'Aquila

History of Il Borgo Incantato