Luce che Ritorna – Terelle, the Christmas that warms the heart
Christmas in the 'Village of Good Breath': illuminations, nativity scenes, bagpipes, gospel music, and the Epiphany in the mountains
About Luce che Ritorna
The Christmas that warms the hearts of Terelle
In the heart of winter, Terelle—a mountain village in the province of Frosinone, Lazio, known as the Village of Good Breath—transforms its narrow streets and squares into a living nativity scene of lights and traditions. "Luce che Ritorna – Terelle, the Christmas that warms the heart" is the Christmas calendar promoted by the Municipality of Terelle, accompanying the community and visitors from the lighting of the festive displays in early December until the convivial Epiphany lunch on January 6th.
Illuminations and Nativity Scene Competition
The festivities begin during the Immaculate Conception long weekend with the lighting of the festive displays and the opening of the Nativity Scene Competition in the historic center: alleys, windows, and corners of the village are filled with handcrafted nativity scenes created by families and associations, in a creative contest that invites you to stroll with your head held high among the village's stone houses.
Music: Bagpipes, Brass Bands, and Gospel
The soundtrack of Terelle's Christmas spans all the registers of tradition. In mid-December, the wandering performances of the "Gli Amici della Zampogna" association bring the most ancient sounds of Apennine Christmas to the streets with "Accendiamo la speranza – Note nei Borghi." These are followed by the Christmas Concert of the Don Bosco Musical Band, the evocative "Venetian Fantasy" in the church of Santa Maria Addolorata, and, between Christmas and New Year's Eve, the overwhelming energy of the "The Voice" Gospel Choir in Piazza L. Biondi.
Theater, Bingo, and Family Moments
The program pays great attention to families: throughout December, there are creative workshops for children hosted in municipal venues, while the end-of-year celebrations offer moments of authentic community, such as the theatrical performance "Parenti Serpenti" by the Filodrammatica Don Bosco, the family bingo in the square, and the collective New Year's Eve toast.
The Epiphany in the Mountains and "Adopt a Chestnut Tree"
The grand finale is dedicated to the village's deepest identity. Terelle is a land of ancient chestnut groves, and in January, the "Adopt a Chestnut Tree" initiative links Christmas to the protection of the village's agricultural and environmental heritage. On January 6th, the Epiphany in the Mountains closes the festivities with a convivial lunch in the square: a simple and warm way to bid farewell to the holidays, just as it was done in the past.
A village to discover in winter
At an altitude of about 900 meters, on the slopes of Monte Cairo between Cassino and the Comino Valley, Terelle in winter offers fresh air, views of the Liri Valley, and genuine hospitality. "Luce che Ritorna" is the perfect opportunity to discover one of the most authentic villages in Ciociaria, where Christmas still preserves the slow, communal rhythm of the Lazio mountains.
Luce che Ritorna — edition 2026
Luce che Ritorna 2025-2026: a month of celebration in the Village of Good Breath
The 2025-2026 edition of Terelle's Christmas calendar opened during the Immaculate Conception long weekend, on December 7 and 8, with the lighting of the festive displays and the opening of the Nativity Scene Competition in the historic center, and concluded on January 6 with the traditional Epiphany lunch in the Mountains. A whole month of free events between Piazza L. Biondi, the church of Santa Maria Addolorata, and the village alleys, promoted by the Municipality of Terelle with local associations.
Among the most applauded moments: the wandering performances of the "Amici della Zampogna," the Christmas Concert of the Don Bosco Musical Band, the "Venetian Fantasy" in the church, the overwhelming "The Voice" Gospel Choir, and the comedy "Parenti Serpenti" performed by the Filodrammatica Don Bosco. There was no shortage of creative workshops for the little ones, family bingo, the New Year's Eve toast, and the environmental initiative "Adopt a Chestnut Tree," dedicated to the ancient chestnut groves that are the symbol of the village.
Programme Luce che Ritorna 2026
2025-2026 Program
- Dec 7-8, 5:00 PM — Lighting of the festive displays and opening of the Nativity Scene Competition in the historic center
- Dec 8, 13, 20, 23, 4:00 PM — Creative workshops for children and families at the municipal premises
- Dec 14, 5:00 PM — "Accendiamo la speranza – Note nei Borghi": wandering performances by the "Gli Amici della Zampogna" Association
- Dec 20, 6:30 PM — Christmas Concert of the Don Bosco Musical Band
- Dec 21, 5:00 PM — "Venetian Fantasy" at the Church of Santa Maria Addolorata
- Dec 26, 5:00 PM — "Light up Christmas" in Piazza L. Biondi
- Dec 27, 5:00 PM — Theatrical performance "Parenti Serpenti" with the Filodrammatica Don Bosco
- Dec 28, 4:00 PM — Family bingo in Piazza L. Biondi
- Dec 29, 6:00 PM — "The Voice" Gospel Choir in Piazza L. Biondi
- Dec 31, 5:00 PM — New Year's Eve toast in Piazza L. Biondi
- Jan 3 — "Adopt a Chestnut Tree" initiative
- Jan 4, 4:00 PM — "Ambo… Terno… Family Bingo" in Piazza L. Biondi
- Jan 6, 12:00 PM — Epiphany in the Mountains with a convivial lunch in Piazza L. Biondi
Highlights Luce che Ritorna 2026
- Lighting of festive displays and Nativity Scene Competition (Dec 7-8)
- Wandering bagpipers with "Note nei Borghi" (Dec 14)
- Don Bosco Band Christmas Concert (Dec 20)
- "The Voice" Gospel Choir in the square (Dec 29)
- Theater: "Parenti Serpenti" with Filodrammatica Don Bosco (Dec 27)
- Epiphany in the Mountains with convivial lunch (Jan 6)
Prices Luce che Ritorna 2026
Practical information — Luce che Ritorna
How to get there
By car: A1 motorway, Cassino exit, then the mountain provincial road to Terelle (about 30 minutes of scenic hairpin bends). By train: Cassino station, then continue by car or taxi. The village is located about 110 km southeast of Rome.
Admission
Most events in the square and the historic center are free to attend; for convivial moments like the Epiphany lunch, it is advisable to check with the Municipality.
Tips
Terelle is located at an altitude of about 900 meters: warm winter clothing and shoes suitable for stone alleys are essential. Info: Municipality of Terelle, tel. +39 0776 336013.
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Where does it take place — Luce che Ritorna
Piazza L. Biondi e centro storico di Terelle
Piazza L. Biondi, 03040 Terelle