Natal Calascio
Christmas in the artistic village at the foot of Rocca Calascio
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Natal Calascio
Christmas at the foot of Rocca Calascio
Natal Calascio is the Christmas festival that lights up the village of Calascio every December. This tiny mountain town in the province of L'Aquila lies in the heart of the Abruzzo region and the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. At the foot of the iconic Rocca Calascio—one of the highest and most photographed fortresses in Italy, immortalized by cinema—the village's stone streets come alive with lights, wooden stalls, music, and festive aromas.
A village of art, light, and craftsmanship
Launched in 2023, the event has grown year after year to become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions in the L'Aquila hinterland. The heart of the festival is the Christmas market, featuring local handicrafts, traditional flavors, and creative workshops. However, the program extends far beyond the stalls: the village transforms into an open-air gallery thanks to art installations created in collaboration with the Fulvio Muzi Art School and the Academy of Fine Arts of L'Aquila.
What to experience during the festival
- Christmas markets among the village's wooden stalls
- Light and art installations along the stone alleyways
- Creative workshops and activities for children and families
- Tastings of local products, music, and mulled wine
- Guided tours to discover the history of the village and Rocca Calascio
- Walks and excursions, including e-bike tours, through the landscapes of the Gran Sasso
- Burraco and Scopone tournaments and community social gatherings
The Befana Grand Parade
The grand finale is the Befana Grand Parade, which closes the festivities on January 6th with clowns, dancers, stilt walkers, and music, involving both adults and children in a festive procession through the town streets.
A community project
Natal Calascio is organized by the Vivi Calascio Community Cooperative, in a village that has made cultural and economic rebirth its hallmark, partly thanks to the "Rocca Calascio – Light of Abruzzo" project. The festival is much more than a market: it is a way to breathe new life into one of the symbolic places of mountain Abruzzo during the winter months.
Natal Calascio — edition 2026
The dates and program for the 2026 edition of Natal Calascio have not yet been released. Based on previous editions, the Christmas festival in the village of Calascio (province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo) is usually held in December, featuring Christmas markets, art installations, workshops, and tastings of local products, concluding with the Befana Grand Parade on Epiphany.
To find out the official dates and the full program for the 2026 edition, we recommend following the channels of the Vivi Calascio Community Cooperative.
Practical information — Natal Calascio
How to get there
Calascio can be reached by car via the A24 motorway (exit L'Aquila Est or Bussi-Popoli), continuing along the mountain roads of the Gran Sasso. The nearest train station is in L'Aquila, from which you can continue by car. In winter, it is advisable to check road conditions and ensure you have winter equipment.
Useful tips
The village is located in the mountains: warm clothing and comfortable shoes for the stone alleys are essential. For information on opening hours and the updated program, you can contact the Vivi Calascio Community Cooperative (tel. +39 351 5512131, [email protected]) or check their official social media channels.
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 — Natal Calascio
Borgo di Calascio