Natale Martano (Christmas Markets)

Christmas in the village on Lake Bolsena

The Natale Martano is the Christmas event of the Municipality of Marta, a small town in the province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Tuscia region, in Lazio. The village, famous for its heritage as a fishing town and the Clock Tower that overlooks Lake Bolsena, transforms for a few days into an illuminated village where festive lights reflect on the water. The heart of the festival is Piazza Umberto I, the main square where the Town Hall is also located: this is where the wooden market stalls, food stands, and the stage for entertainment are set up.

Markets and handicrafts of Tuscia

The core of the event is the Christmas markets, with stalls dedicated to handicrafts, handmade decorations, gift ideas, and typical local products. In the Viterbo Tuscia area, the Christmas gastronomic tradition is rich and distinctive, and the stalls reflect this:

• Traditional sweets: hazelnut tozzetti, wine biscuits, fritters, and other specialties from local bakeries.
• Products of the lake and land: extra virgin olive oil from the Colli Etruschi, hazelnuts, honey, preserves, and wines from local producers.
• Handicrafts and creativity: ceramics, woodwork, textiles, Christmas ornaments, and small artistic productions.
• Charity stalls: local associations traditionally participate with charity stands.

A Christmas designed for families

Natale Martano is more than just a market. The program of recent editions has always reserved ample space for children, with Santa's House, creative workshops, a letter box for Santa, wooden games, entertainment with elves and mascots, cotton candy, and popcorn. There is no shortage of musical moments: the Schola cantorum of Marta and the local town band have been the stars of Christmas concerts in the Collegiate Church for years, while local groups and Christmas background music alternate in the square.

Marta during the holidays

Those who arrive in Marta during the Christmas period will find a widespread calendar that goes well beyond the market weekend. Traditional nativity scenes are set up in the historic center and hamlets, and in some editions, a living nativity scene is animated by local actors among the medieval streets. Walking along the lakefront at sunset, with the lights on and the fishing boats moored, is one of the most evocative experiences that Lake Bolsena can offer in winter.

Why it's worth the trip

Unlike large urban markets, Natale Martano retains an authentically local dimension: entry is free, you meet the producers, and you chat with the exhibitors. It is the ideal opportunity to discover a village in the Tuscia region outside the summer tourist season, when Marta is famous for the May Barabbata and the Lattarino Fish Festival. Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe, serves as a silent backdrop to a festival made of lights, scents, and community.

2025 Edition

The last documented edition took place from December 19 to 21, 2025 in Piazza Umberto I, with three days of markets, entertainment, and events for adults and children. For the next edition, the Municipality of Marta has not yet released official dates and programs: it is advisable to check the official channels in the weeks preceding the holidays.