Nativity Scenes on the Fountains

A nativity scene on every fountain

The Nativity Scenes on the Fountains (known in Ladin as Prejepies sui festii) are one of the most beloved Christmas traditions in Vigo di Fassa, a village in the municipality of San Giovanni di Fassa-Sèn Jan, in the heart of the Val di Fassa, in the province of Trento and the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Throughout the holiday season, about twenty artisanal nativity scenes are set up on ancient stone fountains and in the most characteristic corners of the village, turning the town into a large open-air exhibition.

A trail through the village districts

The intimate streets of Vigo provide the ideal setting for a stroll through the Nativity scenes, which are scattered across the historic districts of the village: San Giovanni (Pieve), Costa, Larcioné, Valongia, and Tamion. These nativity scenes are born from the imagination and passion of locals, sculptors, and associations, who craft them using traditional alpine materials—from wood to stone—reflecting the rural culture and ancient trades of the past.

The magic of sunset

The most evocative time to admire the nativity scenes is at dusk, when the small lights are switched on and the village atmosphere becomes truly enchanting. The tourist offices provide a map of the trail that guides visitors between the decorated fountains; the map also includes a game to discover hidden objects within the displays, and those who complete it receive a sweet treat—an activity highly appreciated by families with children.

A widespread Christmas in Val di Fassa

The Nativity Scenes on the Fountains are part of a rich Christmas calendar that enlivens Vigo di Fassa and the entire municipality of San Giovanni di Fassa-Sèn Jan: the living nativity scene organized by the local theater group I Bontemponi, concerts in the evocative Pieve di San Giovanni, the arrival of Santa Claus and the Befana in Ciampedie and the town center, as well as the traditional Christmas markets. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the authentic spirit of the holidays in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Why visit

• Approximately 20 artisanal nativity scenes set up on fountains and in the corners of the village
• Free, self-guided trail through the historic districts of Vigo
• Map-game with a scavenger hunt for hidden objects and a final sweet treat
• Ideal setting at sunset, when the lights come on
• Part of the rich Christmas program of the Val di Fassa