Presepe Vivente di Campofontana
One of the most evocative living nativity scenes in Lessinia, at 1224 metres
About Presepe Vivente di Campofontana
Christmas lives again in the hamlets of Lessinia
The Living Nativity of Campofontana is one of the most beloved events of Christmas in Verona. It takes place in the Roncari hamlet of Campofontana, part of Selva di Progno in the province of Verona, at 1224 metres above sea level in the heart of the upper Lessinia. For over twenty years, costumed participants have enlivened the village on December 24th, 25th, and 26th, transforming stone houses, barns, and snowy alleys into the natural setting of the Nativity.
Ancient mountain crafts
What makes this nativity scene special is the care taken in recreating the life of the past: along the path, you can meet the knife grinder, the seamstress, the blacksmith, the carpenter, and the shepherds with their flock, in a representation that is also a living memory of the crafts and peasant culture of Lessinia. The high altitude and mountain environment, often covered in snow, enhance the authentic atmosphere.
Three days of tradition, from Mass to the Three Wise Men
The programme unfolds over the three traditional days: the sung Holy Mass on Christmas Eve, the performance on Christmas Day with the re-enactment of ancient crafts, and finally, on St. Stephen's Day, the anticipation of the arrival of the Three Wise Men. An event that attracts numerous visitors from Verona and the Veneto region every year, drawn by one of the most evocative living nativity scenes in the region.
Presepe Vivente di Campofontana — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Living Nativity of Campofontana is expected, as per decades-old tradition, on December 24th, 25th, and 26th in the Roncari hamlet, at 1224 metres altitude. The mountain village transforms into the setting of the Nativity, enlivened by dozens of costumed figures and the re-enactment of ancient crafts.
The detailed programme will be confirmed by the organizers closer to the Christmas holidays.
Programme Presepe Vivente di Campofontana 2026
The detailed 2026 programme will be announced shortly before the Christmas holidays. According to the established structure of the event, the three days include:
- December 24th (Christmas Eve) — Sung Holy Mass and opening of the nativity scene path
- December 25th (Christmas Day), in the evening — Nativity performance with re-enactment of ancient crafts (knife grinder, seamstress, blacksmith, carpenter, shepherds with flock)
- December 26th (St. Stephen's Day) — Arrival of the Three Wise Men
Highlights Presepe Vivente di Campofontana 2026
- Living nativity scene at 1224 m in the Roncari hamlet
- Re-enactment of ancient Lessinia crafts
- Arrival of the Three Wise Men on St. Stephen's Day
Prices Presepe Vivente di Campofontana 2026
Practical information — Presepe Vivente di Campofontana
How to get there
Campofontana can be reached by car from Verona via the Val d'Illasi and Selva di Progno. The Roncari hamlet is at a high altitude (1224 m): appropriate winter clothing and non-slip footwear are recommended due to the possible presence of snow and ice.
Admission
Free access to the nativity scene path.
When
The nativity scene is traditionally set up on December 24th, 25th, and 26th.
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 — Presepe Vivente di Campofontana
Contrada Roncari, Campofontana
Contrada Roncari, Campofontana, 37030 Selva di Progno