Pretoro in Fairytale – Christmas Markets

A nativity scene in the Majella mountains

Some places seem to step straight out of a storybook when Christmas arrives. Pretoro, a tiny village in the province of Chieti perched on the slopes of the Majella, is one of them. Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and symbolized by the wolf, the town lies in the heart of the Majella National Park and transforms into a living nativity scene for the Immaculate Conception long weekend, thanks to Pretoro in Fairytale – Christmas Markets.

The initiative, organized by Pro Loco Pretoro APS together with the Associazione Pretoro Evergreen APS and supported by the Municipality of Pretoro, was born as a "collective dream" of a community eager to share the beauty of their village. The historic center's streets, squares, and alleyways fill with soft lights, glowing braziers, music, and enchanting atmospheres, creating a journey designed for both adults and children.

The roving show "The Night of Santa Claus"

The beating heart of the event is the roving show "The Night of Santa Claus", performed by the I Guardiani dell'Oca theater company. Actors, musicians, and dancers guide the audience along a magical path through the village alleys, recounting the legend of Santa Claus through stories, songs, dances, and fairytale atmospheres. Performances run at regular intervals in the late afternoon: an immersive show that turns the village itself into the stage.

Markets, flavors, and family magic

In Piazza Dietro Corte, the Christmas market comes to life with over 40 exhibitors, including hobbyists, creatives, and artisans offering unique gift ideas, handmade creations, and artisanal crafts. There is no shortage of food stands featuring Abruzzese culinary specialties, perfect for warming up between strolls.

The village holds special surprises for the little ones:

• Santa's Grotto, with an elf workshop where they can drop off their letters;
• the Alley of Love, a romantic corner for a kiss under the mistletoe;
• guided trekking to discover the wolf and the village, dedicated to children aged 6 and up;
• guided tours of the historic center and the town's museums.

An accessible event in the heart of Abruzzo

Thanks to a shuttle bus service connecting the parking area at the village entrance to the historic center, Pretoro in Fairytale is designed to welcome visitors from afar. It is an appointment that combines performance, tradition, and mountain scenery, becoming one of the most evocative Christmas events in the province of Chieti and all of Abruzzo.