RipaChristmas
Christmas in the village of Riparbella, featuring a widespread nativity scene, markets, and an animated mechanical crib.
About RipaChristmas
RipaChristmas, the light of the holidays in Riparbella
When December arrives, the small village of Riparbella, perched on the Pisan hills between the Val di Cecina and the sea, dresses up for RipaChristmas: the holiday event that, from December 20th to January 10th, wraps up the town's rich calendar of festivities. Organized by the Pro Loco Riparbella APS with the support of the Municipality of Riparbella, in collaboration with the Befana Folkloristic Group and the Parish of San Giovanni Evangelista, RipaChristmas is much more than a single event: it is an entire season during which the village becomes, as the organizers like to say, a large open-air nativity scene.
The widespread nativity scene and the Art of the Cribs
The heart of the festival is the widespread nativity scene: from December 26th to January 10th, the streets of the historic center host a trail of artistic and traditional cribs, set up by residents, families, local businesses, and associations. This is the free Arte dei Presepi di Riparbella competition, which invites the entire community to display their creations in windows, on balconies, in doorways, and in hidden corners of the town. A jury visits the displays, and the awards ceremony concludes the festivities, turning the competition into a collective story that reflects the village's community spirit.
The animated mechanical nativity scene
Among the most beloved attractions is the animated mechanical nativity scene, housed in the former Cinema space in Piazza della Madonna. Across a surface of about 80 square meters, over 140 moving figures, each about twenty centimeters tall, come to life: alongside the Nativity scene, artisans, washerwomen, fishermen, shepherds, masons, woodcutters, and even a barber go about their work, all animated and accompanied by evocative lighting effects. Created by the locals, the nativity scene traditionally opens on the evening of December 24th and remains open to visitors until the first days of February.
Markets, gastronomy, and family entertainment
The opening day of RipaChristmas brings artisan markets to the historic center, along with food stalls serving mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and typical sandwiches, as well as plenty of entertainment for children: creative workshops, animated readings, games, a mailbox for letters to Santa Claus, and live performances. There are also guided tours of the murals that decorate the town and the warm hospitality typical of small Tuscan villages.
Riparbella and the Val di Cecina
Located in the Province of Pisa, in Tuscany, Riparbella is a village of a few thousand inhabitants nestled among woods, olive groves, and vineyards, a short distance from Cecina and the Tyrrhenian coast. RipaChristmas is the perfect opportunity to discover the town in its most intimate and evocative guise, far from mass tourism, and to experience a Tuscan Christmas with the slow pace and authenticity of times past.
RipaChristmas — edition 2026
RipaChristmas 2026
The 2026 edition of RipaChristmas is confirmed in Riparbella from December 20, 2026, to January 10, 2027. As per tradition, the hilltop village in the Province of Pisa transforms into a large widespread nativity scene: the opening day on December 20th brings markets, music, and the magical holiday atmosphere to the historic center, while from December 26th to January 10th, the village streets host the trail of artistic and traditional nativity scenes for the Arte dei Presepi competition.
The animated mechanical nativity scene in the former Cinema space on Piazza della Madonna remains the star attraction, featuring over 140 moving figures. The detailed daily program, including markets, children's entertainment, and food stalls, will be published by the Pro Loco Riparbella on its official channels as the holidays approach.
Programme RipaChristmas 2026
RipaChristmas 2026 takes place throughout the Christmas period, from December 20th to January 10th, with various events in the historic center of Riparbella.
- December 20th — Opening day with artisan markets, music, and holiday atmosphere in the village.
- December 24th — Opening of the animated mechanical nativity scene in the former Cinema on Piazza della Madonna.
- December 26th - January 10th — Widespread nativity scene along the village streets, with the Arte dei Presepi competition open to citizens, families, businesses, and associations.
Based on previous editions, the festivities include artisan markets, food stalls serving mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and sandwiches, creative workshops and children's entertainment, a mailbox for letters to Santa Claus, and guided tours of the village murals. The detailed program with times and appointments will be announced by the Pro Loco Riparbella in the preceding weeks.
Highlights RipaChristmas 2026
- Widespread nativity scene along the streets of the historic center (Arte dei Presepi).
- The animated mechanical nativity scene with over 140 moving figures in the former Cinema.
- Artisan markets and Christmas food stalls.
- Entertainment and workshops for families and children.
Prices RipaChristmas 2026
Practical information — RipaChristmas
When
From December 20th to January 10th. The opening day is December 20th; the widespread nativity scene (Arte dei Presepi) animates the village from December 26th to January 10th. The animated mechanical nativity scene opens on the evening of December 24th and remains open to visitors, generally from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, until the first days of February.
Where
Historic center of Riparbella (56046), Province of Pisa, Tuscany. The animated nativity scene is located in the former Cinema, Piazza della Madonna 1.
How to get there
By car: Riparbella can be reached from the SS1 Aurelia road by taking the Cecina exit and continuing inland. The nearest train station is Cecina, on the Tyrrhenian line.
Admission
Participation in the events throughout the village is free. Visiting the animated nativity scene is free; any donations help support the activities of the Pro Loco.
Contacts
Pro Loco Riparbella APS — tel. +39 0586 699227 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — RipaChristmas
Centro storico di Riparbella
Piazza della Madonna 1, 56046 Riparbella