Santa Claus at Castel Valer

Christmas in a Val di Non Castle

Santa Claus at Castel Valer is a family-focused Christmas experience that brings one of Trentino's most evocative manors to life on Sundays in December. The castle stands on a hill above Tassullo, a village in the municipality of Ville d'Anaunia, in Val di Non, surrounded by the apple orchards and small rural hamlets that define this corner of the Autonomous Province of Trento. During the holidays, the manor is filled with warm, festive light, and the highlight remains the highly anticipated meeting with Santa Claus designed for the little ones.

How the experience works

The event is structured as a guided tour through the castle. Accompanied by a guide, children and their families walk through rooms decorated for the holidays, eventually reaching the Salone Ulrico, the heart of the experience, where Santa Claus awaits them by the fireplace. Here, children can:

• deliver their letters to Santa Claus;
• take a souvenir photo with him;
• receive a gift;
• finish the visit with hot tea, cookies, and a Christmas mug to keep as a souvenir.

The total duration is approximately one and a half hours, and booking is mandatory due to limited spots for each time slot.

A manor steeped in history

Castel Valer has been documented since the 13th century and belonged to the Spaur family for generations. The last count, Ulrico Spaur, lived there until 2021, and in 2023 the complex was acquired by the Autonomous Province of Trento. The manor is famous for its octagonal tower, considered the tallest in Trentino, and for the San Valerio chapel, which features frescoes by the Baschenis family. Experiencing Christmas in such a setting adds the charm of an authentic medieval castle nestled in the winter landscape of Val di Non to the meeting with Santa Claus.

Magic and solidarity

The initiative, promoted by the APT Val di Non, combines festive cheer with a spirit of solidarity. The Christmas offerings at Castel Valer have been linked to charitable projects, turning the experience into a bridge between the beauty of the location and generosity toward those in need. It is a wonderful way for children to experience the magic of Christmas while supporting a good cause.

Who is it for?

The experience is primarily aimed at families with children, who will enjoy an extraordinary morning or afternoon within the walls of a real castle. Alongside the manor's other winter offerings, such as guided tours and walks through the snow-covered landscape, Santa Claus at Castel Valer is one of the most distinctive Christmas events in Val di Non.