Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market
One of Piedmont's largest and most beloved Christmas markets, nestled in the heart of Val Vigezzo
About Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market
The Val Vigezzo Christmas Market
Every year, in early December, the village of Santa Maria Maggiore transforms into one of the most beloved Christmas villages in Piedmont. Located in the heart of Val Vigezzo, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, and awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag) by the Italian Touring Club, the town hosts its historic Christmas Market, considered one of the largest and most prestigious in the entire region.
Over 200 selected exhibitors
The historic center fills with over 200 stalls featuring characteristic red canopies and wooden chalets. Exhibitors are carefully chosen each year by the local Pro Loco to ensure the highest quality of goods: from creative crafts and gift items to numerous local food and wine producers offering the typical flavors of the Ossola region and the Alps.
Atmosphere, music, and shows
Strolling through the decorated streets is a sensory experience: scenic displays, lights, roving music, exhibitions, and tastings accompany visitors throughout the day. Recent editions have been enriched by a "Music Street" featuring live performances, while Piazza Risorgimento hosts food chalets and the most spectacular moments, such as the famous evening Flash Christmas Mob, with music, juggling, lights, and aerial performances that light up the village.
For families
The market is also designed for the little ones, with children's workshops and Santa's House, making Santa Maria Maggiore a perfect destination for a family Christmas trip in the Piedmont mountains.
A village to discover
Beyond the market, Santa Maria Maggiore is worth a visit for its elegant historic center, the painters' houses, the Chimney Sweep Museum, and the alpine atmosphere of Val Vigezzo. The most scenic way to arrive is the Vigezzina-Centovalli panoramic railway, which climbs from Domodossola to the village, offering an unforgettable journey through snow-capped peaks.
Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market is confirmed for December 6-8, 2026, in the heart of Val Vigezzo (VB). Exhibitor registrations were opened in the spring by the Pro Loco, with a rigorous selection based on product quality. This year, the historic center will once again host over 200 stalls and wooden chalets, featuring creative crafts and local food and wine producers.
The detailed program (shows, entertainment, evening events) will be announced by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event on the official market website. The most beloved appointments are traditionally confirmed: children's workshops, Santa's House, roving music, and spectacular moments in Piazza Risorgimento.
Programme Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Pro Loco in the weeks leading up to the event on the official market website.
Based on previous editions, the following are traditionally offered:
- Over 200 stalls and wooden chalets with selected crafts and local food and wine products
- Daily opening 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM, free admission
- Roving music and scenic displays in the streets of the historic center
- Food chalets in Piazza Risorgimento
- Children's workshops and Santa's House
- Spectacular evening moment ("Flash Christmas Mob" with music, juggling, lights, and performances) in Piazza Risorgimento
Highlights Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market 2026
- Over 200 selected exhibitors: one of the largest markets in Piedmont
- The famous evening "Flash Christmas Mob" in Piazza Risorgimento
- Arrival via the Vigezzina-Centovalli panoramic train
- Workshops and Santa's House for families
Prices Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market 2026
Practical information — Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market
How to get there
By train: from the international station of Domodossola, take the Vigezzina-Centovalli panoramic railway to the Santa Maria Maggiore station (about a 1.5-hour scenic journey). The station is just a few minutes' walk from the center.
By car: take the A26 motorway to Gravellona Toce, then the SS33 Sempione road, exit at Masera-Valle Vigezzo, and follow the SS337 towards Locarno until you reach Santa Maria Maggiore.
Hours and admission
Open from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Free admission.
Tips
The village is very busy during the market days: it is best to use the train or arrive early. Dress in layers for the December alpine climate. For information: Pro Loco and Tourist Office, tel. +39 0324 95091.
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Where does it take place — Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Market
Centro storico di Santa Maria Maggiore
Piazza Risorgimento, 28857 Santa Maria Maggiore