Santa's House at the De Giorgi Distillery

The magical Christmas of San Cesario di Lecce

During the Advent season, the town of San Cesario di Lecce — a small center in the Province of Lecce, just a few kilometers from the Salento capital — becomes one of the most popular Christmas destinations for families in Puglia. This is thanks to Santa's House, the event that every December transforms the spaces of the historic De Giorgi Distillery into a true enchanted village, complete with sparkling lights, dreamlike scenery, and entertainment designed for both adults and children.

A village where children meet Santa Claus

The heart of the event is, as tradition dictates, the meeting with Santa Claus and his elves: little ones can hand over their letters in person, take a photo, and experience the thrill of Christmas in a fairytale atmosphere. Many other attractions revolve around this moment: the roaming miniature train that takes visitors through the installations, mascots of beloved characters, magic shows and entertainment, artisan markets with gift ideas and creations by local exhibitors, and a spacious food area featuring seasonal treats.

A different theme every year

One of the distinctive features of the event is the choice of a different theme for each edition. In December 2025, for the seventh edition titled "Once Upon a Christmas," the village came to life in a Disney style, with a journey into a world of dreams among princes, princesses, and heroes of the most famous fairytales; the previous year, in 2024, the "Circus Edition" brought the world of the circus to the stage. This ability to reinvent itself makes the event feel fresh every time and encourages many families to return year after year.

The setting of the De Giorgi Distillery

The choice of the De Giorgi Distillery, an example of local industrial archaeology, gives the event an evocative and recognizable setting: its spaces are perfectly suited to be set up as an enchanted kingdom, combining the productive memory of Salento with the imagery of Christmas. Entrance is from Via Ferrovia and the event, organized by the Elementi association, has always been free of charge, confirming its status as a festive occasion open to the entire community.

2026 Edition

The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: the event is usually held on Sundays and public holidays in December, close to the Immaculate Conception. The program and the theme for the new year are typically announced in the weeks prior via the Elementi association's channels.