Waiting for Christmas

Christmas in the heart of Abruzzo

When December arrives, the small village of Civitaquana, in the province of Pescara, lights up with festive cheer and the scents of the season. "Waiting for Christmas" is the Advent event that brings Piazza Umberto I to life every year, turning it into an authentic, family-friendly Christmas village. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Civitaquana with the support of the Municipality of Civitaquana and is designed to bring the entire community together for a day of celebration with free admission.

Markets, flavors, and crafts

From the morning, the streets and the main square of the historic center fill with craft markets and wooden stalls that make up the Christmas village. Among the stalls, you can find handmade creations, gift ideas, and typical products from the Abruzzo region. There is also a food area, where you can warm up with traditional specialties:

• Roasted chestnuts
• Steaming mulled wine
• Typical Abruzzo dishes and sweets

One detail has become the symbol of the festival over the years: the large crochet Christmas tree, the result of the patient work of the village's hands, whose lighting marks one of the most anticipated moments of the day.

Magic, music, and the arrival of Santa Claus

The program is designed especially for children and families. In the afternoon, a magic show enchants both young and old, while the day is enlivened by live music. However, the most anticipated moment remains the arrival of Santa Claus, who collects letters from the children in person amidst smiles and excitement. Bagpipers, costumed characters, and creative workshops complete an atmosphere made of lights, colors, and scents.

A village that gathers around its festival

More than just a Christmas fair, "Waiting for Christmas" is the occasion when Civitaquana comes together: an event born from the passion of Pro Loco volunteers and grown edition after edition, becoming a permanent fixture in the Christmas calendar of the province of Pescara and inland Abruzzo. For those who want to discover the authentic charm of small Abruzzo villages during the holidays, it is a perfect stop to experience Christmas away from the crowds, amidst tradition, human warmth, and community spirit.