Waiting for Christmas and Christmas Markets (with Living Nativity in Terravecchia)

The 13th edition of Waiting for Christmas opened on December 8, 2025, in Piazza IV Novembre with the opening of the markets and food stalls and the lighting of the Christmas tree by the San Nicandro Giovani Association.

The centerpiece of the festival was the second edition of the Living Nativity in Terravecchia, inaugurated on December 21 and repeated in the following days until Epiphany. About 50 actors reconstructed a stunning Bethlehem among the alleys of the ancient village, recording an extraordinary influx of over 30,000 visitors from across the province of Foggia. The event, organized by the Patronal Feast Committee with the associations Esperanza, Affamati d'Allegria, Atletica San Nicandro, and Arte e Movimento, together with the municipal administration, closed on January 6, 2026, with the arrival of the Three Wise Men.

December 8, 2025 — Piazza IV Novembre

• 6:00 PM — Opening of markets and food stalls
• 8:00 PM — Christmas tree lighting by the San Nicandro Giovani Association

December 21, 2025 — Terravecchia

• 4:45 PM — Inauguration of the 2nd edition of the Living Nativity
• 5:00 PM — Opening of markets and bagpiper performances

December 23, 2025 — Terravecchia and Swabian Castle

• Street artists and puppets in Terravecchia
• 7:00 PM — Heritage Masterclass at the Swabian Castle

December 27, 2025 — Terravecchia

• 6:00 PM — Heritage Wine Fest, Christmas Edition
• 7:00 PM — Storytellers show

January 1, 2026 — Terravecchia

• 7:30 PM — Happy New Year with Absolute Band Live

January 6, 2026 — Terravecchia

• 8:00 PM — Arrival of the Three Wise Men, grand finale of the festival

The Living Nativity and the markets were also open on December 26, 28, and 30, 2025, and January 2 and 4, 2026.