CHRISTMAS IN THE MARCHE: THE ITALIAN DESTINATION THAT SURPRISES

Christmas 2025 in the Marche offers an experience defined by quality and authenticity, where traditions, landscapes and local communities become the core of a credible and distinctive tourism narrative. Between sea and mountains, ancient villages and historic cities, the Marche region is transformed into a widespread festive celebration, where every location delivers a unique and memorable experience.

In December, the Christmas atmosphere comes alive across the entire region: glittering markets, themed villages, artistic nativity scenes, roaming performances and a rich gastronomic heritage that conquers you at first taste. It is the perfect time to be immersed in the magic of an Italian Christmas, to experience genuine traditions and to discover a destination that has preserved its true soul.

This emotional journey unfolds across all five provinces of the Marche.

In the province of Pesaro and Urbino, visitors can experience “The Christmas You Don’t Expect”, one of Italy’s most distinctive seasonal festivals: over 20 villages come together in a single itinerary of lights, markets, family workshops, nativity scenes and live entertainment.

The village of Candelara hosts “Candele a Candelara”: every evening, twice (at 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm), the town switches off its electric lights and lights up with thousands of candles, creating a romantic and evocative atmosphere that enchants visitors from all over the world.

Ancona welcomes visitors with its impressive 30-meter Ferris wheel, open from November to January, offering breathtaking views over the illuminated city and the Adriatic Sea, while the main streets come alive with artisan markets, food stands and entertainment for all ages.

In Macerata, the city turns into an elegant open-air living room with “Macerata for Christmas”, featuring an ice rink, Santa Claus villages, themed markets, festive lighting and activities dedicated to children.

Even smaller towns such as Recanati will host markets and creative workshops for younger visitors.

The province of Fermo offers a rich calendar of family-friendly events, including a Santa Claus village, an ice rink, artisan markets and live shows.

Meanwhile, along the coast, Porto San Giorgio becomes a charming Christmas village, with enchanting lights and activities dedicated to children.

In the province of Ascoli Piceno, the project “Piceno Incantato” brings together towns and villages into one large Christmas stage, featuring live and handcrafted nativity scenes, gospel concerts, performances in historic centers and family activities. In the city of Ascoli, Piazza Arringo hosts the “Christmas Village”, complete with wooden chalets, ice rink and traditional markets.

Also worthy of note is the “Great Christmas of Corinaldo”, which fills this charming and distinctive town with light and festive spirit. Recently named Italy’s Most Beloved Village 2025, Corinaldo offers visitors a rich program of shows, markets and special events, culminating in the final Epiphany celebration on January 6, 2026.

For nativity scene enthusiasts, the unmissable highlight is the “San Marco Nativity Scene” in Fano. Set within the 18th-century cellars of Palazzo Fabbri, it spans an impressive 350 square metres, the equivalent of two basketball courts combined. Featuring around fifty depictions of episodes from the Old and New Testaments and over 500 mechanically moving figures custom-made by master craftsmen, it is truly one of a kind.

Christmas in the Marche 2025 embodies the magic of authentic Italy and an opportunity to experience the festive season through beauty, tradition and genuine character: an invitation to slow down, live in the present and be inspired by a region that excites in every season.

For public information: www.letsmarche.it