Christmas Markets in Abruzzo 2026: A Guide to the Most Beautiful Ones

The Christmas markets in Abruzzo have a unique charm: they take place in medieval borghi decked out in festive decorations, in historic cities rebuilt after the earthquake, in thermal spa villages with ice-skating rinks, and even aboard a steam train — the celebrated Transiberiana d'Italia, which every year runs the "market trains" from Sulmona through snow-covered landscapes. From the late-Renaissance borgo of Pescocostanzo to the city of Ovid at Sulmona with its confetti candies as souvenirs, from the regional capital L'Aquila reborn after the 2009 earthquake with wooden chalets between Piazza Duomo and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, to the Villaggio di Natale of Caramanico Terme open from mid-November onward. A complete guide to Abruzzo's Christmas markets: typical dates, schedule, local specialties, and how to get there.

The 10 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Abruzzo

Every year Abruzzo offers over 40 Christmas markets across all its provinces. The 10 you simply cannot miss:

1. L'Aquila — Piazza Duomo, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Corso Federico II, Villa Comunale. Typically from December 8 to January 6. The rebirth of Abruzzo's regional capital.

2. Sulmona — Historic center, traditionally from December 1 to January 6. The city of Ovid and confetti candies.

3. Pescocostanzo — One of Italy's Most Beautiful Borghi. Typically during the Immaculate Conception holiday and Christmas period. Late-Renaissance atmosphere.

4. Caramanico Terme (PE) — Villaggio di Natale from November 15 to January 6, with an ice-skating rink, Santa's house, and a scenic miniature train.

5. Roccaraso — Via Roma and Piazza Leone, from November 29 to January 6. High-altitude markets, perfect for skiers.

6. Pescara — City center, seafront, Santa's house at the train station. From November 23 to January 2.

7. Pacentro — Medieval borgo, traditional market in a "living nativity" style with artisan workshops.

8. Castel di Sangro — Market open until January 6, pairable with the November White Truffle Market Fair.

9. Avezzano — Piazza Risorgimento, wooden chalets among the most popular in the Marsica area.

10. Campo di Giove — Piazza Duval and Palazzo Nanni, from November 29 to January 6, a stop on the Transiberiana d'Italia.

Christmas Markets in L'Aquila

L'Aquila's Christmas markets are one of the most symbolic experiences of Abruzzo at Christmastime: they take place in the reconstructed historic center after the devastating earthquake of April 6, 2009, and represent the rebirth of a city that has reclaimed its Baroque beauty.

Market Areas

• Piazza Duomo: ice-skating rink, Ferris wheel, wooden chalets.

• Corso Vittorio Emanuele: stalls with local crafts.

• Corso Federico II: Christmas Vintage Market (brocantage-themed).

• Villa Comunale: Harry Potter-themed market (in recent years one of the most beloved attractions).

• Palazzo Rosati: Santa's Village for children.

• Piazza del Palazzo: Epiphany Fair on January 5 (historic fair that closes the holiday season).

Typical Products to Buy

• L'Aquila Saffron DOP: one of the world's most expensive spices — an excellent Christmas gift.

• L'Aquila Torrone: almond and honey nougat.

• Valle dell'Aterno Cheeses: pecorino, ricotta.

• Castelli Ceramics: a centuries-old artisan tradition.

• Scanno Goldsmith Jewelry: the "presentosa" and other traditional pieces.

• Majella Limestone Sculptures.

• Wrought Iron from Pescocostanzo, Scanno, Ortona.

See the dedicated article on L'Aquila.

Christmas Markets in Sulmona and Pescocostanzo

The markets in Sulmona and Pescocostanzo are among the most characterful in the Abruzzo Apennines, set in two of Italy's most beautiful borghi.

Sulmona

Sulmona, the city of Ovid and its famous confetti candies, hosts markets from December 1 to January 6:

• Historic center around Piazza XX Settembre, Corso Ovidio, Piazza Garibaldi.

• Historic confetti shops worth visiting (Pelino, Rapone).

• FS Train Station: the departure point for the Transiberiana d'Italia.

• Centro Salesiano: exhibition of artistic nativity scenes.

Pescocostanzo

Pescocostanzo, one of Italy's Most Beautiful Borghi with its stunning late-Renaissance center:

• Traditionally held on the weekends of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas.

• "Diffuse" market winding through the streets of the medieval borgo.

• Basilica di Santa Maria del Colle open for visits.

• Local crafts: wrought iron, goldsmithery, bobbin lace, woodworking.

• Intimate atmosphere among archways, alleyways, and historic palaces.

See the dedicated article on Sulmona and Pescocostanzo.

Caramanico Terme: the Christmas Village

Caramanico Terme, nestled in the Majella National Park, hosts one of the most beloved Christmas villages in Abruzzo, open from mid-November to January 6:

• Outdoor ice-skating rink.

• Santa's House for children.

• Scenic miniature train winding through the village.

• Fairground rides of various kinds.

• Via dei Presepi: a walking trail featuring artistic nativity scenes.

• Stalls with crafts and local products.

• Thermal spa facilities open for spa treatments.

Ideal for families with young children: plenty of activities all in one place, affordable prices, easy parking.

Christmas Markets in Roccaraso and the Alto Sangro

The markets of the Alto Sangro are perfect if you want to combine skiing with Christmas shopping:

Roccaraso

• Traditionally from November 29 to January 6.

• Via Roma and Piazza Leone lined with wooden chalets.

• Steps away from ski slopes (lifts open).

• Indoor ice rink for skating.

Castel di Sangro

• Christmas market open until January 6.

• Perfect pairing with the White Truffle Market Fair in November.

• Near the restaurant Reale by Niko Romito (3 Michelin stars).

Campo di Giove

• From November 29 to January 6.

• Piazza Duval and Palazzo Nanni.

• A stop on the Transiberiana d'Italia.

• Authentic mountain village atmosphere.

Christmas Markets on the Adriatic Coast

Pescara

Abruzzo's largest city offers markets from November 23 to January 2:

• City center: stalls along Corso Umberto I and Piazza Salotto.

• Santa's House at the train station (1,500 sq m dedicated to children).

• Future Days Fest: a futuristic festival over three days at the end of December.

• Illuminated seafront promenade.

Vasto

Vasto on the trabocchi coast:

• Christmas Village.

• Notte di Santa Claus.

• "Befana arriving from the sea" on January 6: a one-of-a-kind show.

Roseto degli Abruzzi

In Piazza Re di Puglia:

• Traditionally from mid-December to January 6.

• A blend of local tradition and Northern European atmosphere.

• Handcrafted goods and sweets.

Manoppello Scalo (PE)

A smaller but authentic market, paired with a living nativity scene.

Giulianova

"The Splendor of Christmas" at the Santuario Madonna dello Splendore.

The Transiberiana d'Italia: The Market Trains

The most evocative way to explore Abruzzo's Christmas markets is the Transiberiana d'Italia, the historic Sulmona–Carpinone railway that winds through 118 km of Apennine mountain landscapes across Abruzzo and Molise:

Train Features

• "Centoporte" 1930s carriages: wooden benches, vintage atmosphere.

• Steam locomotive on select special journeys.

• Maximum altitude: 1,268 m — one of the highest railways in Italy.

• Spectacular scenery: passing through the Majella National Park and the Altipiani Maggiori.

• Departure from Sulmona, platform 1.

Christmas Train Period

Traditionally from November 22 to January 6, with two daily departures on special days. Main itineraries:

• Sulmona – Roccaraso – Campo di Giove (return) (November – December 21).

• Sulmona – Roccaraso – Castel di Sangro (return) (December – January 6).

• Sulmona – Pescocostanzo (with a bus connection from the station to the borgo).

What's Included in the Journey

• 2 stops of about 3 hours each in the market borghi.

• Festive entertainment on board.

• Mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and traditional sweets.

• For select dates: packages including overnight stays in Sulmona.

Approximate prices: €40–70 for the train journey alone, €150–250 for packages with overnight accommodation. Book well in advance (even 3–4 months ahead): seats sell out fast.

What to Buy at Abruzzo's Christmas Markets

Food and Drink

• Sulmona Confetti: the region's most famous specialty.

• L'Aquila Torroni: almond and honey nougat.

• Bocconotti del Frentano: filled pastries.

• Ferratelle (pizzelle): traditional waffle cookies.

• Caggionetti: fried pastry filled with grape jam or chestnuts.

• Parrozzo: Pescara's almond and chocolate cake.

• L'Aquila Saffron DOP.

• White truffle from Castel di Sangro.

• Ventricina del Vastese: traditional cured meat.

• Pecorino di Farindola DOP.

• Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine (including sparkling varieties for New Year's Eve).

• Traditional liqueurs: Centerba, Ratafia, Genziana.

Crafts and Artisan Goods

• Castelli Ceramics: UNESCO tradition.

• Scanno Goldsmith Jewelry: the presentosa, the sciacquaglia.

• Pescocostanzo Wrought Iron.

• Pescocostanzo Bobbin Lace.

• Majella Limestone Sculptures.

• Traditional Weaving.

• Wood Sculptures from Pretoro.

• Sugar Figurines (Pupi di Zucchero) from Sulmona.

• Pasquarielle from Pacentro (terracotta figurines).

When to Visit Abruzzo's Christmas Markets

Period	Advantages	Notes
Nov 15–30	Few markets open, peaceful crowds	Only Caramanico, Pescara, a few borghi
Dec 1–7	Official opening of many markets	Sulmona opens Dec 1, L'Aquila Dec 7–8
Immaculate Conception holiday (Dec 6–8)	All markets active, festive atmosphere	Medium-high crowds — book your hotel in advance
Dec 9–23	All markets open	The ideal period for a relaxed visit
Dec 24–26	Magical Christmas atmosphere	Some markets closed on the actual holidays
Dec 27 – Jan 6	All open, special events	Peak season, higher prices
January 6 (Epiphany)	Befana celebrations, Epiphany fairs, closings	Traditional last day

Getting Around the Markets

By Car

For visiting several markets over a weekend, driving is the most flexible option. Recommended routes:

• L'Aquila Route: L'Aquila → Santo Stefano di Sessanio → Pescocostanzo (~120 km, 1 day).

• Sangro Route: Sulmona → Pescocostanzo → Roccaraso → Castel di Sangro (~80 km, 1 day).

• Coastal Route: Pescara → Caramanico Terme → Vasto (~160 km, 1–2 days).

Important: snow chains are mandatory from November 15, or winter tires are required.

By Train

The Transiberiana d'Italia is the most evocative option. Main FS stations for the markets: Sulmona (central hub), L'Aquila, Pescara, Avezzano, Castel di Sangro, Roccaraso.

By Organized Tour

Many agencies offer 2–3 day tours combining coach, historic train, and guided visits. Typically €150–250 per person including accommodation.

Where to Stay for the Christmas Markets

• Sulmona: central hub, historic hotels in the town center.

• L'Aquila: rebuilt hotels and B&Bs in the center.

• Pescocostanzo: country houses and B&Bs inside the borgo.

• Roccaraso: widest range of options (hotels, residence apartments).

• Pescara: seafront hotels and B&Bs in the center.

• Caramanico Terme: thermal spa hotels with spa facilities.

Book 2–3 months in advance for Advent weekends, and 4–5 months ahead for New Year's Eve.

Stravagando Marketplace Experiences

Stravagando is the Italian marketplace for experiences exactly like these: , led by carefully selected local hosts. We're putting together our Abruzzo catalogue right now— included — and in the coming months you'll be able to book directly here.

In the meantime, if you are and want to join our circle, write to us: we're looking for you.

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For more: L'Aquila Markets, Sulmona & Pescocostanzo Markets, Living Nativity Scenes, Rivisondoli Living Nativity.

For New Year's Eve and winter: New Year's Eve in Abruzzo 2027, Winter in Abruzzo.

For the borghi: L'Aquila, Sulmona, Scanno.

Happy travels.