In south Le Marche traditions associated with Christmas are deeply felt. And December is the right period to visit the hundreds of Christmas markets in Macerata, Ancona and Fermo!
Here's a short guide with the most famous Christmas markets in Macerata, Ancona and Fermo
Macerata and surroundings: markets, cribs, traditions
"Il Barattolo di Natale" (Christmas jar) is the Christmas version of the traditional market of handicrafts and food & wine products, which has been organized under the arcades and squares of the historic centre of Macerata for the past 20 years. Usually it takes place in the period of the Immaculate Conception and on the following weekends, for a total of 5 days. It involves more than 80 exhibitors from the sectors of antiques, collectibles, leisure products, food & wine. You can buy decorations for your home and tree, crafts nativity scenes, jewellery, vintage clothing, antique objects and many other curiosities. Christmas is a deeply felt festival in all areas of this province and there are many promoted events such as street markets, shows and concerts in the historic centres of Civitanova Marche, Tolentino, Corridonia, Porto San Giorgio and Pollenza, just to name some. Do not miss the live nativity scenes performed in Mogliano, Morrovalle, Monte San Giusto and Sarnano; whereas in Ripe di San Ginesio you can visit the National Exhibition of Nativity scenes, with more than 50 nativity scenes made of ice, gold and even chocolate!
Fermo and Ascoli Piceno during the Immaculate Conception long-weekend
As an alternative to walking in the centre or doing shopping in the outlets, at the Christmas Village in Fermo you can experience something different with your friends and family. This fair is dedicated to Christmas decorations, leisure goods, craft and culinary products from all over Italy; moreover, it offers a themed playground for children with many attractions and entertainment activities. Don't worry if it is bad weather, the event is completely indoors! It usually lasts for two days in December and the entrance is free. In addition to this event, there is an unmissable Fair for Christmas shopping usually held during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and an Exhibition of Nativity scenes which you can visit from late October up to January. If you love antiques, you should visit the traditional Antiques Market in Ascoli Piceno, organized during the Immaculate Conception long-weekend.
Christmas markets in the province of Ancona
Even Ancona, the capital city of the region, houses the traditional Christmas market. It takes place inside a covered structure and offers many stands with all kinds of products, from handicrafts, plants and flowers to local food & wine. The market is open to visitors from early December until Christmas Eve, for an unmissable final rush for your gifts! In the nearby town of Senigallia, during the whole month of December there are hundreds of initiatives and markets along the street Via Portici Ercolani and surrounding areas. In Corinaldo, the Christmas season officially starts on the day of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with the lighting of the town Christmas Tree and the opening of Santa's House. Under the porch of the town hall everyone is served hot chestnuts and mulled wine, while all along the streets of the historic centre there is the Christmas market. In the picturesque setting of Loreto, the traditional market is held in the square Piazza Giovanni XXIII and all objects and products are presented in small characteristic wooden houses. Fabriano, a city which has become famous for its paper industry, celebrates on 13th December the Feast of Saint Lucia with many initiatives and a much appreciated fair of ancient origins that takes place in the courtyard of the Museum of the paper. It's a good opportunity to buy the handcrafted characters for your nativity scene, decorations for the house and table, tree decorations, sweets and delicacies. Take some time to visit the Museum of the nativity scene, in the basement of the St. Benedetto complex in the heart of the old town. In Melano, a beautiful hamlet of Fabriano, there are Christmas markets in the centre with a packed programme and more than 50 exhibitors during the long-weekend of the Immaculate Conception.
