The province of Pesaro and Urbino is full of Christmas events. More and more tourists are attracted by the wonders of winter landscapes and by the craft products on display during the Christmas markets held in the streets of the historic centres. Here's a list of the most evocative Christmas markets in Pesaro and Urbino!
Candles in Candelara
This is the first market dedicated to candles throughout Italy. The event takes place during three consecutive weekends starting from the end of November in the picturesque medieval village of Candelara set on the hills near Pesaro. In addition to candles, there are stands where you can find crafts and food products for truly unique Christmas gifts. The peak of the event is when street lighting is turned off and the centre of the village is illuminated by candlelight only, giving a truly magical - some would say even romantic - atmosphere! The "dark break" is repeated twice during the day (5:30 pm – 6:30 pm) and lasts 15 minutes; at the same time many bright sky lanterns are released into the sky. There is also a street exclusively dedicated to Nativity scenes related to farming life, open until the 6th of January. You can buy the entrance ticket to the festival directly on spot. From the train station of Pesaro you can comfortably reach the location using the free bus service leaving every half hour.
The Christmas Castle in Gradara
It's finally Christmas in Gradara! By the end of November until Epiphany the castle which has been the setting for the love story of Paolo and Francesca is enriched with handicrafts and food stands, as well with themed events for both adults and kids.
The streets of the historic town are enlivened by music, storytelling, games and nativity scenes; moreover, if you need to warm up a bit you could taste hot chestnuts and a good glass of mulled wine.
Christmas markets in Fano, Pesaro and Mombaroccio
During the weekends from late November to early January there is no shortage of markets, nativity scenes and fairs even in the squares of the cities of Fano and Pesaro. On the first Saturday of December people in Pesaro traditionally gather in the main city square Piazza del Popolo to take part in the switching on of the luminaries and Christmas tree. During the weekends between late November and early December, don't fail to visit the old town of Mombaroccio which hosts a series of events and entertainment initiatives for visitors of all ages. There are plenty of shows including artificial snow, live nativity scenes within the walls of the town, choirs, themed cultural exhibitions and the handicrafts markets with local typical products. Take your kids to Santa's House, where Santa Claus himself will tell them stories and receive their letters; you can even watch with him a puppet show or acted fairy tales at the town theatre.
Fossombrone
Starting from 8th December up to 6th January the long arcades of the historic centre of Fossombrone become a real outdoor shopping centre.
Every Saturday and Sunday including public holidays, all shops will be open so you can buy your Christmas gifts surrounded by street artists, light illusions, music and artificial snow.
Urbino and Montecalvo in Foglia
The city of
Urbino welcomes Christmas season with many events, Renaissance settings, artistic handicrafts, typical local dishes and entertainment for kids and grown ups. The square Piazza della Repubblica, which is the heart of the old town becomes the setting for the Christmas market during the weekends of December and January. During the first weekends of December on the occasion of the
winter Feast of the Duke (Festa del Duca d'inverno), a Renaissance living nativity scene and an artistic market with fine objects take place in the Palazzo Nuovo. During the whole month of December you can also experience the path of "
Le vie dei Presepi" (the streets of nativity scenes) through churches, oratories and private homes which show off handcrafted nativities from all over Italy. During the Immaculate Conception long weekend, near Urbino in the small village of
Montecalvo in Foglia, the streets of the centre become a lively open-air stage with nativity scenes, choral concerts and bands, travelling musicians and fire shows. Roast chestnuts and mulled wine for everyone!
Frontone: in the Castle of Santa
From the last weekend of November until mid-December, you'll find many original gift ideas in the characteristic Christmas market held in the Castle of Frontone, situated on the slopes of the Catria Mount. This place turns into a real Santa Claus House with many exhibitors and truly unique Christmas items, such as cotton trees decorated with recycled material and any sort of craft products of excellent quality. The rooms of the castle are set up with workshops and playgrounds, where kids can have fun with face painting. Soft music and food stands are all around. A convenient bus service is organised from Piazza del Municipio directly to the castle. I suggest you to extend your tour and visit the near city of Cagli, offering many activities and entertainment during Christmas time.
Pergola: Christmas Cioccovisciola and the Magic World of Santa Claus
If you are in the area of Pergola for the Immaculate Conception break, you can not miss the now famous Festival of chocolate, visciola (sour cherry) and Christmas pastry products. An event full of taste to live again the old Christmas traditions. The town centre gets full of local producers of visciolata (sour cherry wine), chocolate and artisan pastries always accompanied by local wines. The typical Christmas market, artists, music and entertainment enliven the streets of the historic centre. Pergola has also decided to welcome Santa Claus and his helpers at the Guidarelli Library located in Corso Matteotti. Here kids can visit the elves workshop to write and send their Christmas letters, prepare some decorations or Christmas cards. Don't forget to take them to Santa's Grotto, where they can leave him messages and have a snack in his kitchen. In the grotto there are also some nativity scenes. The Magical World of Santa Claus will be open from late November until early January. The neighbouring towns of San Lorenzo in Campo and the wonderful village of San Vito sul Cesano have many other surprises for you to discover!
