Lazio is stunning, and we often forget about the quaint villages that are spread throughout the region. This winter, explore the traditions of charming medieval villages, escape the big city for a while and experience the holidays in a more traditional way. Between living nativity scenes, Christmas markets andtoy museums, don’t miss the chance to visit these 5 incredible villages in Lazio this Christmas.
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1. Greccio amazes with its traditional living nativity scene
Greccio is a typical medieval Italian village, incredibly beautiful and rich in history. But what makes it so special at Christmas time? Way back in 1223, after a trip to the land of Jesus, St. Francis arrived in Greccio and decided to recreate a representation of the Nativity, creating the first Nativity scene. Since then, one of the largest living nativity scenes in Italy surrounded by Christmas markets and colorful decorations comes to life every December 24 in the charming Latium village, continuing the ancient folk tradition.
The charming village is about a two-hour drive from Rome, but it can also be reached by train from Rome’s Termini train station. The train takes about an hour and fifty minutes to get to Greccio and the cost of the ticket is very affordable, making it an affordable trip for everyone.
2. In Gaeta you will find “fairy tales of light”
If you thought Gaeta couldn’t get even more splendid, you were wrong. Like every year at Christmas time, Gaeta organizes an incredible light show throughout the city. This year’s theme will be the sea, in honor of its origins as a maritime republic, and it will be possible to see mermaids and light waves twinkling along the main streets. “Tales of Light” will illuminate the charming village in the province of Latina from Nov. 9 to Jan. 12, providing emotions that will make all visitors’ eyes sparkle.
Reaching Gaeta starting from the capital is not complicated. In fact, it is possible to get to the village by car – in just over two hours – or by train – which leaves about every half hour from Roma Termini. This winter, immerse yourself in a world of light in one of Italy’s most beautiful villages and have a sparkling experience.
3. Collalto Sabino, Santa’s second home.
Going around the world in one night can be tiring, and Santa Claus knows this well. That is why, for the past few years, Santa has chosen some of the most beautiful places as magical stations where he can get some rest. Collalto Sabino has thus become “Santa’s village,” where every year to make him feel at home, the entire village is decorated and decorated with Christmas themes, traditional markets, typical holiday delicacies and Christmas trees on every corner.
The medieval town has for years been transformed into an enchanted village, where the Christmas atmosphere can be felt in the streets of the town, filled with stalls with handcrafted products perfect for unique Christmas gifts. Collalto Sabino can be reached in about an hour’s drive from Rome, but you can also get there by train to Carsoli, and then proceed by bus F8688 to your destination. If you are lucky, however, you might get a ride on Santa’s sleigh!
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4. Fiuggi is the elves’ carpentry shop.
Where are all the Christmas gifts made? The factories at the North Pole had become too small by this time, so Santa’s elves moved some of the production right to Fiuggi, which has become the “carpentry workshop of the elves.” Located on the slopes of the Ernici Mountains, in addition to being an important spa town, this location is known for its crafts and woodworking. During the festive season, you can find special items made from pieces of wood carefully crafted by skilled hands.
Over the years, elves have made large quantities of toys and to this day some are housed in the impressive toy museum. A unique museum that houses an extraordinary collection of toys from different generations. A nostalgic and exciting activity, an hour and a half’s drive from Rome or two hours by train and bus from Termini station.
5. Ariccia hosts “enchanted fairy tale park”
During the holiday season, in Ariccia it will not be difficult to meet elves roaming the streets or princesses strolling inside Chigi Park. The “park of enchanted fairy tales” returns to the beautiful city with an illuminated path of about one kilometer, along which it will be possible to find the most famous fairy tale characters, illuminated by thousands of colored lights.
But the protagonists of the best-known fantastic stories will not be the only ones present; Santa Claus and his magical helpers will also be in Ariccia during the holidays. The little ones – and not only – will be able to talk to Santa and take some souvenir photos. Ariccia is easily accessible from Rome, which is less than an hour’s drive from the capital, catapulting you into the sparkling fairy tale park in just 45 minutes.
