Candelara – Ph. Martin Stringer/flickrÂ
Christmas has turned on in Italy’s most beautiful villages, including record-breaking trees, artistic illuminations, nativity scenes, markets and much more. In the Belpaese, in fact, there are so many places that precisely at this particular time of year are dressed in lights, colors and magic. Alleys and courtyards literally come to life to the sounds of bands, events and illuminations that captivate young and old alike. In almost every region of the country there is at least one village that is illuminated with evocative Christmas lights during this period.
Candelara
One of the villages with the most beautiful Christmas lights in all of Italy is Candelara, in the province of Pesaro. During the holiday season, in fact, it is illuminated by the “Candles at Candelara” event, during which all the lights in the village are turned off and many candles are lit, providing a truly impressive spectacle, to be seen at least once in a lifetime. In addition, the bell tower of the Church of Santa Lucia is illuminated, and from here the people of Candelara make lots of luminous balloons fly in the sky, giving an unforgettable spectacle..
Ph. Andrea Minori/flickr
Locorotondo
If you plan to see breathtaking illuminations, it is impossible not to drop by Locorotondo, located in Valle D’Itria. It is a small village that can boast the appellation of “capital of Christmas lights.” Its light decorations, in fact, are among the most beautiful not only in Italy, but in all of Europe. What is special about this town is that there are no impressive scenic installations, unlike other parts of Italy, but only multiple Christmas lights that make the alleys truly magical. In each area there are typical symbols of the holidays, such as wreaths, poinsettias, snowflakes or reindeer. All these decorations create a kind of luminous labyrinth..
Ph. Antonio Ciriello/flickr
Castiglione del Lago
Castiglione del Lago is an Umbrian town located in the province of Perugia, which is home to the world’s largest Christmas tree on water. It is an unparalleled work of art, 1080 meters long and 50 meters wide, made by employing 2,400 lights. However, the tree that lights up Trasimeno is not the only attraction in this village. Various events and multimedia installations are also organized throughout the Christmas season, such as the “Nativity Scenes of Art and Lights” event, Santa Claus Village and the Immersive Multimedia Path set up in the Medieval Fortress, where all the walls are transformed into light screens.
Ph. Luci sul Trasimeno
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is one of the most popular tourist destinations during the summer season, but it is also able to provide a magical spectacle during the holiday season. From the beginning of December to January 8 each year, in fact, there is an event called “Once Upon a Time Christmas.” During this time, it is possible to stroll through the historic center illuminated by many Christmas lights, as well as by candles, candles and lanterns placed by villagers and shopkeepers in the windows. All this creates an intimate and cozy atmosphere. In addition, many illuminations of different shapes and colors are lit in the main streets.
Ph. Antonio Ciriello/flickr
Gaeta
The illuminations in Gaeta, in the province of Latina, have been on since Nov. 11 and will light up the town until the first half of January. The “Fables of Light” event is one of the longest and most anticipated in the entire region. There are special light installations in every area of the village, capable of leaving visitors speechless. For example, at Via Marina di Serapo this year an illuminated Eiffel Tower has been reproduced, while at Villa delle Sirene it is possible to admire the Tower of Pisa covered in Christmas lights. At Villa Traniello, on the other hand, there is the Aquarium of Wonders, which reproduces a marine environment.
Ph. Luciana Bono/flickr
Comacchio
Another town to visit during the Christmas season is definitely Comacchio, a well-known lagoon town in the province of Ferrara, where Christmas lights decorate every corner reflecting on the canals that run through the entire town. The lights tend to embellish the nativity scenes placed right along the canals, behind the Clock Tower and Palazzo Bellini. The scenic lighting of Trepponti simply leaves one speechless; it is the symbolic bridge of the entire borough, built in 1638, connecting the five pedestrian streets and four canals. During the Christmas holidays it is embellished with thousands and thousands of Christmas lights that run along its entire surface.
