If you are thinking of spending your Christmas holidays in Salento, you absolutely must read this article. Salento is mainly advertised for its wonderful beaches and for everything you can do in summer. Actually, its authentic and genuine soul can be discovered in winter, especially during the Christmas holidays. Amidst illuminated towns and villages, amidst the scent of purciddhruzzi and mostaccioli, in the live nativity scenes and in people’s homes. People are so attached to tradition and culture, it’s a land that can be savoured slowly: in short, experiencing the magic of Christmas in Salento is an experience to be had at least once in a lifetime.
In this article we will give you all the advice you need to spend your holiday in the best possible way.
What to visit in Salento at Christmas?
Travelling in winter is wonderful, but obviously the best time to visit Salento is in December, when the Christmas atmosphere hovers everywhere. So what to see in Salento in December?
Live Nativity Scenes
An unmissable attraction of Christmas time are the characteristic live nativity scenes of Salento. These are evocative representations of the nativity among traditions, costumes and ancient crafts. As you stroll among the scenery and characters, you will feel as if you have been catapulted into an era long gone, while you can savour the taste of Salento gastronomy in mouth-watering delicacies prepared on the spot. The main nativity scenes we suggest you see are those in Tricase, Sanarica, Specchia and Scorrano.
Christmas markets in Salento
Christmas markets in Salento are a unique opportunity to buy handicrafts, typical Salento products, Christmas decorations and plenty of gift ideas. There are many municipalities that organise these markets. They may not be like the ones of the big cities, but they are still worth seeing.
Here is the complete list of Christmas markets in Salento 2023:
- Lecce: from December 7th 2023 to January 6th 2023 in Piazza Mazzini;
- Lecce: from December 8th to 23rd 2023 there will be the Fiera dei Pupi in the Chiostro dei Teatini;
- Leverano: December 8th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 30th 2023 and January 6th 2023 at the Cloister Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie;
- Borgagne: from December 13th to 17th, Borgo Natale will be held;
- Diso: December 11th 2023 at 17:30 in Piazza Carlo Alberto;
- Marittima: December 18th 2023 at 17:30 in Piazza Principe Umberto;
- Santa Maria di Leuca: December 4th, 11th and 18th on Lungomare C. Colombo from 9:00 am;
- Porto Cesareo: December 8th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th and January 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th 2023 and on the morning of December 24th children can meet Santa Claus.
Events at Christmas in Salento
In addition to the markets, various events are organised at Christmas in Salento. Here are some not to be missed:
- Supersano: from December 8th 2023 to January 6th 2023 there will be a Christmas Village in Piazza IV Novembre;
- Galatina: from December 4th 2023 to January 6th 2023 there will be the Natale della Civetta (Owl Christmas) with over 40 events dedicated to the festivities;
- Parabita: December 10th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 30th and January 6th here will be Parabilia, an event to experience Christmas through the eyes of children
- Nardò: from December 3rd to January 6th, the basement of the Nardò castle will host The Secret World of Father Christmas, an itinerary dedicated to families. For all other events in Nardò click here.
- Minervino di Lecce: on December 23rd there will be the Pamparrina Minervinese, a Christmas show organised by Artedanzateam, with Live Original Mascarimirì and Campari Prosecco: music, dance and Salento flavours.
Ice rink in Leverano
For a sparkling and playful Christmas in Salento, don’t miss the ice rink in Leverano, a 300-square-metre area that will be hosted from December 12th 2023 to January 9th 2023 on the municipal villa. An opportunity to have fun for adults and children.
The ice rink will be open from Monday to Friday from 15:30 to 22:30, and on holidays, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 13:30 and from 15:00 to 22:30.
Seeing Santa’s Village in Gallipoli
A not-to-be-missed experience for children is the Villaggio di Babbo Natale (Santa Claus Village) in Gallipoli: from December 1st to January 6th, it will be possible to meet Santa Claus and the Befana in their enchanted kingdom. Wonder Christmas Land is an enchanted world, a travelling itinerary with evocative sets, extraordinary costumes and music that entertain not only children, but also all adults who love Christmas.
Visiting decorated villages
Another experience for Christmas in Salento is to visit the decorated towns of Salento: you will love the festive atmosphere in each small village full of Christmas lights and decorations. Of all the towns in Salento, however, there are some that stand out for their Christmas decorations.
Here are a few villages to see:
- Ruffano;
- Maglie;
- Lecce;
- Nardò;
- Leverano;
- Galatina;
- Grottaglie;
- Ostuni;
- Specchia.
What to do in Lecce at Christmas?
During Christmas, Lecce is painted with colours, lights, scents and flavours. With a series of events dedicated to families with children, but also to adults who decide to spend the Christmas holidays in Salento. In fact, there are many things to do in Lecce over Christmas: even just walking through the streets of its decorated and illuminated historical centre is wonderful.We also recommend that you do not miss the artistic nativity scene, which is set up in Piazza Duomo.
Another unmissable event in Lecce is the Festa del Cioccolato (Chocolate Festival), held in Piazza Sant’Oronzo from December 7th to 11th, with many delicacies. On December 30th from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00, on the other hand, there will be the winter version of Cortili Aperti (Open Courtyards), an event that will allow visitors to visit the most beautiful courtyards of the buildings in the old town, animated with a series of concerts, shows, recitals and readings. In Piazza Mazzini, there will be Christmas markets, together with the characteristic horse carousel, which is touring the Salento.
Lastly, we recommend the Santa Lucia Fair, also known as the Festa dei Pupi, from December 8th to 23rd, with handmade works, terracotta and paper-mâché nativity figures, and Christmas objects made according to the Salento craft tradition.
What to visit in Apulia over the Christmas period?
Christmas in Apulia takes over in several cities, in addition to those in Salento. In fact, some towns have become super popular destinations at this magical time of year. Between lights, markets and events, here are the towns we recommend you visit at Christmas in Apulia:
- Locorotondo with the “Christmas Fairytale” from November 24th 2023to February 21st 2023 with 52 fantastic events. Click here to see the programme;
- Cisternino;
- Alberobello from December 7th 2023 to January 6th 2023 there will be Christmas markets and from December 26th 2023 to December 29th 2023 the 52nd edition of the Live Nativity Scene;
- Massafra from December 8th 2023 to January 6th 2023 there will be a series of events dedicated to Christmas;
- Polignano a Mare with C’era una volta Natale, from December 8th 2023 to January 8th 2023;
- Monte Sant’Angelo with “Christmas festival” from December 8th 2023to January 8th 2023;
- Martina Franca with Martina Winter Christmas from December 8th 2023 to January 6th 2023;
- Bari with the Christmas markets and other events from December 8th 2023 to January 6th 2023;
- Gravina di Puglia with Christmas markets from December 8th to 24th 2023 and Santa Claus village;
- Casamassima with many events scheduled from December 11th 2023 to January 6th 2023 and the Blue Christmas on December 11th;
- Conversano with markets from December 4th 2023 to January 8th 2023; ;
- Monopoli with Monopoli Christmas Home with a programme full of events.
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