Enjoy the Christmas Season in Puglia
Puglia offers offers a unique blend of authentic and festive traditions, charming towns adorned with lights, delicious local cuisine, vibrant Christmas markets, a mild winter climate, and a less crowded experience compared to other popular Italian destinations. Experience the magic with friendly locals that come together to celebrate and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
What to do in Puglia at Christmas?
1. Stroll and enjoy the majesty of the ancient streets and charming towns. Luminaries, festivities and music ignite so many picturesque Holiday villages
2. Enjoy the hand crafts of artisans at festive Christmas markets. These stalls are full of the creations of locals.
3. Take in the spiritual events of the Holiday season- Masses, Processions, Concerts, and Live Nativities. Experience immersive re-enactments of the Nativity in towns like Tricase, Castro, Specchia, and Nardò. These events often include period costumes, medieval themes, and the sale of local artisanal goods. Tricase’s Monte Orco setting is particularly picturesque
4. Sample food and beverages that are specialties of the region. Whether it is the Farm to table gourmet meals or seasonal Holiday desserts- you will be inspired
5. See a Concert or Opera. They are so much more reasonable in Italy- and so interesting and entertaining. See below for exciting Holiday events in 2024
6. Schedule a wine tasting. Fabulous wines in Puglia! Learn more about Wine Tastings in Puglia
7. Dining in a Masseria: Enjoy traditional Christmas meals in one of the region’s historic masserie (farm estates), a quintessential way to experience local hospitality.( Ex. Antica Masseria Scagnito in Corigliano d’Otranto, Masseria Le Stanzie in Supersano, Masseria Torre Maizza in Brindisi, da Gustavo in Galatone)
8. Ice Skate in one of the seasonal rinks in Puglia cities. Lecce has just announced a new rink in the city
9. Go caving at Castellana Grotte. This amazing cave is about a 2.5k hike and 78 degrees underground. Just beautiful, and perfect when the weather is not so great up top!
10. Go see the famous Nonnas making Pasta in Bari.
11. Enjoy the mild weather, and friendly community and culture. Learn the way Italians appreciate life
Just after Christmas
12. Be in Otranto for New Years. Otranto is the most eastern point in Italy and therefore the place where the first ray of sunshine of the New Year are visible. So Otranto is the perfect place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. “Alba dei Popoli”, is a festival and concert which takes place every year in the square on New Year’s Eve- In addition to the great music -Enjoy fireworks and dancing.
13. La Focara in Novoli (mid-January): Just outside Lecce, this massive bonfire festival celebrates Saint Anthony with traditional music, food, and wine, making it a memorable extension of the festive season.
Festive atmosphere
Towns like Alberobello, Bari, Lecce, Locorotondo, and Polignano a Mare are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and festive decorations, Food and Music. Lesser known, but charming towns for the Holidays are Galatina and Corigliano d’Otranto.
Alberobello
Alberobello is fun to visit any time of year, but it is magical at Christmas. The town’s streets take on extraordinary glow thanks to a combination of moving lights, stars, snow crystals, and decorations projected on the roofs of houses. It is a natural immersion into a fairytale setting. Enjoy the atmosphere and Christmas market.
Bari rocks Christmas
This city has tomb and relics of St. Nick. One of our favorite Christmas origin stories…
The Basilica of St. Nicholas is a beautiful church in Bari, Italy – with important religious significance throughout the Christian world. The Basilica was built built between 1087 and 1197, during the Norman domination of Apulia. This church was built around the relics of Saint Nicholas, from the saint’s original shrine in Myra (now Turkey). According to legend, the saint, passing by the city on his way to Rome, had chosen Bari as his burial place. The relics were secretly carried off under the noses of the Greek custodians and their Muslim masters on 9 May 1087 by 62 Italian sailors. This delivered a miracle to the city- as Bari went from a struggling city- to a city where thousands of pilgrims came to pray and petition St. Nicholas.
Bari IS the Christmas town to see
December 7, 2024 – January 6, 2025 The heart of Bari will be adorned with artisanal products, local specialties, and festive decorations. Stroll through the historic streets to immerse yourself in the vibrant holiday atmosphere.
The Vecchio or “Old Town” comes to life, between Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza dell’ Economato: a series of handmade craft stalls feature various artisans with their Christmas-themed creations. The city is lit- Musicians, Entertainers and Puppeteers are an endearing surprise around every corner. The shopping in Bari is first rate. Enjoy all kinds of family activities at- Santa Claus Village. Learn more about Bari.
Christmas markets in Bari
Wonderful Musicians around every corner
Go see the Pasta Nonnas- making Orecchiette in the streets
Stallone daughters helped bring this area to fame with their Dolce and Gabana ad in 2017- followed by a NY Times article in 2019- Now these Pasta Nonnas, who make hand-made pasta outside their apartments in Bari, are being sent around the world. Go to Strada Arco Basso aka ‘Strada della Orecchiette’
Puppet Show in Bari
Some Restaurants/ Foods to try
Try the Spaghetti Assassina (Killer Spaghetti). This Spaghetti is fried and boiled in the spicy sauce- Winner!
We had some great seafood pasta there- Especially loved the Orechiette with clams
La moderna Brace Great Steak house
Octopus is very popular in Bari: Here are three good options
Focaccia
Remember the ‘Soup Nazi’ from Seinfeld- Well don’t screw up when you are waiting in line! Known for the best Focaccia in Bari, this place draws crowds. Open 8:50am- 2:15pm, and 6:15pm -9:15. Go when it first opens and get those amazing smells of bread fresh out of the oven!
Str. dei Dottula, 8, 70122, Bari, ItalyApertivo:
Try Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the road runs alongside the old city, and there are several lounge bars where you can have a bite to eat and a drink without spending a lot and without long waiting times.
Castellana Grotte
Not really a Christmas town- but a fun thing to do in bad weather- it’s always 78 degrees down there!
We went on a hike that was about 2.5k- moderate difficulty. They offer shorter hikes, small group cave experiences in the dark with lighted helmets, and even concerts-what a setting! Learn more about what is happening at the caves
Corigliano d’Otranto
This Italian-Greek town is an architectural jewel, with fine palaces and churches. Strolling through the narrow streets of its historical center with courtyard houses and ancient churches, is a pleasant journey back in time – especially during the Holidays. The castle in Corigliano d’Otranto is often adorned with festive decorations and hosts cultural events during the holiday season, making it a great place to explore.
Galatina
Galatina Historico is one of Puglia’s many hidden gems, known for its rich 12th Century history, Baroque architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. This quaint town boasts a well-preserved historical center, beautiful and important churches, palaces, and a welcoming atmosphere.
‘Christmas in Every Sense’ Festival Throughout December. This festival offers a multisensory celebration with concerts, art exhibitions, and culinary markets, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere in the town.
Favorite Restaurants in Galatina
Lecce
Chocolate Festival (Chocolate Festival) held in Piazza Sant’Oronzo early December
Cortili Aperti (Open Courtyards), an event that will allow visitors to visit beautiful courtyards in the old town, animated with a series of concerts, shows, recitals and readings.
Fiera de Pupi (Puppet Fair) . Stalls that have seven hundred years of history to tell. Lecce artistry of wood, clay and papier-mâché, materials that acquire a soul in the hands of the Master Pupari.
Piazza Sant’Oronzo : Visit the Christmas market Enjoy stalls selling handmade crafts, toys, and food, a large ice-skating rink, Santa’s Grotto for children – The market usually runs from early December to early January
Living Nativity (Living Nativity) Living Nativities are an amazing tradition in Italy that take place all over Puglia, and especially the region of Lecce. Some Presepe Vivente reenact life in Palestine, while others set the Nativity locally-they may include traditional dancing, crackling hearths and local food. Some reenactments are set in ancient amphitheaters – others in caves, some involve hundreds of local costumed performers in a communal ritual linking the past and the spiritual to today’s Holiday season. There are tours that take families on a living tour of local theatrical performances.
( Click on the Nativity scene link above).
Locorotondo
November 15, 2024 – January 6, 2025 This charming village transforms into a winter wonderland with lights, seasonal scents, and markets in its historic center, offering a truly magical experience. Historic Locorotondo has a perfectly circular design- leading to the town its name meaning “round place”. Its whitewashed buildings, are picturesque and charming with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Itria Valley (farms and vineyards)- Make Reservations- on my last visit, the town was so popular- there was no way of getting into any bar or restaurant. Parking is also difficult
Polignano a Mare
Known for its breathtaking coastal views, Polignano a Mare features festive lights and Christmas markets that create a magical holiday atmosphere.
Scorrano
This town is renowned for its mastery of light installations. Although primarily famous for its summer light festival, its Christmas decorations are equally breathtaking, showcasing traditional luminarie.
Basilica of the Augustinians
Visit the Monastery of the Augustinian convent in Scorrano. Amazing sand sculptures made by artists from around the world. Besides the sand nativity you can admire a suggestive Tower of Babel revisited in an Apulian key.
Other Beautiful luminarie displays
Ruvo di Puglia – A growing hub for artistic light displays during the holidays, Ruvo offers creative illuminations in its historic town center.
Ostuni – Known as the “White City,” Ostuni glows even more brightly during Christmas with festive lights and decorations adorning its streets.
Cisternino – The town’s narrow, cobblestone streets are adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Check out their annual Presepe Vivente (living nativity scene), which brings the traditions of Christmas to life with the nativity story, set in the town’s picturesque old quarter
A sampling of Puglia Theater, Opera, Ballet
2024 Christmas Season in Puglia
Politeama Greco in Lecce:
“La Vedova Allegra” by Franz Lehár, a classic operetta, performed from December 6 to December 8, 2024, as part of the theatre’s operatic tradition .
“L’Anatra all’Arancia”, a comedic play featuring Emilio Solfrizzi and Carlotta Natoli, on December 11, 2024 .
“Lo Schiaccianoci” (The Nutcracker) by the Roma City Ballet Company, a festive ballet, showing from December 14 to December 15, 2024 .
“Natale in Frac ’24”, a Christmas-themed concert on December 23, 2024, featuring the OLES Orchestra, with soprano Gaia Gentile and conductor Giacomo Desiante
• “Orpheus” (December 17, 2024): A classical production blending music and storytelling.
• “The Things That Make Christmas” (December 18, 2024): A heartwarming holiday-themed show.
• Gaité Parisienne – Ballet of the South (December 20, 2024): A dynamic ballet performance showcasing classical artistry
Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari:
• “Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini: Scheduled for December 13, this iconic opera will include a discussion event in the foyer of the theater.
• “Fidelio” by Beethoven (January 26), opening the season with a production from Teatro La Fenice, conducted by Stefano Montanari.
Be sure to sample Amazing Christmas Sweets from Puglia
The Christmas table in Puglia is not complete without these favorite desserts. You will find showcases of goodness in the Italian Pastry shops and Christmas markets. You might enjoy your dessert with the famous Caffe Leccese or Caffe alla Salentina(Traditional Iced Coffee of Salento)
Cartellate Fried dough pastries shaped like roses- they represent Christ’s Crown of thorns. They are often decorated with colored sugar sprinkles and typically made with almonds, aniseed, honey, and sugar; they are considered a staple Christmas dessert in the region
Chinulidde Pugliese sweets in the shape of a small calzone but with jam. Families often make large quantities and may vary the fillings. This dessert is supposed to be filled with ‘Cutugnata’ or Quince jam.
Mostaccioli There may be as many variations as there are Nonnas. This cookie is almond-based, dense, nutty, honey-flavored, lightly spiced, and dark chocolate coated . An essential for the Holiday Cookie platter
Nougat A favorite dessert made with Puglian almonds and honey, which can be soft or crunchy, often flavored with local citrus fruits. Some believe it’s origins are from an Ancient Roman treat, while others argue it comes from an Arabic dessert. The most popular origin story of nougat dates back to 1441 in Cremona as a dessert created for the marriage of Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti, the Duke and Duchess of Milan.
This dessert is truly an Italian favorite and highlights local ingredients such as almonds and honey.
Almond Paste Almond Paste Cookies date back to the 15th Century. This is one of the best known Christmas treats in Puglia. These desserts are shaped in the shape of a fish- a Christian symbol representing the child Jesus. Fall in love with sweet Apulian almond paste treats, from the Christmas log to the typical Lecce tradition fish shapes.
Pasticciotto
Southern Italy has a bounty of amazing and unusual desserts- but the Pasticciotto was born in a pastry shop in Galatina in 1875. The pasticciotto is a small oval shaped pastry made from short crust and filled with pastry cream. The perfect Italian-style pastry breakfast with your Cappuccino, Espresso, or Tea.
In beautiful ‘Storico Centro’ Galatina ( ‘Little Lecce’ )
21k or 34 minutes from Lecce
Learn more about Pasticciotto and its backstory in Galatina Italy
Want to make your own Italian Liqueurs?
Try these recipes
Italian style Limoncello Zesty homemade Citrus Liqueur Who doesn’t love an icy homemade Limoncello? Such a beautiful Italian tradition. Many will enjoy it as an after-dinner, but it is a treat at any time- especially on a warm and sunny day- Delicious!
Amaro Bizzaro OK the World of Amaro may not be Bizarre…but it sure is interesting and fun to make! Amaro Bizarro is our homemade Amaro recipe that combines bitter roots, vanilla & clove, botanical herbs, berries and fruit peels. Made with 151 rum for proper infusion, and then combined with a honey simple syrup for a beautiful balance of flavors- under 30 ABV. This famous liqueur can include a wide variety of (often secret) bitters, herbs, flowers, peels, seeds, roots, barks- sometimes even fruit. Many of the Italian restaurants will serve Amaro that is homemade and based on a secret recipe, handed down through the generations
Charizzmas Cannoli Martini Martinis don’t get better than this. The ChaRIZZmas Cannoli Martini is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Our Italian version of a Martini is decadent with Whipped Cream Vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, and Creme de Cocoa- finished with Whipping cream, Fresh Ricotta cheese, and a dash of Cinnamon. In true Cannoli style, the Martini is even more dramatic with a melted Chocolate, Pistachio and Maraschino cherry finish. A true homemade special occasion cocktail – your guests will not forget. So great for Christmas