Christmas in Le Marche is rooted in local traditions. Every town, every village, and even every family has its own way of celebrating. This is one of the reasons why Christmas in the region feels so authentic. The sea, the mountains, and the countryside have shaped different habits over time, with each area keeping its own customs alive.
👉 This post is part of our series: Food and Rural Traditions in Le Marche
A traditional Christmas
For most foreigners, Christmas in Le Marche will feel familiar: you will see nativity scenes, Christmas markets, large family meals, and many small traditions that still mark the passing of the holidays. But the region is very diverse, and some local habits or dishes might surprise you.
This guide explains how people in the region celebrate from Christmas Eve to the Epiphany, with practical notes so you can understand what is happening around you.
What Christmas Means in Le Marche
In Le Marche, Christmas is family time. Most families spend three full days together: the Vigilia (Christmas Eve), Natale (Christmas Day), and Santo Stefano (December 26). Most people take time off from work. Towns slow down. Many shops close. Even younger people who live in different cities come back home for the holidays.
The atmosphere changes depending on where you are. Coastal towns have lighter menus and more fish traditions. Mountain villages focus on hearty dishes and older customs. In rural areas, families still prepare food following winter rhythms passed down for generations.
The Vigilia: Why Italians Eat Fish on Christmas Eve
The Vigilia is one of the most important moments of the holidays. The word means “the evening before,” and it refers to the dinner on December 24. Traditionally, the Catholic rule was to avoid meat before major religious celebrations. Even if many people today are not religious, the tradition survived, so families still eat fish instead of meat on Christmas Eve.
In Le Marche, the typical Vigilia dishes include:
- Baccalà (salted cod), prepared fried, stewed, or baked depending on the town
- Mixed fried fish, especially near the coast
- Light versions of brodetto, the local fish soup
- Maccheroncini di Campofilone
- Seafood pasta
- Lots of sweets (panettone, pandoro, torrone)
Dinner is usually an intimate family event, more formal than usual. After the meal, families exchange gifts, go for a walk in the town center, or visit the local Christmas markets if they stay open late. Religious families attend the midnight mass (still a very popular event in smaller towns).
Christmas Day in Le Marche
Christmas Day is quiet and slow. Lunch is the main event, and it often lasts several hours. The table is full, and everyone contributes something. This is a day of comfort food and stories, where generations mix and traditions stay alive.
Here are the dishes you can find on most tables:
First Courses
- Cappelletti in brodo – small pasta stuffed with meat or cheese, served in broth
- Vincisgrassi – the Marche-style baked pasta with ragù and mixed meats
- Cannelloni – especially in the southern provinces
Main Dishes
- Cappone (capon)
- Boiled meats served with sauces
- Pasticciata, a local style of roast
- Stoccafisso (stockfish)
- Brodetto in some coastal towns
Desserts
- The all time classics (panettone, pandoro, torrone)
- In the north of Le Marche: miacetto
- In the south: frustingo and cavallucci
After lunch, families play card games, drink vino cotto and eat some castagne (chestnuts) or take a walk to see the town decorations.
Presepi Viventi: Living Nativity Scenes
One of the most beloved traditions in Le Marche is the Presepe Vivente, the living nativity scene. These are full reenactments of the Nativity story, with dozens of volunteers dressed in traditional clothing. They take place outdoors, often in medieval streets, forests, or caves.
The most famous is in Genga, near the Frasassi Caves. It is one of the most scenic events in the region, set in dramatic natural surroundings. But many other towns organize their own versions. Each one is different, and each reflects the personality of the place.
Foreign visitors love these events because they feel historic and cinematic at the same time. They also show how strongly communities in Le Marche value tradition and participation.
Christmas Markets and Local Events
Christmas lights up all over Le Marche — from coastal towns to medieval hilltop villages. Some events stand out for their unique atmosphere and deep roots in local tradition.
- Candele a Candelara — In the medieval village of Candelara (Pesaro-Urbino), the electric lights are switched off at set times in the evening. The streets glow only with the warm flicker of thousands of candles. Artisans sell handmade candles, local crafts and food; visitors enjoy music, street shows, and candle-making workshops.
- Ancona che brilla — The regional capital becomes a Christmas village from late November through Epiphany. Expect festive lights, a huge Christmas tree in Piazza Roma, holiday markets, concerts, family shows, and an entire “Christmas parade” — a lively mix of music, lights and events for all ages.
- Gran Natale a Corinaldo — The medieval town of Corinaldo (famous for its walls and charm) transforms into a seasonal Christmas destination. The center fills with wooden stalls, festive lights and a “Christmas village” vibe during weekends in December. A perfect mix of history and holiday magic.
- Castello di Natale a Gradara — The walled castle-town of Gradara becomes a fairy-tale holiday set, with lights, decorations, artisan markets, guided night tours, theatrical shows, and themed “Christmas experiences”. The medieval streets give the event a timeless feel.
- SBT Christmas Village, San Benedetto del Tronto — On the Adriatic coast, this seaside city offers a Christmas village with holiday markets, live entertainment, concerts, and festive lights. A lively alternative to mountain or hilltop holiday events — perfect for winter by the sea.
- Mercatini di Natale di Ascoli Piceno — In the historic center of Ascoli, expect Christmas markets, artisan stalls, festive products, and seasonal atmosphere through winter. Great if you want a more city-center, traditional Italian Christmas market in a smaller town.
👉 This is just a selection. Read our Full guide to Christmas events in Le Marche
Traditional Christmas Games
Playing games is part of Italian holiday culture. In Le Marche, people still enjoy simple, traditional games that bring everyone together.
The most common are:
- Tombola, the Italian version of bingo
- Briscola, a classic card game
- Bestia, another card game popular in rural areas
- Burraco, a more recent trend, especially among grandparents
These games create a relaxed atmosphere after meals and keep families at the table for hours.
A Saying You Will Hear in Italy
There is an Italian proverb that captures the spirit of the holidays:
“Natale con i tuoi, Capodanno con chi vuoi.”
It means “Christmas with your family, New Year’s with whoever you want.” Christmas is for staying home, eating well, and reconnecting. New Year’s Eve is more flexible, and many Italians go out with friends or travel for the night.
This line is perfect for linking to an article about New Year’s Eve traditions, events, and celebrations in Italy or Le Marche.
Celebrating Christmas in Le Marche as a Visitor
If you visit Le Marche in December, you will experience a calm, intimate version of the holidays. Towns are decorated but usually not too crowded. The landscape feels soft and quiet. Local restaurants serve winter dishes. Many agriturismi offer special Christmas menus with traditional recipes.
Walking through medieval streets, tasting local sweets, and watching the lights reflect on stone walls is a simple but memorable experience. You will feel the warmth of small communities and learn how deeply people care about their local identity.
Christmas in Le Marche is not loud or commercial. It is slow, sincere, and full of tradition. And that is what makes it special.