From candle-lit villages to medieval fortresses, Le Marche offers several atmospheric Christmas markets in central Italy. Here are five of the most popular Christmas markets to visit in Marche this winter.
Christmas Markets
More Christmas Markets and events by province at the bottom of the page.
Candelara, Candele a Candelara (PU)
One of Italy’s most unique Christmas events, Candele a Candelara (Candles in Candelara) transforms this small medieval village near Pesaro into a sea of candles. Every evening, electric lights are turned off for a few minutes, and the town glows only by candlelight. Stalls line the narrow streets selling artisan crafts, decorations, and local food. There are candle-making workshops, street performers, and a Christmas parade for kids.
Highlight: the blackout moments, when the village is illuminated only by thousands of flickering flames.
Mombaroccio, Natale a Mombaroccio (PU)
Another gem near Pesaro, Mombaroccio’s Christmas Market (formally called Natale a Mombaroccio) fills the walled village with wooden chalets, nativity scenes, and traditional music. The atmosphere is warm and traditional, with artisans demonstrating their crafts and local delicacies like roasted chestnuts, vin brulé, and handmade sweets. The town’s medieval walls and cobbled streets add an authentic backdrop.
Highlight: the Snowfall Show (look for Nevicata, usually scheduled around 6pm), where artificial snow is sprayed which makes the market even more magical for kids and grown kids.
Gradara, Castello di Natale (PU)
Gradara, known for its perfectly preserved castle and the legend of Paolo and Francesca, hosts one of the region’s most scenic Christmas markets. The streets leading to the fortress are decorated with lights and stalls selling crafts and regional specialties. Inside the castle walls, visitors find concerts, nativity scenes, and events themed around medieval Christmas traditions. This festival is named Castello di Natale (literally translated Castle of Christmas).
Highlight: shopping inside a real fortress, a mix of history, romance, and holiday charm.
Ascoli Piceno, Natale in Ascoli (AP)
In Ascoli Piceno, Christmas takes over the elegant Piazza Arringo. The square becomes a festive village with wooden chalets, a skating rink, and street performances. Visitors can shop for gifts, taste regional food, and enjoy the setting between two of Italy’s most beautiful squares, Piazza Arringo and Piazza del Popolo. Info can be found on the town website, please check for info to be up to date for this year.
Highlight: ice-skating between the city’s travertine buildings, surrounded by Christmas lights and local food stands.
Urbino, Natale di Stelle (PU)
Urbino’s Christmas market, Un Natale di Stelle (A Christmas of Stars), celebrates the city’s Renaissance heritage with stalls and cultural events across the historic centre. The main square, Piazza della Repubblica, fills with local artisans, music, and food stands. The event also includes exhibitions, children’s shows, and guided tours of the Ducal Palace.
Highlight: the blend of Renaissance art and festive atmosphere in one of Italy’s most beautiful historic centres.
More In Pesaro and Urbino Province
All part of the initiative Il Natale che non ti aspetti:
Cagli – Dec 6–28, 2025; Jan 3 & 5, 2026
Candelara – Nov 22–30, 2025; Dec 6–14, 2025
Fano – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Fermignano – Weekends Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026 (incl. Dec 8)
Fossombrone – Nov 30, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026
Gradara – Late Nov 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Mombaroccio – Nov 29–30, 2025; Dec 6–14, 2025
Montelabbate – Nov 16, 2025; Dec 8 & 20, 2025
Urbania – Jan 4–6, 2026
Urbino – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
More In Ancona Province
Ancona – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Senigallia – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Corinaldo – Nov 30, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Jesi – Dec 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Osimo – Nov 29 – Dec 21, 2025
Loreto – Dec 5, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Fabriano – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026
Offagna – Dec 5, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
More In Macerata Province
Macerata – Dec 7–21, 2025
Porto Recanati – Nov 30, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Civitanova Marche – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Recanati – Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Tolentino – Dec 6–28, 2025
Sarnano – Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
More In Fermo Province
Fermo – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Porto San Giorgio – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Porto Sant’Elpidio – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Amandola – Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Petritoli – Dec 7–21, 2025
More In Ascoli Piceno Province
Ascoli Piceno – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
San Benedetto del Tronto – Nov 29, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Grottammare – Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
Ripatransone – Dec 7–22, 2025
Guided Activities in Le Marche
A list of guided and bookable activities can be found below:
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