How to spend Christmas in Puglia, Italy | A local guide

This is for sure one of the best times of the year and spending Christmas in Puglia is even more magical. The southern region of Italy offers some of the best festive seasons ever. From the cute and super-decorated Alberobello to Bari’s Christmas markets, Puglia at Christmas is a must.

After spending winter and summer in Puglia, we can say that the days toward the end of the year are one of the best times to visit Puglia, Italy.

If this is your first time visiting Southern Italy at Christmas, in this guide, you will find all the top things to don’t miss if you wish to have one of the best festive seasons in Italy.

Yes, yes and absolutely YES!! We fall in love with Puglia at Christmas thanks to its amazing atmosphere across all the cities. Locorotondo was for sure our favourite place to visit during this time of the year. Together with spending Christmas in Naples, Puglia and the cute little villages are our favourite destinations in Italy in December. We were surprised to see how all the different cities in Puglia decorated their cute narrow streets with lights, Christmas trees and all possible decorations ever.

We loved exploring Puglia in winter, summer, spring and autumn. Basically, the whole year! Yes, we’ve been quite a few times, and we never get bored. Late summer was amazing for exploring Puglia’s best cities, like Polignano a Mare. We highly recommend visiting Puglia in spring and at Christmas. We know that Christmas in Puglia might be a little crowded, but it is for sure one of the best times to visit this cute region.

The region is filled with Christmas traditions, which will maintain you entertained for the whole trip. For example, the town of Acquaviva delle Fonti, in the province of Bari, hosts, every year, some of the most beautiful Christmas markets ever. Well, it is not only that! Almost every night, there are musical events that surrender the market and make the atmosphere even more magical.

The tradition says that some of the shows happening are staged by bagpipers; The wonderful exhibition sees actors dressing in traditional Apulia peasant clothes, with real wool socks and jackets and sheepskin vests. These are the kind of authentic experiences that you will need to witness as they happen only around this time of the year. 

Puglia’s food is one of the best that we have ever tried. During Christmas, there are more delicious things that you need to try. From the famous fried pettole to lentils on New Year’s Eve, you will love trying all the local food. 

Apulian wine is a must. It doens’t matter when and where; you will taste the best wine ever while around Puglia. During your Christmas vacation in Puglia, you will see how things are done differently.

In Southern Italy, the Christmas celebration starts on the 24th of December with a huge dinner based on fish. Tradition wants that you wait until Christmas day while eating and having fun with your family the night of the 24th. It’s such a cool tradition that, if you have any friends from Puglia or any other part of Southern Italy, it would be nice to witness.

READ ALSO | What to eat in Puglia, Italy

Taste the delicious Christmas dessert of Puglia

Italy is known for its food, and talking about Christmas in Puglia, you need to try the delicious dessert typical around this time of the year.

The tasty Cartellate, a fried dough covered with sweet wine, is a must when travelling to Puglia around Christmas. They are so good that you can’t resist. Another typical dessert you will find around Puglia is Purciadduzzi, small fried dough balls covered with nuts, confetti and honey. They are similar to Struffoli in Naples but not the same thing.

Learn the history of Pettole

Across the entire region, you will find different desserts typical of Puglia. Taranto, for example, is home to the delicious Pettole. Traditions say that on the day of Santa Cecilia (On the 22nd of December), a lady was awake since early in the morning to bake the bread. What happened is that she heard the bagpipe melody, and she started following the music and left the dough to grow. When she returned, she realised that the dough had grown too much and she couldn’t use it for baking the bread.

The kids woke up and started complaining as they were hungry and the breakfast wasn’t ready. But she didn’t give up. She used the dough and started to make small balls and fry them. 

Surprisingly, the kids loved these fried balls and asked what the name was. The woman made up a name and said “Pettel”, inspired by the dialect Pitta which means small focaccia. Together with her kids, the woman went out and started to give away the leftover bagpipe.

See the shrine of Padre Pio, St. Pio of Pietralcina

Locals tend to visit Puglia around this time of the year as San Giovanni Rotondo is one of the important destinations in the Catholic pilgrimage. Home of the burial place of Padre Pio, this is one of the most significant shrines; in fact, for this reason, pilgrims visit this town annually. For sure, it’s a sacred destination worth visiting if you’re spending winter in Puglia. Padre Pio was full of prodigies and one of Italy’s most loved saints.

See live nativity performances in Puglia

Italians are attached to their traditions, especially at Christmas. This is considered the time of the year when everyone gets together and spends the festive season with their family. One of the most popular activities to do in Puglia at Christmas is to see a live nativity performance that is happening between the 22nd and 26th of December and from the 3rd to the 6th of January.

This Presepe Vivente (living nativity scene) performance is organised across the region and is still the most significant original live nativity performance. It is happening in the ancient amphitheatre of Lecce, around Alberobello’s trulli and on the Sassi di Matera.

Ostuni plays an essential part in the live nativity as the first scene dates back to 1972, and today, tourists and locals are attracted to Ostuni for this reason.

If you wish to witness Presepe Vivente in another Southern Italian city, make sure you visit Naples at Christmas!

Roam through the most beautiful churches, which are free to visit; Admire handcrafted nativity scenes, some of them older than you think and still well preserved.

Spend a day or two in Bari, Santa Claus House

Bari is a kid-friendly destination; when Christmas approaches, this is the right place to bring your children. Did you know that Bari is the home of Santa Claus? Saint Nicholas (San Nicola) from Myra, the city’s Patron Saint. Tradition wants that you visit the Basilica of San Nicola di Bari to ask him directly to make your wish dream come true.

It’s an adorable story to tell your kids, and of course, you need to remind them that they need to be good for the entire year; otherwise, a trip to Bari to meet Santa won’t happen.

READ ALSO | Best day trips from Bari, Italy

Visit the UNESCO town of Alberobello

Alberobello is considered one of the most charming towns in Puglia. UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its Trulli of Alberobello, this cone-shaped house roof, Alberobello, is the perfect destination to visit any time of the year. From summer to winter, the cute white village in Apulia is suggestive thanks to its multiple decorations around the cute Trulli.

You can reach Alberobello by train from Locorotondo or Martina Franca. We found the perfect accommodation that allowed us to travel to both villages in less than 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour that includes Alberobello and Matera as well.

Christmas on the beach

Spending Christmas on the beach was on our bucket list for ages. It won’t be the same as in Thailand, but Puglia is home to some of the most incredible beaches ever.

From the tourist Polignano a Mare to the stunning sandy beaches of Gallipoli, you can organise a lovely picnic on the shoreline, having an alternative Christmas celebration. You might be lucky with the weather; usually, December in Puglia is pleasant, with temperatures above 15 °C, especially in the south. Consider that Puglia is one of Europe’s best destinations to chase the winter sun.

However, the whole of Italy in winter is an excellent place to spend the holiday, with nice food, pleasant temperature and lovely locals.

Celebrate Santa Cecilia in Taranto 

Living in London allowed us to meet so many people from different places. In the last few years, we met a cool couple from Taranto that shared with us all their typical Christmas traditions; plus, their cuisine is just amazing!

Christmas in Taranto is known for being the longest Chsitasm ever; in fact, tradition wants that locals prepare the Christmas tree on the night of the 22nd of December.

 They start the celebration on this day for a reason. Santa Cecilia is the protector of musicians. In fact, on the night of the 22nd, locals go to San Cataldo Duomo to witness La Benedizione delle Bande, the music band’s blessing. Everyone from the youngest to the oldest is ready to follow the music bands across the city to start the traditional morning walk.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR PUGLIA, ITALY

Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, no matter your journey. We have learned that at our expense while travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar, our ferry was cancelled because of rough sea weather.
Even though Puglia is safe, the pandemic taught many people that things might go wrong everywhere in the world, and insurance is frequently the only option to mitigate any problems with the least cost or stress to you.

Hey Mondo | COVID-19 coverage, medical expenses and total travel costs. A fantastic app with 24-hour medical care and no extra charges. You can save 5% on your insurance by booking through our link.

SafetyWing | COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and insurance can be purchased while travelling for digital nomads.

Q&A Christmas in Puglia, Italy

What is there to do in Puglia at Christmas?

Here are the best things to do in Puglia at Christmas:

• Roam around Puglia’s best Christmas Markets
• Taste the delicious Christmas dessert of Puglia
• See the shrine of Padre Pio
• Visit Puglia’s best cities at Christmas 
• Admire the beautiful Christmas lights around the cute narrow streets
• See live nativity performances in Puglia
• Spend a day or two in Bari, Santa Claus House
• Visit the UNESCO town of Alberobello
• Christmas on the beach

Is Puglia a good place to holiday?

Absolutely YES! There are so many incredible things to do in Puglia that it’s the perfect gateway for your holiday. You can spend winter in Puglia or check out this beautiful region in summer. You will always find something to do!

What is Puglia best known for?

Puglia is known for its production of olive oil. In fact, the region produces around 40% of the country’s olive oil. Amazing, isn’t it? Additionally, Puglia is known for its famous Trulli of Alberobello. This cone-shaped roof is typical of Valle D’Itria.

What is the best part of Puglia?

Here are the places in Puglia, Italy:

Ostuni
Alberobello
Valle d’Itria
Monopoli
Polignano a Mare
Trani
Martina Franca
Torre dell’Orso
Locorotondo
Bari

Is December a good time to visit Puglia?

Yes. For many reasons, Puglia is revived as an all-year destination for travellers. Firstly is one of Italy’s most affordable regions for a winter escape. Second, Puglia in December can be a quirky place to explore southern Italy traditions and beliefs at a delicate time of the year. As a strict catholic country, Italy and Puglia observe a festive period from the 23rd of December to the 6th of January, and with the 25th, all businesses are closed.

Is Puglia warm in December?

Yes. Puglia is one of the best regions to spend December in Italy. The warm temperature compared to northern Italy make many people visit Apulia at Christmas. Of course, the temperature might be low to enjoy the beaches, but perfect for a stroll on the promenade.

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

Every time is good to travel and have new experiences. As London-based travel bloggers, it’s easy to find cheap flights and explore new places even just at the weekend. Christmas is our favourite time of the year, and we love exploring new cities and Christmas decorations around Europe. Here are some Christmas inspiration

CHRISTMAS VIBES

How to spend Christmas in Naples
Christmas shopping in London
Things to do in Vienna at Christmas
Best Christmas afternoon tea in London

ITINERARIES AND GUIDES ABOUT PUGLIA

How to spend one week in Puglia
Puglia in winter, things to do and see
Best beaches in Puglia, Italy
Things to do in Monopoli
Best beaches in Monopoli
Amazing day trips from Bari, Italy
Best places to visit in Puglia
The best Martina Franca Puglia Guide
Is Ostuni worth visiting?
Getting to Puglia, a guide to Puglia airports