Christmas Markets in the Itria Valley 2026: Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Alberobello and Cisternino
Christmas the Itria Valley in Puglia lights up: Locorotondo, Alberobello, Martina Franca and Cisternino fill with Christmas markets, lights and living nativity scenes, usually from late November to Epiphany (6 January). From Trullo22 and Casa 44Gatti, in the countryside of Martina Franca, you can reach them all by car in minutes: Martina Franca is 5 km away, Locorotondo about 10 km, Alberobello 12 km.
Locorotondo
For 2026 the town has planned "Natale a Locorotondo" from around 22 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, with the programme still being finalised. In 2025 the lights were switched on on 18 November in the old town, and the market ran from 30 November to 6 January around Piazza Aldo Moro and the public gardens. Expect local crafts, nativity scenes, regional products and street food among white houses with pointed cummersa roofs.
Alberobello
In 2025 the trulli of the Monti and Aia Piccola districts were lit up from 5 December to 5 January, with light projections on their cone-shaped roofs. Piazza del Popolo hosted a village of wooden chalets, an ice rink and Santa's House. From 26 to 29 December a living nativity scene filled the lanes between the trulli.
Martina Franca
The Baroque old town hosts Santa's Village, with more than 40 craft and food stalls, an ice rink, a little tourist train and rides for children. The market is about 7 km from us: perfect for an evening stroll among the illuminated palazzi.
Cisternino
During "Natale Magico" the old town fills with music, stalls and tastings. In past editions the living nativity scene took place on 26 and 30 December and on 2 and 6 January. Before heading back, stop for dinner at a fornello pronto, a butcher's shop that grills your meat on the spot.
A weekend in the villages
- Friday evening: a walk among the lights of Martina Franca.
- Saturday: Alberobello in the morning, when it is quieter, then Locorotondo at sunset for the lights.
- Sunday: Cisternino and its fornelli pronti.
Where to stay: Trullo22 and Casa 44Gatti
Trullo22 is an 18th-century trullo, and Casa 44Gatti is the apartment next door. Each sleeps 4, or up to 8 together, with the outdoor areas reserved for your group. From November to March there is a pellet stove and radiators, plus air conditioning, Wi-Fi and free parking on the property. The resident cats, Ettore, Brie, Rino and Matisse, will keep you company, and your dog is welcome too. Natalia lives on the property and is always happy to share tips on the villages.
Book directly on our website or on WhatsApp (+39 347 440 4307) to pay less than on Airbnb and Booking, with free cancellation and payment at check-in.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Christmas markets in the Itria Valley open? Usually between late November and early December, and they stay open until Epiphany. In Locorotondo, Christmas 2026 is planned from 22 November.
Do I need a car? Yes, it is the easiest way to move between the villages, which are only a few kilometres apart.
Is the trullo warm in winter? Yes: from November to March there is a pellet stove and radiators.
Can I bring my dog? Yes, free of charge and with no size limit, as long as it is not left alone in the property. Please note there are very friendly cats.
Can 8 people stay together? Yes, by booking Trullo22 and Casa 44Gatti together.
The 2026 dates for Alberobello, Martina Franca and Cisternino have not been announced yet: we will update this article as soon as the towns publish them.