Christmas in Candelara and the magic of candlelight
3 minutes
There are places that, at certain times of the year, seem to step straight out of a fairy tale. Candelara, a small medieval village tucked away in the hills near Pesaro, is one of them. Every winter, from late November to early December, the village prepares to experience its most enchanting tradition: Candele a Candelara (Candles in Candelara.) It’s a one-of-a-kind event in Italy, blending the charm of candlelight with the warmth of local tradition. For a few minutes, twice each evening during the festival weekends, the village switches off its electric lights and entrusts itself to the flickering glow of thousands of flames, painting its ancient stone streets in a dreamlike light.
Amidst craft markets, live shows, music, and the scent of winter in the air, Candelara offers visitors an intimate and unforgettable experience- the rediscovery of wonder in life’s simplest things, shared with a community that, for more than twenty years, has proudly kindled its own Christmas with light and hospitality.
The most magical moment: when darkness lights up
On the last two weekends of November and the first two of December, every evening at dusk, time seems to stand still in Candelara. The lights go out, the chatter fades, and the village is wrapped in the gentlest darkness imaginable. Then, slowly, thousands of candles flicker to life all at once, transforming the streets into a living Nativity scene.
It’s a simple sight, yet deeply moving: voices soften, footsteps slow down, and time itself seems to pause. All that remains is the warm, glowing heartbeat of the light. This symbolic, poetic moment reminds everyone that true beauty can emerge even from the dark- all it takes is a single flame to spark a shared emotion.
Markets, music, and flavours in the village streets
During these festive weekends, Candelara’s narrow lanes come alive with colour and cheer. The Christmas markets welcome artisans, potters, and local producers showcasing artistic candles, Christmas decorations, miniature nativity scenes, and regional delicacies from the Marche.
As you wander through the cobbled alleys, you’re surrounded by the fragrance of wax and spices, the comforting scent of mulled wine, and the smoky aroma of freshly baked cresce flatbreads.
Bagpipers, stilt walkers, and musicians fill the air with sound and spectacle, while children’s laughter echoes through the streets as Father Christmas arrives on his sleigh, bringing gifts and joy.
Every corner of the village reveals a new view, a light worth capturing, a smile worth remembering.
Christmas through a child’s eyes: elves, wonder, and discovery
In Candelara, the magic of Christmas shines brightest through the eyes of children. Inside the castle walls, the Elves’ Workshop springs to life from morning onwards, where young apprentices can take part in creative candle-making and craft activities, shaping decorations and keepsakes to take home.
In the Castle Park, little ones can step into the Winter Village in Father Christmas’s Garden- an enchanted world where they can hand over their Christmas letters, climb aboard the sparkling sleigh for a photo, and enjoy old-fashioned games from days gone by.
Surrounded by twinkling lights, laughter, and the scent of celebration, children can admire a Nativity scene made especially for them and even enjoy a gentle ride on Father Christmas’s adorable ponies- in an atmosphere filled with the fragrance of dreams and wonder.
How to make the most of the magic
Wrap up warm- December air can be crisp and sharp, but the warmth of the atmosphere will soon chase away the chill.
To truly savour the experience, the best advice is simple: arrive in the afternoon and let yourself be carried by the gentle rhythm of the village. Don’t rush- take your time to look around, chat with the artisans, or simply stroll through the winding lanes, following the scent of wax and the sound of bagpipes.
As the sun dips behind the hills and the first candles begin to glow, Candelara reveals its most enchanting side. Then, get ready for the moment everyone awaits: the switching off of the electric lights (usually twice each evening, at 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm). It’s in those suspended minutes- when the village is transformed into a golden sea of candlelight and everything feels closer, softer, and more intimate- that you’ll understand why Candelara has become one of the most magical Christmas destinations in the Marche.
