Monopoli Christmas. Events and Christmas Markets

Christmas in Monopoli: Main attractions

The old town of Monopoli transforms into a widespread park of lights, music, interactive installations, and grand artistic works during Christmas. It's not just about decorations: it's a real sensory journey designed to amaze adults and children alike.

Here's a table with the main attractions to see during Christmas in Monopoli:

22-meter Christmas Tree

In Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the beating heart of the city. A monumental work, perfect for photos and videos. Under the tree, performances, animated readings for children, and evening mini concerts are often organized.

Park of the Swings of the Stars

Perhaps the most iconic part of the entire project. Twelve giant swings, each dedicated to a zodiac sign, illuminated and suspended like in an urban galaxy. Not just to look at - you can swing on them.

A romantic experience for couples, fun for children, and inspiring for those who love contemporary art.

Snow Dome - 15 meters of light and music

Located in Piazza Palmieri, the dome is a luminous cathedral where you can lie down, look up, and listen to an evocative soundtrack. Those who’ve experienced it describe it as emotional and almost meditative. Perfect during quieter evening hours.

The Illuminated Nativity in Papier-Mâché

Installed in Piazza Garibaldi, created by Apulian artisans. It combines religious tradition with modern artistic language. Ideal for those looking for a more spiritual moment during the visit.

The Christmas Bandstand

You'll recognize it immediately: it's a scenic structure that hosts music, shows, creative workshops, and the home of Santa Claus. Perfect for families with children.

Christmas in Monopoli: Illuminandia, the largest light park in Southern Italy

The highlight of Christmas in Monopoli 2025 will again be Illuminandia, the artistic light trail created by the historic Faniuolo family, internationally recognized Apulian light masters. The city becomes a widespread park to experience by day and especially at night, when the light transforms the white alleys into magical glowing corridors.

What makes Illuminandia a unique event?

• It's scenography, but also a sensory experience.

• The installations are interactive: you can enter, touch, and swing.

• It's a path designed for families, photographers, children, and curious visitors.

• Each area is designed to inspire emotion and wonder.

It's not just about visiting, but about immersing yourself.

Christmas in Monopoli: Christmas Lights in Monopoli

Starting from December 5, Monopoli officially lights up Illuminandia, the large Christmas light park of about 15,000 m² that combines tradition, design, and monumental installations.

Lights for Christmas in Puglia are crafted using the ancient art of carved wooden structures typical of Puglia. Their shapes echo celestial symbols, nature, Christmas elements, and maritime heritage.

The idea behind Monopoli’s Christmas lights is not just to decorate, but to tell a story. Walking through the squares and alleys feels like stepping into a glowing fairytale, with each installation being a different chapter.

Christmas in Monopoli: The Giant Christmas Tree

The heart of Christmas in Monopoli is the 22-meter tall illuminated tree in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. This Christmas tree, the visual symbol of all the festive lights, is the main meeting point for visitors of Christmas in Monopoli and the perfect backdrop for photos, videos, and selfies.

The tree lighting officially opens the park. At the signal, the tree lights turn on along with all the other installations, and at the same time, shows, dance performances, and live concerts begin.

Christmas in Monopoli: The Park of the Swings of the Stars

Around the tree comes to life the Park of the Swings of the Stars: twelve giant swings inspired by the zodiac signs.

This is one of the most iconic attractions of both Illuminandia and Christmas in Monopoli:

• the swings are real and accessible

• each installation is linked to a zodiac sign

• the structures are illuminated and scenic

The beauty of the Park of the Swings of the Stars is that it’s not just to look at. It’s an interactive attraction, designed to let both kids and adults “swing among the stars” in a continuous play of light and movement.

Christmas in Monopoli: Snow Dome in Piazza Palmieri

In Piazza Palmieri, the spectacular Snow Dome awaits you — a monumental structure about 15 meters tall.

Inside the Dome:

• a luminous, soft, and enveloping environment

• light effects simulating dancing stars

• a musical experience synchronized with the lights

Imagine a great island of light, a sort of "magic ice" on which you can lie down to look up and watch a sky full of stars moving to the rhythm of music. It’s one of the most magical installations of Christmas in Monopoli, perfect for those seeking a moment of pure contemplation.

Christmas in Monopoli: The Illuminated Papier-Mâché Nativity

Tradition finds its space in the Illuminated Papier-Mâché Nativity set up in Piazza Garibaldi.

• about six meters tall

• crafted using traditional Apulian papier-mâché techniques

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• fully illuminated and integrated into the old town setting

The Illuminated Nativity combines the religious symbolism of the Christmas nativity scene in Monopoli with local artistry and the contemporary language of lights. For those who see Christmas as a spiritual moment, this installation is a true highlight.

Christmas in Monopoli: Santa’s House

In the so-called old town, especially in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the Christmas Bandstand is set up — a festive reinterpretation of the traditional Apulian music gazebo.

This structure is:

• Santa’s residence, where children can meet him

• a stage for concerts, choirs, shows, and live performances

• a space for creative workshops dedicated to families

The Christmas Bandstand is one of the liveliest places in Illuminandia, always animated with music and activities.

Christmas in Monopoli: Opening Show with Live Music and Special Guests

The grand Opening Show of Christmas in Monopoli, with the lighting of Illuminandia, is one of the highlights of Christmas in Monopoli.

For the opening night of Christmas in Monopoli, the stage will host:

• Sergio Sylvestre (Big Boy), performing Christmas songs from his album Merry Christmas Everyone

• the vocal ensemble SoulKeys, known for emotional a cappella performances

• the Tebaide Orchestra, featured in many events of the Christmas season

Warm voices, choral arrangements and international Christmas repertoires create an intense atmosphere, able to captivate even those who do not know the artists before arriving in the square. The message is clear: Christmas in Monopoli is not only lights, but also culture, music and community.

Christmas in Monopoli: main dates of free Christmas events

Here are the main Christmas dates in Monopoli to help you plan your visit:

• 29 November – lighting of the Christmas illuminations in the streets of the city

• 5 December – opening of the Stars Swing Park and major opening show

• from December to February – lights on, installations active, ongoing calendar of events

Please note that all attractions are free. This makes Christmas in Monopoli a perfect destination for families and groups.

Monopoli Christmas Markets

Alongside the illuminations of Monopoli, another unmissable experience is the Christmas markets in the greenery of the nearby Selva di Fasano, within the charming Tenuta Monacelle, just a few kilometres from the city.

In the historic trulli village dating from the 1700s, on a green hillside, the event "Apulia for Christmas" takes place, a Christmas exhibition-market now in its eleventh edition, with the slogan "...a new fairy tale...".

Where and when

The Monopoli Christmas Markets "Apulia for Christmas" are held on the Feast of the Immaculate weekend, among the hills of the Selva di Fasano, at Tenuta Monacelle (a trulli village from the 18th century):

• Saturday 6 December → 16:00 – 23:00

• Sunday 7 December → 10:00 – 23:00

• Monday 8 December → 10:00 – 23:00

FREE ENTRY

The historic and natural setting makes the experience even more atmospheric, ideal for combining with a day or weekend of Christmas in Monopoli.

Craftsmanship, creativity and Apulian tradition

At the Apulia for Christmas markets you will find:

• 40 exhibitors selected from all over Italy

• products strictly handmade

• Christmas decorations, home furnishings, unique handmade pieces

• original gift ideas, rooted in tradition with a contemporary touch

It is the ideal place if you are looking for non-standard gifts, if you love true craftsmanship and if you want to take home a piece of Puglia.

Monopoli Christmas Markets: what to eat

The food and wine itinerary of the markets is another highlight:

• hot roasted chestnuts

• grilled meat

• Apulian panzerotti

• show cooking of traditional sweet pettole

• local wines from partner wineries

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• craft beers

Among lights, garlands, illuminated trulli and scents in the air, the experience at Tenuta Monacelle becomes a natural extension of your Christmas in Monopoli.

Shows and entertainment for the whole family

In addition to the stalls and gastronomy, the Christmas markets offer:

• Christmas Village with games and attractions

• settings perfect for family photos and memories

• one of the most anticipated events: the Christmas show by Giulia Luzi featuring beloved Disney soundtracks

For those travelling with children, it is an ideal setting: safe, well-organised, rich in visual and musical stimuli.

Christmas in Monopoli: updated calendar of main events

Christmas in Monopoli: Practical Tips

Here are some practical tips for those who want to fully enjoy the festivities and make the most of their visit during Christmas in Monopoli:

• Arrive in the afternoon. This way, you can enjoy both the sunset over the sea and the lighting of the decorations.

• Walk through the old town. The historic center is compact and the main attractions are close to each other.

• Check any restricted traffic zones (ZTL) and external parking. On busy days, it is better to leave the car outside the center.

• Book in advance. Hotels, B&Bs, and local farmhouses fill up quickly on December weekends.

• Book in advance. Hotels, B&Bs, farmhouses, and Monopoli restaurants fill up quickly on December weekends.

• Combine Monopoli with other destinations in Puglia. For example, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo, or Selva di Fasano.

Christmas in Monopoli: Why Choose It

If you're planning your Christmas trip to Puglia, Christmas in Monopoli 2025 is one of the experiences that deserves to be at the top of your list.

Here are some reasons why you should visit Monopoli at Christmas:

• because it combines light art, Apulian tradition, and the winter sea

• because Illuminandia is a Christmas park unlike any other

• because the Luminous Nativity, the Snow Dome, and the Zodiac Swings offer unforgettable experiences

• because the Christmas Markets at Tenuta Monacelle complete the picture with crafts and flavors