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Events in the Madonie

Christmas in the Madonie

At Christmas the Madonie have five main events: the living nativity in Gangi, from 26 to 29 December in the Santa Lucia quarter; the Magico Natale programme and the Via dei Presepi in Cefalù, between early December and Epiphany; Dolcemente Castelbuono over the Immaculate Conception weekend; the Presepe d'InCanto in Petralia Soprana, between 20 December and 6 January. Each edition's dates are on the event pages, with the source.

5 events

Christmas in the Madonie

Organising an event in the Madonie? Send us the poster or the official link. Report an event

Which are the Christmas events in the Madonie?

In calendar order:

  1. Dolcemente Castelbuono, over the Immaculate Conception weekend: pastry makers’ stalls, tastings and a children’s trail in Piazza Castello.
  2. Magico Natale in Cefalù, from early December to Epiphany: Father Christmas’s house, exhibitions at the Ottagono di Santa Caterina, shows at the Teatro Cicero.
  3. La Via dei Presepi, also in Cefalù, from 8 December to 6 January: the diocesan nativity exhibition and the other stops in the old town.
  4. Presepe d’InCanto in Petralia Soprana, between 20 December and 6 January: sculptures and video mapping in the former church of Sant’Antonio, open only on set days.
  5. Gangi living nativity, from 26 to 29 December: scenes from Nazareth to Bethlehem in the lanes of the Santa Lucia quarter, by booking.

How do you plan a few days at Christmas?

Split the Madonie in two. On the coast, Cefalù and Castelbuono, about 23 km apart. Inland, Gangi and Petralia Soprana, close to each other and on the same road, the SS120.

Gangi’s living nativity is the event that fills up first: book in November and look for somewhere to sleep nearby, in where to stay in Gangi or in the two Petralias.

What do you check before you leave?

Weather and roads. In December it can snow up high: check the Madonie weather, the snow section and the notices on the roads page. If there is snow at Piano Battaglia, read the guide to skiing at Piano Battaglia.

For sweets to take home, panettoni and other baked goods included, start from the pastry shops in where to eat in Castelbuono. All the other events are in the upcoming events in the Madonie.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see a living nativity in the Madonie?
In Gangi, with the living nativity Da Nazareth a Betlemme in the lanes of the Santa Lucia quarter: it runs from 26 to 29 December, with performances every half hour from 5 pm to midnight. Entry is by booking only and places run out every year: in 2025 bookings opened in mid-November.
Are there Christmas markets in the Madonie?
The best known is Dolcemente Castelbuono, a Christmas market devoted to Madonie sweets, with tastings from the town's pastry makers, in Piazza Castello. It is usually held over the Immaculate Conception weekend: in 2025 from 6 to 8 December. We publish the 2026 dates as soon as they are out.
What is on in Cefalù at Christmas?
Two things. Magico Natale, the town council's programme from early December to Epiphany, with Father Christmas's house in Corso Ruggero and shows at the Teatro Cicero. And the Via dei Presepi, promoted by the diocese and the Pro Loco, a route through nativity scenes and exhibitions in churches and spaces in the centre, from 8 December to 6 January.
Can you see snow at Christmas in the Madonie?
Sometimes: Piano Battaglia is at about 1,600 metres and can already be under snow in December, but not every year. Before you drive up, check the mountain weather and the snow conditions on the dedicated pages, and carry chains or fit winter tyres.
When are the Christmas programmes published?
Usually between November and early December: the town of Cefalù publishes Magico Natale towards the end of November, Gangi opens bookings for the living nativity in mid-November. We update the pages as soon as official sources publish dates and times.

Sources

Page updated on 19 October 2026