The new dates for the living nativity in matera
Great news for Christmas travelers and lovers of Italian traditions: the dates for the XV edition of the Living Nativity in Matera have just been announced! From 6th December to 4th January, during the weekend.
This extraordinary event, set among the millennia-old cave dwellings of the Sassi di Matera, is one of the most moving and evocative Christmas experiences in all of Italy. Year after year, hundreds of visitors are captivated by the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage city transformed into a living stage — a true journey back in time.
A City Transformed into Bethlehem
For over a decade, the Living Nativity of Matera has been considered one of Italy’s most remarkable historical reenactments. Along a 1.5-kilometre route, more than 200 costumed actors, artisans, and musicians bring to life the story of the birth of Christ inside the city’s ancient caves, illuminated by torches and candlelight.
It’s no coincidence that Matera was chosen by Mel Gibson as the setting for his iconic film “The Passion of the Christ” — its timeless architecture, carved in stone, evokes the very essence of ancient Jerusalem. During the Nativity event, that same cinematic magic returns, filling the Sassi with light, sound, and emotion.
Combine the Experience with a Private Ape Calessino Tour
Make your Christmas in Matera even more special by combining your ticket to the Living Nativity with our exclusive private Ape Calessino tour.
Glide through the narrow alleys of Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso, discover panoramic viewpoints over the Gravina canyon, and reach the Civita district, crowned by the Cathedral, before entering the Nativity route.
Our experience includes:
Private one-hour Ape Calessino ride with driver
Exclusive access to the Living Nativity (XV edition)
An Unforgettable Christmas in Southern Italy
Matera at Christmas is pure enchantment: flickering lights on ancient stones, echoes of sacred music, and a feeling of timeless wonder that no photograph can capture.
👉 Tickets are limited — book your Living Nativity experience now and discover why Matera is known as “The Jerusalem of Southern Italy.”
