In depth
What it is
"100 Presepi per Palazzuolo" is the Christmas trail that every year transforms the historic centre of Palazzuolo sul Senio, a small village in Alto Mugello also known as "Romagna Toscana", into a large open-air exhibition of nativity scenes. During the festive season the entire village is dressed for celebration: in shop windows, alleyways, gardens and the most characteristic corners, dozens of nativity scenes appear, created by local residents, families, schools, associations and craftspeople. It is not a museum nor a single large nativity scene, but a free itinerary to follow on foot through the streets of the medieval village, breathing in the atmosphere of a mountain Christmas.
What makes it special
Unlike large artistic or mechanised nativity scenes, the distinctive feature here is the widespread distribution throughout the urban fabric: each family, shop or association sets up its own nativity scene, with different materials and styles, from wood to moss, from papier-mâché to recycled materials, creating an overall trail that includes hundreds of small scenes scattered in every corner of the village. Visitors become part of the experience: they can vote for their favourite nativity scene, and the top three are awarded prizes. On 26 December, at sunset, the trail also comes alive with a live Nativity performance, which brings the most anticipated scene to life among the same stone streets that frame the nativity scenes displayed in the windows.
Origins and history
The initiative is linked to the tradition of the "Magie dell'Avvento" Christmas markets, promoted by the Pro Loco di Palazzuolo sul Senio together with the Gruppo Storico Oste Ghibellina, which in the 2000s began involving residents and shopkeepers in setting up nativity scenes throughout the village streets. The sources consulted do not report a single founding date nor the name of a single creator, but local chronicles confirm that the event has been established for over twenty editions, having reached its twentieth edition in winter 2024-2025. Over time the trail, originally called "100 presepi", has sometimes also been renamed "1000 Presepi per Palazzuolo", a sign of the growth in the number of displays involved over the years, whilst maintaining the original spirit of a popular and widespread event capable of transforming the entire village into a great Christmas postcard.
What to see
Strolling through the streets of the historic centre of Palazzuolo, nestled between the river Senio and the Apennine woods, one encounters nativity scenes of every kind: classic scenes with the grotto, the Holy Family and shepherds, but also creative interpretations using everyday objects, miniatures and lanterns. They are found in the windows of private houses, in the shop windows of the village, in doorways, in small gardens and in the courtyards of the town, often accompanied by Christmas music played through the streets at weekends during the markets. The trail interweaves with other symbolic places in the village, such as the Palazzo dei Capitani, home to the Museo Archeologico dell'Alto Mugello, and the main square, heart of the "Magie dell'Avvento" Christmas markets. On the evening of 26 December, at sunset, a live Nativity performance is added, bringing the same alleyways of the nativity scenes to life with costumed actors.
When and how to visit
The nativity scene trail is usually set up from the period of the Immaculate Conception, early December, until Epiphany on 6 January, coinciding with the village's Christmas markets. In the most recent edition the dates were from 8 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, but for subsequent years it is always advisable to check the updated calendar with the Pro Loco, as the dates for the current year are not guaranteed to be the same as previous ones. The trail can be visited freely on foot, without tickets or booking, along the streets of the historic centre, at any time of day; entry is free, as is participation in voting for the most beautiful nativity scenes. For updated information you can contact the Pro Loco di Palazzuolo sul Senio or consult the municipal website.
