Ossana, the hamlet with 1000 nativity scenes

The nativity scene itinerary starts off from a magical comert right in the town centre of Ossana, and it winds its way through the narrow streets and hidden corners of this hamlet all the way up to the walls of the San Michele Castle: almost 1600 characteristic nativity scenes, all handmade by local citizens, artists, schools and volunteer associations from Ossana and from all of Val di Sole. You can admire these incredibly creative nativity scenes that are made using unusual materials like fabric, wood, seeds or corn leaves. And just for this special event, the itinerary in this quaint mountain hamlet is illuminated using ancient oil lamps.

You can visit the nativity scenes from November 21st 2025 to January 6th 2026, from 10 am to 10 pm.

Guided tours at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM on market days (free visit, meeting point at the info point)

Nativity Hunt (pick up the map at the info point and follow the route to solve the puzzle)

NOT TO MISS

MECHANICAL NATIVITY SCENE

Located next to the San Vigilio Church . The nativity depicts scenes from daily life dating back several decades

WORLD WAR I NATIVITY SCENE

Located within the walls of the San Michele Castle . This nativity scene was created for the WWI Centenary, taking visitors back to this war in the trenches and the chance to relive this true story that occurred on Christmas night during WWI

MONTE GINER NATIVITY SCENE

Located in the «Mas dei Voltolini» . This nativity scene was created to mark the 60th anniversary of the tragic airplane crash that occurred on December 22nd 1956 on Mount Giner at a height of 2.600 meters in the Ossana area

WOMAN RIGHTS NATIVITY SCENE

Within the exhibition, all the women victims of violence and femicide will be particularly remembered in one of the cribs. Exposed on a farm at the foot of the Castle of San Michele.

OSSANA'S MINIATURE

Made in 2020-2021, during the pandemic, it represents the faithful miniature of the village of Ossana.It is set up in the Sala Jacopo Aconcio on the ground floor of the Town Hall.

OUR ROOTS

Nativity in alpine landscape on roots.

The ancient walls of the castle are like a treasure chest just waiting to be opened and filled with the magical atmosphere of this event. Castel San Michele is definitely one of the main features of this special itinerary, where visitors will find an extraordinary nativity scene that is a symbol of all of the hardships that soldiers had to face during WWI. Don't miss this nativity scene!  The San Michele Castle - which reopened to the public in July 2014 - most likely dates back to the Lombard period (VI-VIII centuries), but the first written documents with information concerning the castle date back to the year 1191. The castle is in a fantastic position: it's located on a spur of rock that is inaccessible on three sides. An easy two minute walk takes you up to the quadrangular fortified tower from where you can enjoy a great view of the upper part of Val di Sole.

ADMISSION TO THE SAN MICHELE CASTLE € 4

from November 21th to January 6th, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
on market days, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

ADMISSION PRICE

€ 4 full ticket - € 3 reduced ticket (under 18 and over 65)
free ticket under 6 and for Trentino Guest Card cardholders
* for groups - call. +39 340 4183540

FREE GUIDED TOURS

on opening days at 11 am and at 4 pm
 

THE SAN VIGILIO CHURCH

 
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

The San Vigilio Church and the San Michele Castle in Ossana are the most important historical and artistic points of interest in Ossana. The high altar and the pulpit in the San Vigilio Church, (named after Saint Vigilius, the bishop that during the IV e V centuries brought Christianity to Trentino) were created by the woodcarvers Ramus (the Baroque ancons were also carved and gilded in their workshops), are of particular importance.

Browse through the stalls at the  Christmas market  nestled within the castle walls and take advantage of this special opportunity to purchase local handmade products. This event not only gives you the chance to discover the magical atmosphere of these special handmade nativity scenes, but you can also try typical local desserts like krapfen and frittelle di mele (special doughnuts and apple fritters) plus delicious spiced mulled wine.
 

CHRISTMAS MARKETS & FOOD STALL

in Venezia Square and at the foot of the San Michele Castle

FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM

November 22th - 23th | November 29th - 30th
December 6th, 7th and 8th | December 13th - 14th |  December 20th - 21th

From December 24th to January 6th 2026

EExperience the magic of Christmas at the foot of San Michele Castle, the place where every child can daydream and feel part of the Christmas wonder. Santa’s House, the Magical Elf Sleigh, and the Artists’ Caravan are waiting to give you a truly magical experience.
 

MEET SANTA CLAUS

You can meet Santa Claus and, together with his elves, visit his house and see the wooden sleigh he uses to deliver all the presents.

FROM 5 TO 7 PM

November 22th - 23th | November 29th - 30th
December 6th, 7th and 8th | December 13th - 14th |  December 20th - 21th

From December 24th to December 30th

located in Castel Square

FREE ACTIVITY

3D SANTA SLED

Hop onto Santa's sleigh and have a virtual reality view of Santa Claus' world

FROM 3PM TO 7 PM

November 22th - 23th | November 29th - 30th
December 6th, 7th and 8th | December 13th - 14th |  December 20th - 21th

From December 24th to December 30th

located in Castel Square

FEE ACTIVITY

AL CASTELLO ARRIVA UN CARROZZONE SPECIALE

The storyteller and Santa Clown are waiting to make both children and adults dream with exciting Christmas tales.

FROM 3 TO 6 PM

November 22th - 23th | November 29th - 30th
December 6th, 7th and 8th | December 13th - 14th |  December 20th - 21th

From December 24th to January 6th

located in the Sam Michele Castle

FREE ACTIVITY

THE BEFANA'S HOUSE

The friendly old lady riding her magical broom rewards the children

FROM 5:00 PM TO 7:00 PM

from January 2nd to 6th 
located in Venice Square 

THE BEFANA ARRIVES
January 2nd - 5:30PM
The friendly old lady makes her entrance on her magical broom, surrounded by her loyal helpers. Will she bring sweets or coal?
San Vigilio Square 

FREE EVENT

Mobility plan and parking currently being defined — details coming soon.

PARKING

• Cars: entrance from Cusiano, parking areas P1 and P2.
• Buses: entrance from Cusiano (loading/unloading area before the town hall and parking at the Fucine middle school – P3 or Via dell'Artigianato).
• Disabled parking: available near the town hall and the former elementary school.