Dates and details of the Living Nativity in Matera

What are the dates of the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera in 2025-2026?

The Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera is one of the most evocative and awaited events of the Christmas period. For the XV edition, the event will take place on several days between December 2025 and January 2026. In particular, you can visit the Living Nativity on the dates of December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28, 2025, as well as January 3 and 4, 2026.

These dates allow you to organize your visit well in advance, ensuring you an unforgettable experience among the ancient stones and characteristic alleys of the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

How does the shuttle service for the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera work?

To facilitate tourists and visitors during the days of the Living Nativity, the Municipality of Matera has set up a special shuttle service. This service is designed to facilitate movements to and from the Sassi area, reducing traffic and the parking problem, which can be complicated on these special occasions.

The shuttle service will be active on the days when the Living Nativity takes place, precisely during the hours 10:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00. These two time intervals cover both the morning and the afternoon-evening, allowing visitors to choose the best time for their visit.

Where can you catch the shuttles for the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera?

The shuttle service has been organized to depart from strategic points outside the historic center, where it is easier to park and access comfortably without traffic stress. Generally, the shuttles depart from dedicated parking areas, located near the main access roads to the city.

This system allows you to leave your car in a safe place and quickly reach the Sassi with a dedicated public transport. This way you can enjoy the event without worrying about traffic or searching for parking in the historic center, which during the Christmas period is particularly crowded.

Why choose the shuttle service during the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera?

Using the shuttle service to visit the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera offers numerous advantages. First of all, it saves you the stress and hassle of looking for parking in a very busy area. In addition, it helps reduce traffic and pollution in the historic center, protecting a very precious cultural and environmental heritage.

The shuttle service is also convenient and frequent, with scheduled departures during the event's opening hours. This way you can plan your day in a serene and flexible way, choosing to visit the Living Nativity either in the morning or in the late afternoon or evening.

What to expect from the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera?

The Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera is a traditional and engaging representation of the Nativity, set in the ancient districts of Matera, a unique place in the world for its history and atmosphere.

During the visit, you can stroll among the old houses carved into the rock, meet costumed characters representing scenes from everyday life two thousand years ago, listen to traditional music, and admire settings curated in every detail.

The event is designed for the whole family and offers an intense cultural and spiritual experience, enriched by the timeless beauty of the Sassi, which during the Christmas holidays is adorned with magical lights and colors.

What are the exact hours of the shuttle service during the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera?

The shuttle service is active in two main time slots: from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. These hours have been chosen to cover both the morning and the afternoon-evening slots, giving visitors the opportunity to choose the most suitable time for their needs.

If you prefer a quieter visit, you might opt for the morning. If you want to experience the Christmas atmosphere as evening falls, with the most evocative lights and music, the service is also available in the late afternoon and until the evening.

How to prepare for the visit to the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera?

To fully enjoy your experience, we recommend dressing comfortably and appropriately for the winter season, as temperatures in Matera can be chilly during the Christmas period.

Bring comfortable shoes to walk on the paths and cobblestone streets of the Sassi, as the visit requires moving on foot between the various scenes of the Nativity. Also, consider arriving a bit early to easily find the shuttle departure point and organize your visit without rush.

Are there other useful services for tourists during the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera?

In addition to the shuttle service, during the days of the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera, there are also other services designed to enhance the visitors' experience. For example, you will find tourist information points, refreshment areas with local products, and Christmas craft markets.

These services will allow you to immerse yourself even more in the Christmas atmosphere and discover the traditions and typical flavors of Basilicata. In addition, the staff present is always available to provide useful information and suggestions for your stay.

How to reach Matera to participate in the Living Nativity in the Sassi?

Matera is easily reachable by car, bus, and train, thanks to its strategic location in southern Italy. If you arrive by car, we recommend using peripheral parking areas and the shuttle service to comfortably reach the Sassi.

If you prefer public transport, there are frequent connections from nearby cities such as Bari and Potenza. Once you arrive in the city, you can use the shuttle service organized by the Municipality to move easily towards the area of the Living Nativity.

What are the attractions not to be missed in Matera besides the Living Nativity?

Matera is a city rich in history, art, and culture, which deserves to be explored beyond the Living Nativity in the Sassi. You can visit the famous Sassi, a complex of unique cave dwellings in the world, the Cathedral of Matera with its imposing Romanesque architecture, and numerous museums that tell the millennia-old history of the city.

Moreover, the historic center offers characteristic alleys, artisan shops, and restaurants where you can taste local cuisine. Take advantage of your visit to discover these treasures, enriching your cultural and tourist experience.

How to book or get information about the shuttle service for the Living Nativity in the Sassi of Matera?

To have updated and detailed information about the shuttle service and the organization of the Living Nativity, it is advisable to contact the tourist offices of Matera or consult the official channels of the Municipality.

This way you can know the exact times, the shuttle departure points, and any other useful information to plan your visit in a serene and surprise-free manner. Remember that the event is very popular, so getting informed in advance is always a good idea.