Ossana – the village of 1,600 nativity scenes

From November 29 to January 6, the village of Ossana, in Trentino-Alto Adige, enriches the Christmas atmosphere with over 1,600 nativity scenes, a Christmas market, the chance to visit San Michele Castle, and even Santa’s House.

Are you ready to discover it with us?

The village

The small municipality of Ossana, first documented in 1174, is also known for being the site of the tragic plane crash on Mount Giner on December 22, 1956. In memory of this event, a nativity scene was created in 2016 and is still displayed in the village today.

Despite its small size, Ossana boasts numerous monuments and points of interest, such as:

• The Church of San Vigilio
• The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena
• San Michele Castle
• The House of Frescoes

Christmas atmosphere in Ossana

During the holiday season, Ossana offers visitors a variety of magical experiences:

• The trail of 1,600 nativity scenes Starting in the historic center, where a large comet star shines, the trail ends at San Michele Castle. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., it features 1,600 handcrafted nativity scenes made from different materials by locals, artists, schools, and associations from Ossana and the entire Val di Sole. Highlights include:
  • The beeswax nativity scene
  • The Monte Giner nativity, dedicated to the 1956 plane crash
  • Miniature Ossana
  • The Great War nativity, inside San Michele Castle
  • The St. Francis nativity, honoring the inventor of the tradition
• A visit to San Michele Castle Dating back to the Lombard era (though first documented in 1191), this medieval fortress sits on a rocky spur, offering panoramic views. It houses the Great War nativity, which recreates trench life. Opening hours: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Guided tours: 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Admission: €4 (full), €3 (reduced: under 18 and over 65), free (under 6 and Trentino Guest Card holders). Nearby stands the Church of San Vigilio, with its valuable artworks.
• Christmas Market Set between the main square and the castle walls, open 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., it offers artisanal products and local delicacies such as krapfen, apple fritters, and mulled wine.
• Santa’s House In Piazza Venezia, visitors can:
  • Meet Santa Claus (5:00–7:00 p.m.)
  • Fly over Ossana on the magical elf-sleigh (paid activity)
  • Visit the Befana’s House (January 2–6)

How to get to Ossana

• By car: From the A22 Brenner Motorway, exit at San Michele all’Adige, then follow SS43 towards Passo del Tonale.
• By train: Travel to Marilleva, then continue by bus to Ossana.

Don’t miss the magical Christmas atmosphere of Ossana, the village of nativity scenes!