The Orvieto Jazz Festival is the name many visitors use for Umbria Jazz Winter, the winter edition of Italy’s renowned Umbria Jazz network. While the summer festival takes place in Perugia, the winter edition has made Orvieto its home for over three decades, filling the medieval streets with music during the holiday season. If you are planning a trip around New Year’s Eve, this guide will help you understand when the festival typically happens, where concerts are held, and how to secure tickets through official channels.
When is the Orvieto Jazz Festival?
Umbria Jazz Winter traditionally runs from late December into early January, making it a festive way to ring in the new year. The organizer, Fondazione Umbria Jazz, has announced the next edition from December 30, 2026 to January 3, 2027, according to the official festival page. Since dates for subsequent editions are confirmed only closer to the event, check the official website for updates and mark your calendar for the usual holiday window.
Where does it take place?
The festival is set in Orvieto’s historic center, using a mix of theaters, palaces, and churches as atmospheric concert venues. The elegant Teatro Mancinelli is a key venue, according to the official listings, while other performances have been held in locations like Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo dei Sette, and the Duomo. The venue lineup may change each year, so consult the official program to see which historic spaces will host concerts during your visit.
How to get tickets
Tickets for Umbria Jazz Winter are sold through the official Umbria Jazz website at umbriajazz.it. The main festival page directs visitors to a dedicated tickets section, though at times the site may list “no shows on sale” if tickets for the next edition have not yet been released. Since prices and availability are subject to change, the best approach is to sign up for the newsletter or check the site periodically around autumn, when the winter program typically goes live.
What to expect: Genres and atmosphere
Umbria Jazz Winter covers soul, jazz, gospel, and funk, as the official description notes, with concerts spilling from indoor venues into the town’s squares and streets. New Year’s Eve is a highlight, offering a unique way to celebrate the turn of the year amid medieval architecture and live music. Expect a mix of ticketed indoor performances and free street events, though the exact lineup is only announced closer to the date.
Planning your trip to Orvieto
If you plan to attend, the festive period means Orvieto is likely to be busy, so book accommodation well in advance. Many visitors stay in the historic center to be within walking distance of venues, while others use nearby towns or Perugia as a base, taking advantage of Orvieto’s rail connections for the short journey. Be aware that the festival dates coincide with peak holiday travel, so arrange transport and lodgings early to avoid disappointment.
Staying up to date
Because exact dates, ticket sales, and artist lineups are confirmed only when the organizer announces them, the only reliable way to stay informed is through the official channels. Follow Umbria Jazz on its website and social media, or subscribe to the newsletter as the homepage recommends. The organizer, Fondazione Umbria Jazz, often announces the next edition months in advance, so checking periodically is the best strategy.
Plan Your Visit
The Orvieto Jazz Festival, under its official name Umbria Jazz Winter, invites you to welcome the new year with music in one of Italy’s most atmospheric hill towns. With venues like Teatro Mancinelli and a genre mix that spans jazz to gospel, the festival is perfect for a festive getaway. To plan a smooth trip, check umbriajazz.it for dates and tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Orvieto Jazz Festival?
The festival, officially called Umbria Jazz Winter, typically takes place from late December to early January. The next edition is scheduled for December 30, 2026 to January 3, 2027, with future dates announced later on the official website.
Where is the Orvieto Jazz Festival held?
The festival is held in Orvieto’s historic center, using venues such as Teatro Mancinelli, Palazzo del Popolo, and the Duomo. The exact venues may change each year, so check the official program.
How do I get tickets for the festival?
Tickets are sold through the official Umbria Jazz website (umbriajazz.it). Follow the tickets section on the site; prices and availability are confirmed when the program is announced.
Is there a jazz festival in Orvieto?
Yes, there is a winter jazz festival in Orvieto, officially known as Umbria Jazz Winter. It has been held in the city for over 30 years.
What is Umbria Jazz Winter?
Umbria Jazz Winter is the winter edition of the Umbria Jazz festival, held in Orvieto. It features concerts spanning jazz, gospel, soul, and funk, celebrating New Year’s Eve.
What kind of music is played at Umbria Jazz Winter?
The festival presents a mix of jazz, gospel, soul, and funk. Performances take place in historic buildings and streets of Orvieto, creating a special holiday atmosphere.
