Christmas is known to be one of the most cherished holidays and occasions of the year, especially by children. It’s a time of pure magic that lasts about a month, encompassing December and the beginning of January until the arrival of Epiphany. These are moments of carefree joy for families, couples, and children, with many events organized from the north to the south of Italy. Among these, a prominent place is mainly occupied by Christmas markets, which are set up in every square and city center nationwide. In this case, we will discuss those organized in Turin and its province.
Christmas in Turin As mentioned earlier, Christmas is a solemn and fantastic time to be experienced together with relatives, family, and friends. Weeks of relaxation and cheerfulness brighten up the daily worries stemming from work or the stress of routine. From the beginning of December until the first week of January, with the approach of the festival that effectively concludes this period, namely Epiphany, all the cities in Italy set up unmissable Christmas events. One of these cities is Turin, a significant Piedmontese heart that every year is crowded with tourists and locals from nearby areas, transforming a place usually seen as of professional and productive interest, into a holiday destination. Obviously, it’s a winter destination, not a summer one, being Christmas, with the markets being the main attraction
The Christmas Markets in Turin
It’s a tradition that the Christmas markets are what bring life and change the appearance of the main cities throughout Italy. From north to south, passing through the center and the islands, every location is touched by these stalls that display decorations, accessories, home furnishings, and Christmas culinary delicacies. Turin aligns with this tradition by setting up its renowned markets in the alleys leading to the main square. From the famous “Contromercatino di Natale,” which perfectly mixes artistic entertainment and tasting of various types of tea, to school stalls aimed at children.
Equally famous is the Binaria market, rich in handmade products created by local producers in collaboration with external professionals. The contribution of associations in the Piedmont region is also significant in creating an atmosphere with lights and musical stages that complete the Christmas offerings along with the aforementioned markets.
The Xmas Village in Turin
Another prime Christmas attraction of this warmly felt holiday is the Xmas Village in Turin. A huge Christmas village that, in addition to markets, includes other elements of interest extending to Via Garibaldi. The Xmas Village is also organized in other Italian locations, but the one in Turin is particularly noteworthy for its size and the meticulous details of the organization. It truly feels like experiencing the magic of Lapland transferred to Italy.
An atmosphere especially unmissable for children of different ages, all attracted by this much sought-after and anticipated event. But Christmas is not just about Turin and its markets and themed events; a similar offering of fun and entertainment is also available in the surrounding areas and neighboring provinces.
The Christmas Markets in the Province of Turin
Let’s move to the Christmas markets in the provinces surrounding the Piedmont capital, including Rivoli, Carmagnola, Venaria Reale, and many other locations. Starting from the Santa Claus village in Rivoli, composed of wooden houses, markets with various objects and delicacies, children’s entertainment services, and various musical entertainment activities. Then there’s the Carmagnola market, centered in Via Valobra with Christmas-themed events. Ciriè and Alpignano, on the other hand, offer stands and stalls with hobbies, local typical products, lots of handicrafts, and truly sensational Christmas items.
These items symbolize the great Piedmontese craftsmanship, always a must and a pride of the nation. Returning to the Santa Claus villages, another one pops up in Alpignano, with workshops, bagpipers, and sacred songs echoing in this town near Turin. We must also mention Asti, a Piedmontese locality renowned for its high-quality food and wine products, which are prominently featured on the Christmas market stalls during this period.
How to Reach the Christmas Markets in Turin and Surrounding Areas
Lastly, but certainly important, is knowing how to easily, comfortably, and quickly reach the Piedmont Christmas markets. Arriving in Turin and the adjacent provinces is possible not only thanks to public transport but also using private alternatives such as NCC (car rental with driver). This service can reach any chosen destination, thus also the Turin area during the best time of the year, Christmas. With car rental with driver, you can set the date, time, transport vehicle, and departure and arrival destination. In short, it allows planning a trip that prioritizes comfort and privacy. The NCC in Turin is a means to move throughout Italy and, in this case, is useful for visiting the Piedmont Christmas markets, whether in Turin or provinces like Alpignano, Ciriè, Carmagnola, and so on. Each of the mentioned locations is accessible via car rental with a driver as a complementary non-line public transport. To think about traveling in a luxury car, such as a supercar, during a magical period like Christmas, is like living a dream with eyes wide open. So, an experience within an experience: using the NCC to travel among the festively decorated Piedmont towns is unparalleled.
An unmissable and incomparable opportunity that is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. It demonstrates how Italy, not just foreign countries, can immerse one in a thousand-and-one-night setting, offering citizens a unique image that transforms for about a month into a magical cradle that is Christmas.
