Forget Switzerland, Germany and Austria: the Christmas village Magic is in the heart of Piedmont. With the lights starting to twinkle, the Christmas market season is in full swing. For those who think the most evocative destinations are exclusively in Germany or Austria, here's a surprise: one of the most beautiful marketsthe world is located in Italy, specifically in Piedmont.
In the center of Asti, a medieval heritage and the capital of Barbera wine, lights up every year a veritable Christmas village that also conquers international rankings — it is in fact the only Italian Christmas market to have entered the top 10 drawn up by European Best Destinations.
The Asti market
The market is not confined only to the city of Asti, but it extends into some neighbouring villages of great charm: in particular Govone, near its Royal Castle, with “Santa Claus’s House” and the “Elves’ School”, and San Damiano d'Asti, where an evocative living nativity scene is set up in the streets of the village.
Even more recently, Santo Stefano Belbo, the writer's hometown, has also become part of the Christmas circuit. Cesare PaveseAn interactive village for families has been designed here, with workshops and activities designed for children. The locations are easily accessible: Asti is connected to the main highways of Northern Italy and has good public transportation options.
Dates and transport
During the Christmas season, a shuttle service between Asti and Govone is also available, promoted in collaboration with Trenitalia. The market will officially open today, November 15, 2025, and will continue until December 25, with schedules that will see it operating on weekends in the initial weeks (November) and, in December, from Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The lights, the scents, the intimate atmosphere of the historic villages and the original entertainment offerings for families make it an ideal destination for a weekend or a short pre-Christmas break.
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