Christmas villages where you can experience the magical festive atmosphere

Visiting Christmas markets is one of the most beloved holiday traditions: between November and December, small villages and big cities host themed villages and stalls where you can find handmade products, traditional food and wine, music, and Christmas gifts. Often there are also special events for young and old.

If you are wondering which 2023 Christmas markets are not to be missed, we recommend some of the most beautiful in Italy. Find out which.

The Magical Christmas Village in Piedmont

In Piedmont there are many villages and towns where Christmas markets come to life. They are found above all in the Langhe and Monferrato areas, beautiful territories known especially for their great wine tradition and for being home to some of Italy's most prestigious labels.

The Magical Christmas Village is a widespread event that takes place in some of its most characteristic locations. It began on 11th November and will close on 17th December involving three very picturesque villages: Govone, San Damiano d'Asti and Asti. 

In Govone, you'll find the UNESCO Heritage Royal Castle, inside of which stands Govonia, the home of Santa Claus and his elves with music and animations. In San Damiano d'Asti, there will be a charming living Nativity scene, while in the historic centre of Asti, the traditional Christmas market comes to life, full of the colours and flavours of Christmas.

Natale è Reale in Stupinigi

Many are familiar with the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge, the former residence of the Savoy family and now a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 10 km from the historic centre of Turin. The "Natale è Reale a Stupinigi" event will be held here, an initiative that comes to life on 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17 December.

You will find everything you could want from a Christmas market: stalls with sweets, gift ideas, food and wine delicacies and even a special mechanical Nativity scene. You can also visit the elves' village, where circus shows, games, and workshops will be held, and attend a musical prepared for the occasion. 

The main novelty is the Christmas Balloon Experience, with surprising and giant sculptures made with balloon artists. Find all the info and tickets here.

In the centre of Turin is the Principi di Piemonte | UNA Esperienze, a prestigious five-star hotel that is also part of the L.V.X collection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. A renowned structure located in the heart of the city ready to host you for your stay.

Christmas Markets in Florence 

In Tuscany, there are also several places to visit if you are a fan of Christmas markets. The starting point can only be the capital, Florence, where the main event is in Piazza Santa Croce. 

Here, the "Weihnachtsmarkt", the German-style Christmas market, enlivens the heart of the city. 55 wooden huts where you'll find crafts, typical German products, mulled wines, and much more. There will also be a group of restaurateurs nearby for you to enjoy the best of the Florentine food and wine tradition.  

In addition, in Florence you will find the largest skating rink in Europe and the Ferris wheel in Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

If you are coming from abroad and want to stay a few days in the city, we recommend booking a room at UNAHOTELS Vittoria Firenze: an easily accessible design hotel with convenient car parking and electric scooter rental.

Umbria: the markets in Gubbio and Perugia

Perhaps not everyone knows it, but Gubbio is home to the largest Christmas tree in the world: an incredible spectacle enriched by the Christmas Land event with Christmas markets, Santa's sleigh, the Gubbio Express Christmas Train, and more. 

Inside the MUAM – Arts and Crafts Museum of Palazzo Beni you will find dedicated installations, the snowy Elf Village, and Nativity scenes located on the main floor of the palace.

45 minutes from Gubbio is Perugia: the historic centre of the capital is also very festive, and home to the historic Mercatino delle Strenne. In the festively decorated Piazza del Circo, you'll find gift ideas, colourful lights, decorations and local crafts.

A quarter of an hour from Perugia, immersed in the Umbrian countryside, is the Posta Donini | UNA Experience: the hotel is ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. Those who want to relax will also find a Biowellness SPA open 7 days a week.

The 2023 Christmas markets are a special time to immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere, rediscovering the cities and villages of Italy in their most magical and dreamy form.