Christmas in Turin is quite an experience, and not only because the cold of the Italian city chills the bones, but also because its Christmas spirit rises several rungs above the rest of Europe. Always surprising, Turin at Christmas is a spectacle of lights, concerts, plays and Christmas markets, a whole melting pot of experiences not to get lost.
CITY OF MARKETS AND LIGHTS
The capital of Piedmont begins its Christmas journey on December 4, the date on which e he Central Market offers the first Gospel concerts that accompany the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza della Repubblica. The markets are the epicenter of an entire earthquake sensory that explodes at Christmas, and even more strongly after the restrictions of last year 2020. The Central Market will host this time the exhibition winter-garden by Marco Lodola, a show of light and neon sculptures that will last until March 31 . In addition, the Central Market promotes the work of its artisans, with tastings, solidarity collaborations and jazz and swing concerts. If the situation allows it, he will also organize a New Year's party with DJs and special dishes for the occasion, always with all security measures. The Christmas markets are the cornerstone of the festivities in this beautiful city, although this year some squares have not set up their mythical craft stalls, such as those in Solferino, Santa Rita or Castello. But you can visit others such as Vía Valdengo, which this year exhibits the creations of collaborators with disabilities, Parque Comercial Dora, more geared towards fashion and crafts, or the many shops that surround the Bora neighborhood, all of them Christmas-themed.
Christmas tree in Piazza San Carlo.
The traditional tree this year has been installed in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It is the first time that the symbol by definition of Christmas in Turin lights up in this square, and it will remain there until January 6, enlivened with magic and illusion shows. Next to the tree is a curious advent calendar made by the Royal Theater and based on the drawings of Lastregio & Testa, which lights up every afternoon at 6:00 p.m. Because if there is something that defines Turin at Christmas, it is light. Or, better said, the many light shows that one can find in each street and in each square. The city itself is like a giant Christmas tree, and the comings and goings of parishioners and tourists carrying bags colored and dressed to the brim with brilli brilli acts as balls and tinsel that dance to the sound of endless Christmas carols.
The Path of Light starts from the Sambuy Gardens, in front of the station, through a path of light and color that leads to the Royal Palace, the emblem of the House of Savoy and pride of the Piedmontese. In addition, at certain times the light show is accompanied by music, turning this part of the city into one of the most magical places in the world. The Mole Antonelliana, symbol of Turin, this year will light up blue or red depending on the time and day. And for the New Year it is known that the light and music show will vary , but for now they have not revealed the secret, so those of us who travel there these days will find some surprises.
MUSEUMS AND NATIVITIES
Another of the things that make Turin a benchmark these days is that the activity of its museums multiplies. The Film Museum It is one of the biggest claims, and this year even more so, since until next March 7 it has a very interesting exhibition on actors and actresses of Italian cinema of all time. In addition, the Royal Museums and those of the Torino Musei Foundation will open on December 24 and 31. Secondly, Palazzo Madama, one of the great World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO, will open its doors every Christmas. The Museum of Ancient Art that houses the palace is one of the most spectacular and has a number of priceless treasures.
Art also reaches the innumerable churches of the city, but it does so in the form of music. Christmas concerts are performed for free inside religious temples and they are a real spectacle. The most anticipated is the Pastoral Music Concert on December 30 at the Church of San Carlo, in the square of the same name, where the tree will be installed until 2020. The localities fly, so you have to try to get tickets a little in advance.
Nativity scene by Emanuele Luzzati, Turin.
And from San Carlo you have to go directly to the Borgo Medievale to contemplate the famous Emanuele Luzzati Nativity Scene, a collection of ninety illuminated wooden pieces that represent the characters of the traditional Nativity Scene interspersed with some fairytale characters and other fantasy worlds. This is one of the most photographed nativity scenes in all of Europe, and its location on the banks of the Po among the castle gardens make it even more charming. It will not be the only Bethlehem that will take several photographs from you. In the Cathedral this year the Monumental Nativity Scene by Francisco Artese is on display, a spectacular work of more than 120 characters that reflect daily life two millennia ago. The delicacy of the images and the greatness of the place where they are exposed is an experience for the senses.
Mole Antonelliana from Monte dei Cappuccini, Turin.
PLUS
In Turin at this time you have to know very well what is ordered at the table. If you want to eat like a true Piedmontese, it is very typical to order a dip of crudités with Bagna Cauda, a delicious garlic and anchovy sauce. And, of course, and he precious vitello tonnato, which is a classic, and the agnolotti, the traditional meat ravioli.
If you like to skate, in the center you can enjoy a good session on ice on the different tracks scattered around the city. Finally, the best views are undoubtedly from the church of Santa Maria del Monte, on the Monte dei Cappuccini. On these dates from there you can see how Turin changes color depending on the touch in each neighborhood. A real show.
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