What to do in Turin at Christmas time

Although Tu[rin ](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/superga-and-the-great-torino-hlua)is a very cold city in winter, during Christmas time, the Piedmontese main city takes on a festive look. Everyone is invited to go out for many joyful and exciting, more or less traditional initiatives. Turin dresses up with colors, lights, and sounds.

Luci d'Artista

An event that illuminates the ci[ty ](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/museums-of-torino-ynr9)with installations of lights and luminous works of art and has now become part of the Turin tradition. The effect is beautiful during Christmas evenings. Installations stay on from late October to mid-January. The luminous works are located throughout the city, and in the most famous streets and squares, such as the Mole Antonelliana, Galleria Umberto I (Porta Palazzo), Piazza San Carlo. Not to be missed!

The Christmas Tree in the Square

The official Christmas tree in Turin is made in the beautiful Piazza San Carlo, also known as the "living room of Turin." The tree is turned on every year on the afternoon of December 1st.

The Christmas Markets

What would Christmas be without the traditional ma[rkets](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/markets-of-torino-sglh), full of lights, colors, gifts, decorations, and goodies? In Turin, Christmas markets are organized in various parts of the town, as well as in the province. The most famous ones are in Piazza Castello, Cortile del Maglio, Piazza Solferino, which are around Turin's historic centre. Make sure to book your stays in Turin in advance, to get the chance to be close enough to these famous christmas markets. Other than the big Christmas markets, there are also many solidarity markets that support projects for people in need, such as the Adisco market in Via Lagrange.

Christmas Concerts in the Churches

During the Christmas holidays, many churches host a calendar full of musical events related to Christmas, ranging from sacred music to traditional folk music, to classic Christmas carols. The main churches where Christmas concerts are organized are the Church of San Carlo, the adjacent twin Church of Santa Cristina, and the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi.

Natale in Giostra

From the beginning of November until mid-January, for about 40 years, a large Luna Park has been set up, the "Natale in Giostra," with play areas for children, in Torino Esposizioni building, in the 5th pavilion.

Ice Skating

One of the traditional outdoor activities during the Christmas period is ice skating. Turin offers numerous ice skating rinks suitable for children and adults. The most famous is the Palaghiaccio Massari, the skating rink in Piazza Solferino, the rink at Parco Dora.

Hot Chocolate Tasting

As I have already told in one of my stories, there are many beautiful historic bars in Turin where you can take a relaxing break, perhaps in front of a nice hot chocolate or a delicious "b[icerin"](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/when-in-turin-don-t-miss-the-bicerin-s4cp) to warm up a bit. Sitting in the ancient parlors and admiring the historic furnishings while sipping a refreshing drink will undoubtedly give you a cozy feeling in complete relaxation. And the Christmas atmosphere is assured!

The Crib in the Medieval Village

In the Medieval Village of Turin, it is now traditional to install the beautiful crib by the famous set designer and Oscar-winning candidate Emanuele Luzzati. The nativity scene is made up of lighted painted silhouettes that represent the classic characters of the Catholic tradition, along with well-known fairy tale characters. A crib that children (but not only) will love. The scenic impact and the Christmas atmosphere of the Medieval Village are magnificent.

Well, among all the activities proposed to do in Turin at Christmas time, for adults and children, more or less cultural, more or less traditional, visitors will certainly find their preferred one. So, enjoy a lazy winter afternoon in Turin during the Christmas season!