RETURN OF THE “MAGICAL CHRISTMAS VILLAGE” AT THE ROYAL CASTLE OF GOVONE: LIGHTS, COLORS, ELVES, AND CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN A TIMELESS VILLAGE
From November 11th to December 17th, 2023, the appointment with the “Magical Christmas Village” is renewed at the Royal Castle of Govone, an event spread throughout the Langhe – Roero and Monferrato regions in Piedmont. This event, now in its 17th edition, has been recognized by the European Best Destinations portal as one of the top 10 most important Christmas markets in Europe.
The typical Christmas atmosphere, with lights, colors, fairies, and elves, will be the highlight in the charming village of Govone, where Santa Claus has his residence in the Royal Castle, Asti with its famous Christmas market, and San Damiano d’Asti, which will host the Living Nativity.
This corner of Piedmont, known for its rich culinary and cultural traditions and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, will offer the most authentic Christmas spirit for six weekends.
Tickets for the events can be purchased on the website www.magicopaesedinatale.com.
IN 2022, OVER HALF A MILLION ITALIANS VISITED THE EVENT
The numbers confirm the growth of the event, which has become the driving force of tourism in Piedmont during this time of the year. In the last edition, the Magical Christmas Village welcomed over 500,000 visitors and involved more than 2,700 accommodation facilities and 11,000 tourism operators.
BETWEEN GASTRONOMY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP: THE CHRISTMAS MARKET IN ASTI BEGINS ON NOVEMBER 11th
In Asti, the Christmas market will kick off on November 11th, becoming the only one in Italy to make it into the “Top Ten” of the best Christmas markets in Europe. For this edition, the event area will be doubled, featuring dedicated spaces for performances. There will be 130 wooden stalls set up in the central Piazza Alfieri, with a unique triangular shape resembling a stylized Christmas tree.
These wooden stalls will house artisans and producers from all over Italy, offering perfect handcrafted gifts, delicious products to taste, and street food for a delightful and different culinary experience. All of this will be immersed in the magical Christmas atmosphere with decorations and 3D animations.
In addition to the market, visitors can enjoy a special Christmas-themed city tour guided by elves, suitable for families and groups.
SANTA CLAUS’ RESIDENCE? IT’S IN “GOVONIA”
Situated atop one of the many hills of Roero is the small yet enchanting village of Govone, home to the Royal Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, vineyards, fields, and the feeling of being transported back in time to reach “Govonia,” Santa Claus’ residence and the elven court.
Starting from November 18th, the picturesque village will open its doors to Santa Claus’ House, located within the enchanting Royal Castle. Musical performances and animations will recreate a fairy-tale atmosphere. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person and his charming, irreplaceable elves, who are busy with Christmas preparations and learning the secrets to become true Santa’s helpers.
Visitors can also explore the Castle’s rooms, part of the House of Savoy, taking a journey through time to learn about 19th-century Christmas culture and admire the magnificent castle rooms that have remained almost untouched to this day.
In anticipation of Christmas magic, the Royal Castle of Govone will exceptionally open on Wednesday, November 1, and Thursday, November 2, for an extended All Saints’ weekend and to savor the last days of the art exhibition “IL CANTO DELLA TERRA” by Beppe Gallo, the Langhe painter, curated by the Govone Arte Commission of the Govone Residenza Sabauda Association.
ILLUMINATED INSTALLATIONS WITH THE ENCHANTED PARK
In Govone, a new and enchanting installation will transport visitors to a magical bubble suspended between Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero. Along with a 17-meter comet star, Santa’s sleigh, and a frame for selfies at the castle’s viewpoint, there will be other three-dimensional wonders waiting for you in the castle’s park.
THE LIVING NATIVITY IN SAN DAMIANO D’ASTI: WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE MOST AUTHENTIC CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
In the city of San Damiano d’Asti, from December 3rd until the end of the event, the 14th edition of the Living Nativity will take place. In the historical cellars of the town, among courtyards, cobblestone streets, and underground passages, a procession of travelers will accompany visitors to discover the reenactment of the Nativity with scenes of ancient trades and traditional characters. The Three Wise Men, carpenters, and merchants will recreate a living Nativity, guiding visitors of all ages through the historical streets of the town, where they can rediscover the trades and customs of the past while making stops at inns and pleasant dining spots.
MAGICAL CHRISTMAS VILLAGE 2023 PROGRAM
GOVONE – ASTI – SAN DAMIANO D’ASTI November 11th – December 17th, 2023
OPENING IN ASTI (CHRISTMAS MARKET)
- Saturday, November 11, and Sunday, November 12, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, November 19, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday, November 25, and Sunday, November 26, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday, November 30, to Sunday, December 3, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday, December 7, to Sunday, December 10, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday, December 14, to Sunday, December 17, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
OPENING IN GOVONE (CHRISTMAS AT CASA SAVOIA, SANTA’S HOUSE, AND ELF SCHOOL)
- Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, November 19, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday, November 25, and Sunday, November 26, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday, December 8, to Sunday, December 10, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday, December 16, and Sunday, December 17, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
OPENING IN SAN DAMIANO D’ASTI (LIVING NATIVITY)
- Sunday, December 3
- Friday, December 8, and Sunday, December 10
Tickets to participate in the events can be purchased on the website www.magicopaesedinatale.com.
Press Office: Magical Christmas Village INC – National Institute for Communication Valeria Venturato v.venturato@inc-comunicazione.it – 3441503164 Simone Ranaldi s.ranaldi@inc-comunicazione.it – 3355208289
For more information:
https://www.magicopaesedinatale.com/
https://www.castellorealedigovone.it/
