CHRISTMAS markets are magical places – but one spot feels like the ultimate fairytale with a castle and dancing elves.
Located in the Piemonte Region of Italy, Il Magico Paese di Natale in Asti-Govone, has been named the best fairytale Christmas market in Europe.
Awarded by European Best Destinations, the market runs from November 15 to December 21 in the towns of Asti, Govone and San Damiano d’Asti.
The ranking was formed by asking 12,621 international travellers from 108 countries, with participants deciding on their top ‘fairytale Christmas’ spot from 103 markets across Europe.
Spread across the city of Asti and the towns of Govone and San Damiano d’Asti, Il Magico Paese di Natale – which translates to The Magical Christmas Village – features a number of different events and activities.
Asti
In Asti, the Piazza Alfieri is home to 130 wooden chalets selling crafts and food.
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Lots of the chalets sell local snacks and food, including risotto and regional wines for as little as €12 (£10.56) a bottle.
One popular stall is the Bomboloni (a type of big donut) stand, with different fillings including cream, pistachio and milk and white chocolate.
This is one of the largest markets in Italy and it will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from November 15 to December 21.
Whilst in Asti, there are many places to explore in addition to the market.
For example, you could head to Palazzo Mazzetti, which is home to the Civic Art Gallery with collections and artifacts from multiple eras.
The building also features period furniture and breathtaking painted ceilings.
Admission costs £8.80 per person.
Alternatively, head to the Crypt of Sant’Anastasio, which dates back to the Middle Ages.
The crypt is the remains of the original Romanesque building that once stood on the site and tickets cost £8.80 to enter the crypt.
The city also has a magnificent cathedral, with high ceilings and giant arches.
Govone
Govone is then a 20 minute drive from Asti and features a Royal Castle that becomes a fairytale setting with a Santa’s grotto.
The castle is a former royal residence and today is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside, the interiors feature detailed frescoes and several Chinese tapestries.
At Christmas, the whole castle is transformed into a festive village, with Santa’s house, an Elf Academy and many musical performances.
There are also 60 stalls with treats, gifts and crafts to explore.
At Santa’s House, families will be taken on a journey of dancing and singing by Santa’s Elves until meeting Santa himself.
The experience lasts around 25 minutes and costs from €5 (£4.40) per person.
Then at the Royal Castle of Govone, visitors will be able to explore historic rooms decked out with festive decorations.
It costs from €5 (£4.40) per person to visit.
After exploring, families can discover how to become one of Santa’s helpers at the Elf School.
The experience costs from €7 (£6.16) per person.
San Damiano d’Asti
San Damiano d’Asti is then a 10 minute drive from Govone and is where visitors will find Living Nativity.
The Living Nativity is a re-enactment of the Nativity, with people in costumes and local traditions also performed.
Often, the re-enactment fills the historic cellars of houses in the town.
Hundreds of actors fill the streets across approximately 30 different settings which recreate the Nativity.
There are also food stalls and music.
Rather uniquely, part of the event includes a coiner minting coins using traditional methods.
The easiest way to reach Asti is by flying to Turin and from there, it is about an hour drive.
Return flights to Turin cost as little as £29 in November and £30 in December.
For more festive experiences inspiration, here are 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.
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