As everywhere in Italy, Christmas Time in Turin officially starts on December 8th, the Day of the Immaculate Conception. However, by this time, the advent calendar, a tradition of German origin, has already been inaugurated on Piazza San Giovanni, near the Cathedral. This large-scale, joyful advent calendar was created by Emanuele Luzzati, an Italian set designer and children’s book illustrator (Genoa 1921 – 2007).
Every day around 5.30 p.m. a fireman is in charge of opening a door, revealing a new picture, until December 25th, the birth of Jesus.
Nativity Scenes
Nativity scenes are a deeply rooted Italian tradition, and during Christmas Time in Turin, you will find small or large cribs in every church.
In the basement of the Church Santissima Annunziata, via Po 45, there is a stunning mechanical Christmas crib, almost a hundred years old. It features around 200 wooden figurines (from 40 to 80 cm. or 15 to 30 in. tall), most of them perform movements, which makes the whole display very entertaining.
It is open Monday to Friday, from 2.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Admission: Adults € 4 (Concessions € 2)
This year, however, there is also a crib in the park of the beautiful Piazza Cavour. Again, designed by Emanuele Luzzati, it has numerous children’s silhouettes with a fairytale appearance. Cribs generally, but especially this one, due to the presence of the children, convey a message of peace, tenderness and harmony.
The so-called Befana
Christmas Time in Turin is already in full swing. This festive atmosphere will last until January 6, the day known as the Epiphany and the so-called Befana.
Indeed, in Italy it is not only Santa Claus who brings gifts during the festive season. The Befana is an old woman, looking like a witch, riding a broom and delivering presents: sweets and gifts to well-behaved children, coal to the naughty ones. The treats, as well as the coal (also an edible sweet!) are delivered inside special stockings1.
Shopping at Christmas Time in Turin
Many shop windows feature Christmas decorations designed with incredible elegance, creativity and playfulness. Apart from the department store LA RINASCENTE in the Via Lagrange, specialized shops are everywhere downtown.
The famous fashion brands (Armani, Gucci, Prada …) are available in the most central and fancy streets of Turin, such as Via Roma and Via Lagrange.
But, for those looking for a more personal and unique experience, there are many interesting shops, although less known, scattered throughout the city center, such as San Carlo dal 1973, Kristina Ti, Oi Abbigliamento Donna.
For families with children
To enjoy the magic of winter one can also skate outdoors. There is an ice rink at Piazza Solferino, between the grand Fountain of the Four Seasons and the impressive equestrian statue of Ferdinando, Duke of Genoa. On the same square, there is an attractive Christmas market, where one can find seasonal treats such as roasted chestnuts, torrone as well as mulled wine.
Open every day from Dec. 7th, 2024 to January 6th, 2025, from 12 midday to 11 p.m.
And the Christmas tree? Not only a tree, but a little forest full of lights can be found in the very heart of the city, in front of the Royal Palace (Piazzetta Reale), with joyful music in the background.
If you want to enjoy Christmas as the Italians do, do not forget to nibble on panettone and/or pandoro (without candied fruits). All the historic coffee houses in Turin have delicious and appealing artisanal versions of this typical Christmas cake… Do indulge, it is the Christmas Holiday Season!
1If you would like to learn more about the tradition of the Befana in Italy, read this article entirely dedicated to the topic.