The Aosta Valley has prepared a whole host of festive goings on this winter season as visitors and locals alike prepare to celebrate the holiday season in style. Top seasonal attractions taking place in the mountainous region in the Northwest of Italy, known for its world class snowsports, gastronomy and packed summer activities programme, include:
Aosta Christmas Market – An alpine village in the city centre
25 November – 7 January 2024
The Marché Vert Noël was born in 2008 from a simple and ingenious idea: to recreate a colourful alpine village in the heart of Aosta, with wooden chalets and a real fir forest, between music, lights and joy with an evocative and unique setting. The current location of the market occupies three historic squares in Aosta: Piazza Giovanni XXIII (of the Cathedral), Piazza Roncas and, again, Piazza Caveri (for events). A journey through objects, accessories, decorations and traditional flavours in search of a gift idea or simply to admire the handicraft productions. Timetable: Monday to Friday, 11am-8pm | Saturdays and holidays, 10am-10pm | 25 December and 1 January 15-20.
Nöel au Bourg in Bard
8 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
The quiet and authentic small town of Bard is best known for its domineering Fortress which attracts thousands of visitors a year. During the Christmas period, it comes alive with its famous Christmas Market known as the Nöel au Bourg. Bard is a medieval village located at the centre of a gorge in the narrow rock, on which stands an imposing 19th-century fortress, which dominates the entire village. An idyllic landscape that will make your visit to the Nöel au Bourg truly memorable.
Coloured lights, Christmas melodies and many stalls with perfect gift ideas are part of this enchanting experience. The village also hosts various events which are held on different days to make its festive atmosphere even more magical and warm. These include the Exhibition-Competition of Nativity made by local artisans that will be displayed along the village’s central street and in the Town Hall. In addition, the beautiful village will also involve its visitors with the Christmas Concert and the advent of Father Christmas and the Elves.
Weinachtmärt in Gressoney-La-Trinité
Snow-capped Monte Rosa, glaciers, centuries-old pine trees and typical Alpine cottages are the setting for the Weinachtmärt in Gressoney-La-Trinité which takes place every year in the beautiful Piazza Tache. Lose yourself among the various stalls that populate the square and indulge in some wild Christmas shopping.
You can select original gift ideas from a wide range of traditional handicrafts, suitable for both adults and children. Many stalls offer also zero-kilometre food products that will give you the opportunity to taste the authentic flavours of the region. During the Weinachtmärt in Gressoney-La-Trinité you can attend the traditional music concert of the Walser Blaskapelle and relax amidst pleasant Christmas sounds. In addition, the Father Christmas House will remain open throughout the Christmas period!
Additional events:
- Santa Claus arrives in Pila | 24 December: Come and experience the magical atmosphere of Christmas Eve with music, candies and make-up for children. Children can bring their letter to Santa Claus and visit him at his Igloo. From 15.00 to 17.00 at the arrival of the cable car.
- Year-end torchlight procession of ski instructors (Pila) | 30 December 4.30pm: Say goodbye to 2023 together with the ski instructors and a spectacular torchlight vigil on the slopes of Pila. Upon arrival enjoy the fireworks display, music, mulled wine and street food! The Aosta – Pila gondola remains open until 11.00 pm for this occasion. For those walking around in Aosta, the torchlight procession will be visible in live streaming on the big screen mounted in piazzetta Severino Caveri at the Christmas Markets.
- La Thuile Ski School | 30 December 6.00pm: An unmissable and exciting event that the instructors of the Ski School give locals and visitors every year by creating a long luminous snake that runs along slope no. 2 and reaches the town centre. A festive opportunity to meet the ski school instructors and celebrate while enjoying mulled wine, hot chocolate, tea and traditional panettone. There is also a torchlight procession which is set to arrive at 6.30 pm.
- New Year’s Eve in the Snow (La Thuile) | 31 December 11.00pm: An unmissable event that attracts everyone to the central stage for a great party to sing and dance to the rhythm of the greatest hits of music from the 70s to today with THE TNT Band! A load of energy to greet the old year and celebrate the arrival of 2024.