Christmas in italy is truly a magical thing. You can find festive decorations, lights, and Christmas trees everywhere you go. And oh, the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air! Families bustling around with shopping bags full of gifts, it's a joyful sight to see.
I am staying in a beautiful town that is an hour away from Mont Blanc in the region of Val D'Aosta. The town, named Aosta, is known for its winter markets that attract people from all over Italy and beyond. A lot of people also come here to go skiing, as there are many popular ski spots nearby like Pila and Courmayeur. However, the real highlight of winter in Aosta is definitely the Christmas markets.
Winter Markets
One of the most cherished traditions in Italy during this time is the winter markets. These markets, known as "Mercatini di Natale" in Italian, can be found in almost every town and city throughout Italy. They are a true representation of Italian culture and provide a unique experience for locals and tourists alike.
As I walk through the market, I am met with wooden stands selling various items such as handcrafted ornaments, toys, candles, handmade notebooks, and traditional food and drinks. The atmosphere is lively with music playing in the background and people chatting excitedly. At night, the walls are lit up with projections of snowflakes and Christmas trees and you can see the beautiful snowy white mountains in the background.
Traditional Crafts
At these markets, you can find a variety of traditional crafts that are handmade by local artisans. These include wooden toys, hand-knitted scarves and hats, intricate pottery and beautiful Christmas decorations. Each item is unique from the area. Since I am staying in Aosta, everything comes from this region. So anything you buy you can expect it to be handmade or produced from a very close location.
The food
While in Val d'Aosta, I can't pass up the chance to indulge in the local delicacies at the market. This particular market offers an array of enticing options, including:
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