- Christmas in the royal residences: the Italian Royal Experience dresses up.
- The Italian Royal Experience is preparing to celebrate a Christmas full of elegance, Italian flavour and traditions that have their roots in Piedmont, in the territories of the Royal Residences of Savoy.
There is no fairy tale that does not begin or end in a castle. There is no place more fabulous than a region dotted with a myriad of castles, such as the Royal Residences of Savoy – Italian Royal Experience. Both the interiors of these extraordinary buildings and the streets of the towns that house them are steeped in the memory of queens, sovereigns and princesses, sometimes in search of their Prince Charming from Savoy. These are echoes that return, especially as Christmas approaches: a holiday cherished by all, even those who once sat on the throne.
These memories resonate with every step taken by those who walk these streets today, without dwelling on the baroque appearance and grandeur of the architecture that once housed the rulers, but rather loving to imagine and examine in depth the lives of the protagonists of this era. Not only kings and queens, but also the stable boys of Venaria, the winegrowers of Villa della Regina, the cheesemakers of Margaria del Castello di Racconigi: protagonists of lesser fairy tales, perhaps, but waiting to be told. For this reason, the podcast series Fila a Nanna has been dedicated to the Royal Residences of Savoy. It is available on all major platforms with a new episode every Thursday and Monday until 22 December. An immersive experience tailored to children, bringing the Royal Residences directly into families’ homes. The project was carried out by Abbonamento Musei in collaboration with the TRG Foundation and the Consortium of the Royal Residences of Savoy.
And so, within the stone walls and frescoes that have witnessed centuries of winter, Christmas in the House of Savoy was illuminated with rituals that are now revived, largely reworked, in the spaces of Italian Royal Experience.
The shoes of Saint Nicholas
In the House of Savoy, Christmas celebrations began on 6 December, St. Nicholas’ Day, who, just like today, brought gifts to good princes.
At that time, shoes were hung on the chimneys instead of socks. It was a custom that had come from Madrid, where the Dukes of Savoy had forged family ties and alliances and from where they had imported fashions (including chocolate!). Small gifts were left inside those shoes, tokens of affection and status, flashes of frivolity in an era of rigour and ceremony. This custom was introduced in Turin at the end of the 16th century by the Spanish princess Catherine of Habsburg, wife of Carlo Emanuele I.
Christmas is Real: at the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge – trains and elves
The Stupinigi Hunting Lodge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is once again hosting the Villaggio di Elfi (Elves’ Village) this year, with creative workshops, shows, traditional games and the Christmas Market. Father Christmas will welcome visitors to his home and the Elves’ Post Office, while families can admire the nativity scenes, model railway exhibitions and attend the Christmas show Il Dono invisibile (The Invisible Gift). 29 and 30 November, 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 December 2025, from 10:00 to 19:30. 6 December: special evening opening until 21:30.
The Magical Christmas Village of Govone (15 November - 21 December)
In the heart of the UNESCO Lands, the village of Govone is transformed into an enchanted kingdom where Christmas comes to life amid twinkling lights, markets and fairytale atmospheres. The Royal Castle of Govone, a Savoy residence and World Heritage Site, hosts events that are a must for the whole family. Santa Claus’ house, the elves’ school, wonderful Christmas decorations that tell the story of Christmas through evocative scenes on the main floor of the Royal Castle. In the historic centre of the village, the market also offers a selection of handmade products, Christmas decorations and local delicacies, perfect for finding unique gifts and sampling the region’s specialities. A journey through time that fascinates adults and children alike, immersing them in the magic of Savoyard traditions.
The mechanical nativity scene in Racconigi: 50 years of Christmas magic
The traditional mechanical nativity scene in Racconigi, installed in the Church of the Gesù, restored to its former splendour, offers a unique and immersive experience, designed to appeal to young and old alike. Designed at eye level for little ones, it captures their attention and amazes even adult visitors, who can admire it alongside their children and grandchildren. The nativity scene stands out for its attention to detail and meticulous research: the static statues, inherited from the old orphanage in Racconigi, are the work of the artist known as “Michelangelo artista Racconigese”, while the “Santon” from Haute-Savoie enrich the collection, contributing to an exhibition that brings together characters from different origins and historical periods.
Rivoli's Santa Claus Village: 22 years of tradition
From 7 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, Rivoli will once again be decked out in Christmas colours with the 22nd edition of its historic Santa Claus Village, one of the first in Italy and with free admission. The heart of the event beats in Piazzale Mafalda di Savoia, where Santa’s House and the Postman’s Cottage welcome children’s wishes (more than seven thousand letters sent last year) and free workshops run by the Education Department of Rivoli Castle transform creativity into play.
Around the castle, the town comes alive with the Grinch Grotto, exhibitions and a charming café in the Torre della Filanda, the taste houses and the skating rink in Martiri della Libertà square. To travel between the different locations, Santa’s Train and a special bus connect the centre with the castle. The inauguration on 7 December and the traditional Befana bonfire on 5 January will mark the beginning and end of a month of festivities, with lights, art and wonder for the whole family.
Imaginaria in Venaria Reale: the light that tells the story of Christmas
Immaginaria returns to La Venaria Reale, the event that illuminates the city and the Reggia with light shows, music and performances until 6 January. The historic centre and old town become a stage for video mapping, parades, markets and musical performances, while the facades of the Reggia are transformed by artist Gaspare Di Caro’s Luminographies, the final act of the Into the Light project. Christmas Nights at the Reggia, from 26 December to 6 January, open the Baroque rooms of the Piano Nobile with a special admission price: an opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas amid lights, art and architecture. And from 27 to 30 December, the Chapel of San Uberto hosts Natale in Musica, four evening concerts organised by Lingotto Musica in collaboration with the Consortium of Royal Residences of Savoy, a way to make the most luminous notes of winter resonate among the vaults of the Reggia.
Further information is available at
https://www.visitpiemonte.com/en/christmas-in-piedmont and https://www.italia.it/en
Source: ENIT SPA