The Christmas market (or mercatino di natale) in Asti, Italy, is well known in the area and well worth the hype! Selling everything from food to artisan wares to clothing, they have a little bit of everything and will help you to find the perfect Christmas gift. Here’s what to know about the Asti Christmas Market before you go.
Where is Asti?
Asti is a city in the region of Piemonte, in the northwest of Italy. It’s about 34 miles (55 km) southeast of Turin. It’s a city known for its wine, truffles (it’s close to Alba, which houses the Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba during the fall), and medieval architecture. Asti is also well known for its Palio di Asti every September, a horse race dating back to the 13th century.
It’s about 35 minutes by train from Torino Porta Nuova (and costs under seven euros), and it’s also easily reachable by car (about 50 minutes, with tollbooths). The Christmas Market is in the main square (Piazza Alfieri), so about 10 minutes from the station. If you’re just going to Asti for the day, my recommendation is to take the train from Turin. Asti is easily walkable. I’d recommend bringing a scarf, gloves, and a coat, as it gets chilly during the evenings with an average daily temperature of 47F/8C.
What is the Asti Christmas Market?
Following the European tradition, Asti houses a market for local vendors to sell their wares every November and December. Starting in November, various vendors set up adorable wooden houses from which they sell a wide variety of products, including:
- Christmas decorations
- Lavender
- Salt and salt lamps
- Food from various regions
- Clothing (handmade, knit, etc.)
- Home decor
- Tea, honey, and herbs
- Vin brule and desserts
- Candles and soaps
And more. There was also a Ferris wheel, Christmas lights, carolers, and an overall festive atmosphere that couldn’t be beat. There were 130 stalls, which was significantly bigger than the Christmas Market we visited in Piazza Solferino in Turin.
If you love Christmas and the holiday spirit, this is a must-see. It feels like something right out of a TV show, and it was very useful because we were able to find gifts for people!
When is the Christmas Market?
The Asti Christmas Market is open every weekend from November 16 to December 22 from 10 am through 8 pm. During December, it is also open on Thursdays and Fridays.
How long should I spend there?
I would say about 1-2.5 hours is perfect, depending on how long you want to shop. There are many restaurants and other attractions nearby, so we made a half day trip out of it.
How much does it cost?
Entry is free. Wares vary, but for the most part, they seemed to be relatively affordable. Everything that we bought (mostly Christmas decorations/gifts) was reasonably priced. For reference, the average cost for Vin Brule/mulled wine was three euros, which was less than the market in Turin. The train ticket from Porta Nuova cost 6.30 (one way), which wasn’t bad!
Is the Asti Christmas Market safe for solo female travelers?
If you’re a solo female traveler, Asti may be a great destination for you! It’s much smaller than Italian cities like Rome, Milan, and Turin, and it has its own charm. The streets were well-lit and crowded in the main area, and all of the major sights, including the Christmas Market, were close to the train station. I was in a group this time around, but I didn’t see anything that was alarming. As always, be careful, especially with any purses/backpacks. If you leave from Porta Nuova in Turin, be attentive when returning from the station.
What else is nearby?
In Asti, there are several beautiful medieval churches to explore, full of art and history. If you’re a wine lover, don’t miss out on the vineyards and enotecas. You can also see the famed towers, of which twelve remain (there used to be around 125…interesting story here). If you’re into paleontology, there’s a museum for that. For people who love Rome, there are ruins and plenty of history to explore. The Asti Christmas Market is right by the main street, too, so if you want to shop, there are plenty of stores and restaurants to explore.
In all, the Asti Christmas Market is a must-do this holiday season. If you’re coming from Milan, Turin, or Genoa, this is easily reachable and well worth the time. If you’ve been, let me know your thoughts!
