Europe’s Christmas markets are legendary, drawing tourists to Germany, Austria, and other popular destinations.
But Italy is quietly home to one of the continent’s most enchanting festive experiences, tucked away in the Piedmont region.
Asti, located just 34 miles southeast of Turin, is a medieval city renowned for its sparkling wine, historic towers, and the Palio di Asti horse race.
During the holiday season, the city transforms into a magical winter wonderland, earning recognition as one of Europe’s top Christmas markets for 2025.
The Asti Christmas Market was named the “Best Fairytale Christmas Market” in the European Best Destinations ranking.
It joins prestigious markets such as Gdansk in Poland, Brussels’ Winter Wonders, and Riga in Latvia.
Visitors can explore Piazza Alfieri, which hosts over 140 wooden stalls offering handmade crafts, regional gastronomy, and street food.
The market opens from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting Saturday, November 15, and runs until December 21.
During the first weeks, it is open on weekends only, expanding to Thursday through Sunday from December 6, with an additional opening on Monday, December 8.
Entry to the Asti Christmas Market is free and does not require prior booking.
Food lovers are treated to a strong selection of Piedmontese cuisine, local wines, and vibrant street-food options.
Travelers can reach Asti conveniently via Turin’s major airport (TRN), just 43 miles away.
Ryanair flights from London Stansted to Turin are currently priced as low as £19 for early December, a fraction of typical fares to Germany or Austria.
From Turin, trains run every 30 minutes to Asti, taking 35 to 50 minutes. One-way tickets cost €6-10 (£5.30-£8.80) and can be purchased at the station or online via Trenitalia.
For those preferring to drive, the journey along the A21 motorway from Turin to Asti takes approximately 50 minutes.
With its combination of affordability, festive charm, and authentic Italian culture, Asti’s Christmas Market is emerging as a must-visit destination for holiday travelers seeking something beyond the usual European hotspots.