Wandering in Langa
What to do in the Langhe between Christmas and New Year's
December 16, 2024
Even in December, in the transition between autumn and winter, the Langhe and Roero manage to give us glimpses of rare beauty, especially when covered in the snowy white of snow, who knows if we will be lucky enough to see it fall this year.
It is hard not to get caught up in the Christmas atmosphere with its lights, colors and magic.
A period packed with things to do and see, including themed shows, markets, food events and activities for the whole family.
Here is a selection of appointments that we recommend you don’t miss in the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, where escaping the routine is a gift we absolutely must give ourselves.
Exhibitions, nativity scenes and themed representations
Dec. 16 to Jan. 6
Nativity Trail in Pocapaglia
For ten years now, at Christmas time, walking through the woods of Pocapaglia, one encounters imaginative rustic nativity scenes.
Branches, roots, broken trees among the materials used to build cribs in those parts of the forest that suggest the idea of a hut or simply inspire creativity.
A picturesque opportunity for a walk in the woods, discovering the small spontaneous cribs hidden in the vegetation.
Every Saturday and Sunday until January 6
Mondovi: mostra mercato presepi dal mondo
A collection of nativity scenes from around the world: handcrafted representations of all sizes and made from a wide variety of materials.
This year nativities from: Ecuador, Guatemala, Thailand, Haiti, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey, Kenya, Peru, Cambodia, Ukraine, Poland and beyond.
There is also a section devoted to music boxes, snowballs, and Christmas decorations of all shapes and sizes, ready to win you over.
Through Dec. 22
Exhibition: Andy Warhol – Influencer
If you like the idea of doing something completely different from the period, in Mondovi, after the beautiful Caravaggio exhibition, comes Andy Warhol: master of poster images with his timeless icons as well as father of Pop Art.
What to expect? An in-depth journey through Warhol’s artistic career: artist, socialite figure, and provocateur, Warhol, in his iconic silver-gray wig, jeans, and turtleneck sweater, transcended the barriers of time and gender without the aid of social media.
Gourmet festivals: food and wine appointments
Every weekend from December 20 to January 6
Discovering the area’s wineries: Wineries Open Their Doors for the Holidays
Christmas in the Langhe is a magical time that every lover of wine and authentic flavors should experience.
If you pass through this corner of paradise during the holidays, give yourself a few hours to visit at least one producer in the winery.
On this occasion, between toasts and laughter, you chat with exquisite people, listen to stories that warm your heart and, of course, taste wines that will become part of your most precious memories.
Learn about the wineries participating in this edition.
La Teca: Christmas Lunch
For those who want to experience the magic of Christmas without worries, being pampered by a cozy atmosphere and authentic flavors, here is an unmissable proposal.
La Teca Restaurant invites you to celebrate Christmas lunch in Bistagno, Monferrato, by enjoying its traditional menu with welcome entrée, trio of appetizers, first course, main course, and dessert.
Christmas lunch at Vitae di Langa
In Diano d’Alba, at Vitae di Langa farmhouse you can enjoy Christmas lunch while being pampered by a special menu.
The facility has a lounge, which provides a cozy atmosphere and a charming low terrace.
Vitae di Langa’s culinary philosophy is based on the use of high-quality raw materials, which are sourced from selected farms in the area.
Outdoors: walks and Christmas markets
Saturday, December 21
Walk on the paths of Barolo and small hamlets
A fascinating hiking trail in the heart of the great Barolo area, a morning exploring an area of millennia-old history, guided by the narration of an expert on these beautiful hills.
Terre Alte offers you an itinerary that from the Castle of Barolo, the fulcrum of a fascinating and millenary history, will take you to the hills of the grand crus, amidst the colors of the last foliage, at the time of year that preludes the winter rest of the prized vineyards.
Through Dec. 24
Il magico paese di Babbo Natale in Govone
The program of the Magical Christmas Country in Govone, includes a range of activities for all ages, including Christmas markets with local crafts, theater performances, concerts and creative workshops for children.
In addition, it will be possible to visit Santa’s House set up in Govone Castle, and watch light and sound shows that will enliven the festive evenings.
The event also offers a wide selection of typical local food specialties, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Piedmontese Christmas atmosphere.
Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22
Asti Street Markets
Asti’s historic center comes alive with the famous and award-winning Christmas Markets, hosted in Corso Alfieri, Piazza San Secondo and Piazza Roma, where quaint little wooden houses welcome artisans and producers from all over Italy.
It is an ideal opportunity to discover handcrafted artifacts perfect for unique gifts, food specialties to taste and street food offerings for a mouthwatering break.
The Christmas atmosphere is enhanced with thematic guided tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s monuments and churches, revealing anecdotes and curiosities, for an experience that involves the whole family.
Musical appointments and performances
Sunday, December 22
Christmas concert at the Politeama Theater in Bra
The Politeama Theater in Bra hosts the Christmas Concert, featuring the Turin Chamber Choir conducted by Dario Tabbia.
The choir has participated in major music festivals, including MiTo Settembre Musica and Unione Musicale di Torino, performing repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
Sunday, December 22
Lou Dalfin in concert in Canale
Lou Dalfin, founded in 1982 by Sergio Berardo, are a landmark in Occitan music, thanks to their ability to combine traditional instruments such as hurdy-gurdy and accordion with modern influences such as rock and jazz.
Their free concert in Canale is an unmissable opportunity to enjoy an authentic and overwhelming musical experience, reinterpreting the sounds of the Piedmont valleys with energy and originality.
Sunday, December 22
A Christmas Carol at the Social Theater of Alba
The Giorgio Busca Social Theater in Alba presents A Christmas Carol The Night That Changed Mr. Scrooge, an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous tale by the Fantateatro Company.
The play combines actors and puppets, accompanied by original music by Piero Monterisi and Emanuele Brignola, to narrate the transformation of miser Scrooge, who is visited on Christmas Eve night by spirits from the past, present and future.
The show offers an atmospheric theatrical experience, ideal for immersing oneself in the atmosphere of Christmas.
New Year’s Eve dinners and parties
New Year’s Eve at Osteria Montebellina
Osteria Sociale Montebellina invites you to greet 2024 with an evening that combines good food, music and lots of fun.
The menu is a journey through Piedmontese flavors: from vitello tonnato to battuta di Fassona, via beet risotto and agnolotti del plin, to a final dessert of cheesecake and panettone. And after dinner? There’s dancing with Radio Fujot’s funk DJ set and Rick neiss‘ electronic music!
Capo d’Alba at the Circus of Collisioni
Celebrate the arrival of 2025 in Alba with Capo d’Alba, an event that combines a delicious dinner of typical Piedmontese dishes with an evening of music featuring the 1990s and 2000s.
Dinner will include a welcome drink, traditional appetizers and cotechini with mashed potato, first courses including Barbera risotto and fondue, and main courses such as braised beef with Roero wine, all accompanied by desserts and selected wines.
From 11:30 p.m., doors open to all as the party continues with a DJ set by Jack Mazzoni, known for hits such as “Booma Yee,” which has surpassed 50 million views on YouTube.
