The Christmas holidays in the Aosta Valley region offer a unique and enchanted atmosphere thanks to its stunning Alpine landscapes and events and traditions rooted in the local culture.

Christmas atmosphere and traditions

By visiting the characteristic Christmas markets, such as the one in Aosta, you will have the opportunity to buy artisanal products, Christmas decorations and taste local culinary specialties. Stroll among the decorated wooden houses, in a context that combines the intimacy of the Alpine villages with the historical elegance of the urban architecture of Aosta.

During the Mistletoe Festival in Saint-Denis, on December 7th, you can discover the ancient Celtic tradition of mistletoe, a symbol of luck and prosperity, visit the castle of Cly and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the event with dances, music and parades in historical costumes.

Also, on December 8th in Hône you can participate in the Micòoula festival, dedicated to the typical bread of the locality enriched with figs, chestnuts and walnuts, where you can also taste and buy other food specialties.

Take the opportunity to visit the nearby village of Bard and its imposing Fort which hosts museums and exhibitions of great interest.

At the Fortress of Bard  from December 7th until January 6th you will also find an immersive sounds and lights show  that animates the large Piazza d’Armi starting at 5:30 pm.

Greetings and fun on the snow

On the first weekend of December, Courmayeur celebrates the beginning of winter at the foot of Mont Blanc with the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree: the countdown culminates in a light show with special guests and live music.
In Gressoney-Saint-Jean, the tree is lit on December 6th during the Festa della Toma di Gressoney, a festival dedicated to the renowned cheese produced in the Lys Valley’s alpine pastures, in the Monte Rosa tourist area, using traditional methods.
Tree lighting events with music and entertainment also take place in La Thuile, Champoluc, and - in the Matterhorn Valley - in Torgnon and Breuil-Cervinia. 
On December 12th and 13th Cervinia also hosts the Snowboard Cross World Cup, an exciting and spectacular race considered by athletes and technicians to be among the most beautiful in the entire Alpine region.

Snow is the absolute protagonist at this time of year. You can admire the traditional torchlight processions, organized by ski instructors, who illuminate the slopes with a trail of lights: a moment of collective celebration, marked by the beauty of the mountains and the warmth of the festivities.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Saint-Vincent with live music in the square and fireworks, or welcome the new year in the centre of Courmayeur, Cervinia, or Gressoney-La-Trinité. Even in Cogne, the square comes alive with live music, making the wait for the new year even more special.

Finally, allow yourself a moment of conviviality and tradition and taste the famous Aosta Valley coffee, served in the typical friendship cup. Sip coffee laced with grappa, sugar and spices with friends and family gathered around the wooden cup: a symbolic gesture that represents Aosta Valley hospitality and invites sharing and friendship, values that, together with the beauty of nature and Christmas traditions, make Christmas in Aosta Valley an unforgettable experience.

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