Christmas Events for Kids in Turin (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

9 min read · Leggi in italiano

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Turin, running from October 23 to January 10. One of these is free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Italy.

The short version

  • Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Turin, Venaria Reale, Nichelino and Settimo Torinese: 13
  • First: Luci d'Artista (Artists' Lights), Turin, October 23
  • Free events: Luci d'Artista (Artists' Lights)

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).

At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Turin

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Towns
Turin, Venaria Reale, Nichelino and Settimo Torinese
Season
October 23 to January 10
Free events
1
Last checked

Free 1Ticketed and paid 12

Free Christmas events for kids in Turin

Christmas lightsFree

Luci d'Artista (Artists' Lights)

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Since 1998 Luci d'Artista has turned Turin into an open-air museum: light installations by internationally known artists light up streets, squares and monuments. The 2026/27 edition, the 29th, began on Oct 23 and stays lit through Jan 10, 2027, with about thirty works in the center and the neighborhoods. One of the lights is a traveling one and from Dec 21 to Jan 10 it moves to Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

For families it is a simple, free way to enjoy the city on winter evenings: pick a route, take a walk and let the kids hunt for the next installation. On the Turismo Torino website you can download the map of this edition, handy for planning a stroller-friendly loop, perhaps in the center around Piazza Carignano, Piazza Carlina and Via Po.

Parent tip: Download the map of the 29th edition from the Turismo Torino website to plan a short loop with little ones.

Host
Turismo Torino e Provincia (opens in a new tab)
Where
Streets and squares of central Turin, Piazza Castello, 10122 Turin (opens in maps)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Turismo Torino e Provincia (opens in a new tab)

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Rally’s Christmas research

Rally the corgi has 12 more Turin events researched for you.

  • New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Turin.
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  • Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
  • Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
  • One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.

Coming up on this page

  • 8 Shows
  • 4 Crafts
  • 4 Zoos and museums
  • 3 Lights
  • 1 Free

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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Turin

Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.

The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot

Christmas show

Lo Schiaccianoci (The Nutcracker)

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The EgriBiancoDanza company brings The Nutcracker to the Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani, with concept and choreography by Raphael Bianco. In this version, loosely inspired by the ballet, the Sugar Plum Fairy guides Clara and the audience through sweets and mysterious gifts, while the mice stand for fears and worries. To Tchaikovsky's music the story comes to life on Christmas night, among magic and dreams.

The show is recommended for ages 4 and up and runs in the Sala Grande on Sat, Dec 5 and Sun, Dec 6 at 4:30 pm, as part of the family season "Oltre i venti." Tickets for the 2026/27 season cost €13 full price, €11 reduced, €8 for ages 14 to 25 and €7 for under 14. A nice chance to introduce kids to dance and one of the best-known pieces of Christmas music.

Parent tip: The box office is open Tuesday to Saturday, 2 to 6 pm, and before every show; you can also buy online.

Host
Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani (opens in a new tab)
Where
Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani, Sala Grande, Corso Galileo Ferraris 266, 10134 Turin (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

A Christmas Carol Musical

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Dickens's A Christmas Carol comes to the Teatro Alfieri in Piazza Solferino as a musical, presented as an adaptation of the timeless classic. It is the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge who, on Christmas Eve, is visited by three spirits and learns the value of generosity, told with songs and big-theater sets.

The performance is on Mon, Dec 7 at 5 pm, a family-friendly time just before the Immaculate Conception holiday weekend. Tickets, sold on TicketOne on behalf of the organizer DPM Produzioni, run from €23 to €69 plus fees, with reduced prices for kids ages 3 to 12 in every section. The stalls are wheelchair accessible.

Parent tip: The reduced ticket is for kids ages 3 to 12: choose it when you buy. Expect it to be in Italian.

Host
Teatro Alfieri (opens in a new tab)
Where
Teatro Alfieri, Piazza Solferino 4, 10121 Turin (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Teatro Alfieri (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas crafts

Atmosfere Natalizie nelle Residenze (Christmas Atmospheres in the Royal Residences)

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The Consorzio delle Residenze Reali Sabaude brings the magic of Christmas to the gardens of the residences: the gardeners, keepers of old know-how, guide participants in making wreaths and centerpieces. Winter flowers, berries and leaves gathered along the historic avenues become decorations to take home. At the Musei Reali di Torino the session is on Sun, Dec 20, from 2:30 to 5:30 pm.

The activity is meant for grown-ups and kids together, with children ages 10 and up, and takes place outdoors: you need cold-weather clothes and a pair of garden scissors. The workshops are limited to 20 people at most, and booking is required by writing to info@amicimuseireali.it. For the cost, ask when you book.

Parent tip: Booking is required at info@amicimuseireali.it; bring garden scissors and dress warmly. Expect it to be in Italian.

Host
Consorzio delle Residenze Reali Sabaude (opens in a new tab)
Where
Musei Reali di Torino, Piazzetta Reale 1, 10122 Turin (opens in maps)
Registration
Required
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Consorzio delle Residenze Reali Sabaude (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Sparkly Magic Show

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For the Christmas holidays the Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani presents Sparkly Magic Show, about seventy minutes of magic and stage arts suitable for all ages, recommended from age 5. The host is the actor Diego Casale, joined by the illusionist Alberto Giorgi with his big illusions, the artist Niko Light with light juggling and Cyr Wheel, and the magician Tric e Trac, who gets kids involved with tricks and gags.

Performances are almost daily from Dec 26 to Jan 6, in the Sala Grande, usually at 3:30 pm and 6 pm. The ticket costs €24, €20 reduced and €16 for under 14. It is not a show about Christmas in the strict sense, but it is made for the holiday season.

Parent tip: The show is outside the season subscription. On Dec 31 there is a performance at 4:30 pm and a separate event, Capodanno in famiglia (New Year's Eve for families), in the evening. Expect it to be in Italian.

Host
Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani, Fondazione TRG (opens in a new tab)
Where
Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani, Corso Galileo Ferraris 266, 10134 Turin (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani, Fondazione TRG (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Il Canto di Natale (A Christmas Carol)

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Dickens's famous tale comes to life from an old cupboard: from its doors, just like from an Advent calendar, come objects, characters and memories that tell the story of Scrooge's change, the man who could not stand Christmas. On Christmas Eve the three spirits of Christmas past, present and future take him on a journey that helps him see things differently.

Two actors tell the story with actor, figure and animation theater, getting the kids actively involved in themes like generosity, empathy and the importance of small gestures. It is recommended for ages 4 and up and runs in the Sala Piccola at 5:30 pm from Dec 27 to 31 and then on Jan 2 and 3. Tickets cost €16, or €13 reduced. Perfect for the vacation days between Christmas and New Year.

Parent tip: The Sala Piccola has few seats and the shows fall right in the holiday break: book ahead. Expect it to be in Italian.

Host
Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani (opens in a new tab)
Where
Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani, Sala Piccola, Corso Galileo Ferraris 266, 10134 Turin (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Capodanno in famiglia (New Year's Eve for Families)

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On the evening of Dec 31 the Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani hosts a theatrical party made for families. At the center is the Sparkly Magic Show, with illusions, light juggling and magic tricks that draw in the little ones, recommended from age 5.

It is followed by the midnight toast with a buffet for everyone, together with the performers, and the evening closes with a dancing session open to all participants. The ticket is outside the season subscription and costs €65 full price and €35 for under 14. It is an option for anyone who wants to see in the new year with the kids, staying at the theater until late.

Parent tip: It starts at 10 pm and goes past midnight, so think about the timing based on your kids' ages.

Host
Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani, Fondazione TRG (opens in a new tab)
Where
Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani, Corso Galileo Ferraris 266, 10134 Turin (opens in maps)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani, Fondazione TRG (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Venaria Reale

Christmas crafts

Lo Zapato e… il conto alla rovescia per Natale! (Zapato and the Christmas Countdown) (Venaria Reale)

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At the Reggia di Venaria, families find out how Christmas was celebrated at the court of the House of Savoy. The guide tells about the Zapato festival, when gifts were hidden around the Reggia inside little slippers that the young princes loved to look for. Just like back then, today kids set off to hunt for the slippers, which hold sweet surprises for them.

After an hour's visit of the main floor (Piano nobile) comes an hour-long workshop where kids and adults make a themed Advent calendar together, ready for the countdown to Christmas. The dates are Sun, Nov 29, Sun, Dec 6 and Tue, Dec 8, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. The cost is €9 per participant plus the Reggia admission ticket, which is free with the Abbonamento Musei (Museum Pass) or the Abbonamento Musei Junior.

Parent tip: With the Abbonamento Musei or Musei Junior, Reggia admission is free and you pay only for the activity. Buy online from the event page. Expect it to be in Italian.

Host
La Venaria Reale (opens in a new tab)
Where
Reggia di Venaria, Piazza della Repubblica 4, 10078 Venaria Reale (opens in maps) (near Torino)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with La Venaria Reale (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas show

Canto di Natale (A Christmas Carol) (Venaria Reale)

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The Favole a Merenda series at the Teatro della Concordia in Venaria Reale dedicates its December date to A Christmas Carol, with Irene Paoletti and Pablo Torregiani. It is the story of grumpy Scrooge and the three spirits who, on Christmas Eve, help him rediscover the meaning of Christmas, told in a version made for children and families.

The show is on Sun, Dec 6 at 4 pm, the usual snack-time slot at the theater. Tickets cost €12 for adults and €8 for kids up to age 10, and you buy them online from the theater's calendar. Venaria is a few kilometers from Turin, and around the same time the Reggia offers Christmas visits and workshops for families: you can combine it all in one day.

Parent tip: Tickets are bought online through the link in the theater's calendar. Expect it to be in Italian.

Host
Teatro della Concordia (opens in a new tab)
Where
Teatro della Concordia, Corso Puccini, 10078 Venaria Reale (opens in maps) (near Torino)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Teatro della Concordia (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas lights

Immaginaria 2026 (Venaria Reale)

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Immaginaria is the big holiday event in Venaria Reale, organized with the City of Venaria and the Fondazione Via Maestra. From Dec 8 to Jan 6, video mapping, art installations, music and storytelling take turns between the historic center and the Reggia complex, and the striking video projections on the palace facades are back.

For families it is an evening walk full of lights and stories along the main street of the village, to pair with the Reggia's Christmas activities. From Dec 26 to Jan 5 the Reggia also offers the Sere di Natale (Christmas Evenings), with evening openings at a special rate. The detailed program of events in town, with days and times for each one, is on immaginariavenaria.it, so check it before you go.

Parent tip: The video projections need darkness: arrive after sunset and check the day-by-day program on immaginariavenaria.it.

Host
La Venaria Reale (opens in a new tab)
Where
Historic center of Venaria Reale and the Reggia, Via Mensa, 10078 Venaria Reale (opens in maps) (near Torino)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with La Venaria Reale (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas crafts

Lo Zapato e… l'artaddobbo di Natale! (Zapato and the Christmas Art Decorations) (Venaria Reale)

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A guided visit with a Christmas flavor for families with kids, to discover the festivities and traditions of the court of the House of Savoy. The guide's story brings back the Zapato festival, when gifts were hidden around the Reggia inside little slippers that the young princes searched for, and today kids still set off to hunt for slippers holding sweet gifts.

After an hour's visit of the main floor (Piano nobile) comes an hour-long workshop where kids make Christmas decorations inspired by the works seen in the Reggia, to take home for the tree. The sessions are on Sundays, Dec 13, 20 and 27, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. It costs €9 per participant plus the Reggia ticket, which is free with the Abbonamento Musei (Museum Pass) and the Abbonamento Musei Junior.

Parent tip: Dec 27 is handy if you want an activity in the days after Christmas; buy online from the event page. Expect it to be in Italian.

Host
La Venaria Reale (opens in a new tab)
Where
Reggia di Venaria, Piazza della Repubblica 4, 10078 Venaria Reale (opens in maps) (near Torino)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with La Venaria Reale (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Nichelino

Visit with Santa

Natale è Reale 2026 at the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge (Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi) (Nichelino)

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For eight days the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, just outside Turin, hosts a Christmas festival made for families. The Elf Village (Villaggio degli Elfi) offers games, stories, circus attractions and creative workshops, while Santa's House (Casa di Babbo Natale) has a souvenir photo and a post office where kids hand in their letters to Santa. There is also the Reindeer Stable, a cartoon about the story of Santa Claus, an exhibition of nativity scenes and collectible toy trains, and Giocolandia with wooden games.

The Christmas market is covered and heated, as is the eating area, and the activities go on even in bad weather. The show "Un Natale da Befane" (A Christmas of Befanas, the kindly witches who bring gifts on January 6) runs at 11 am, 3 pm and 4:30 pm on the open days. The basic Tour Village ticket costs €7.50 from age 3, the youngest get in free, and with the fuller tours you also visit the museum.

Parent tip: Buying your ticket online lets you pick a time slot and skip the line. On Sun, Nov 29 it opens at 1 pm, and from Dec 5 small dogs on a leash are allowed.

Host
Natale è Reale (opens in a new tab)
Where
Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, Piazza Principe Amedeo 7, 10042 Nichelino (opens in maps) (near Torino)
Registration
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Natale è Reale (opens in a new tab)

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Christmas events for kids in Settimo Torinese

Visit with Santa

Christmas Village at Torino Outlet Village (Settimo Torinese)

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Torino Outlet Village becomes a Christmas village with lights, a 16 by 26 meter ice rink in Piazza dell'Acqua, a carousel and, in Piazza dell'Obelisco, Santa's House (Casa di Babbo Natale), set up through Jan 7, 2027. The opening is Sat, Nov 14 and the first ice show is on Sun, Nov 15.

Santa and his elf welcome kids and grown-ups on Dec 8, 12, 13, 19 and 20, with moments of artificial snow. VIP Club members can get a Polaroid-style souvenir photo. The calendar also includes Christmas-themed entertainment and activities in the Kids Area, plus a special appearance by professional skaters on Dec 13. The rink stays open through Jan 31, 2027.

Parent tip: Before you go, check the center's website for the times of the Santa visits and the costs.

Host
Torino Outlet Village (opens in a new tab)
Where
Torino Outlet Village, Via Torino 160, 10036 Settimo Torinese (opens in maps) (near Torino)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked
Check dates and details with Torino Outlet Village (opens in a new tab)

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More Christmas events for kids in Italy

A story for the trip home

Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolour corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon.it (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Turin: questions parents ask

What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Turin?

For 2026, we confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Turin, each on its host’s own page: Natale è Reale 2026 at the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge (Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi) (Nichelino), Lo Zapato e… il conto alla rovescia per Natale! (Zapato and the Christmas Countdown) (Venaria Reale), Lo Schiaccianoci (The Nutcracker) and 10 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Turin?

Yes. One of the 13 events here is free: Luci d'Artista (Artists' Lights). Check the listing in case you need to book or register.

Where can kids see Santa this year in Turin?

Where to see Santa: Natale è Reale 2026 at the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge (Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi) (Nichelino) and Christmas Village at Torino Outlet Village (Settimo Torinese). Check the listings above for times and booking.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

The story of Christmas in Turin

In Turin, Christmas is something you read in the sky: Fibonacci numbers shine on the Mole Antonelliana and little blue spirits float over the Monte dei Cappuccini. These are the Luci d'Artista, artworks the city has switched on every autumn since 1998.

How Turin celebrates Christmas, and why it is different for a visiting family

Turin turns its streets into an open-air light museum. The Luci d'Artista began in 1998, from an idea of Fiorenzo Alfieri, when the city invited 12 artists to dress its streets and squares in light for the holidays. They included Emanuele Luzzati, Giulio Paolini, Luigi Mainolfi and Francesco Tabusso. Today the collection is run by the Fondazione Torino Musei.

For a visiting family, that means an easy evening plan: pick a few lights and go looking for them together. The 2026 edition is the 29th, with 31 installations spread from the center to the neighborhoods, from October 23, 2026 to January 10, 2027, so the lights are on well before Christmas and long after.

Light art, a nativity scene and a little forest: what kids will meet

Some of the lights are easy for children to love. On the Mole Antonelliana, since 2004, you can read the first numbers of the Fibonacci sequence, in The Flight of the Numbers by Mario Merz. Daniel Buren's Flying Carpet covers Piazza Palazzo di Città, and Rebecca Horn placed her Little Blue Spirits on the Monte dei Cappuccini.

Turin also has a famous presepe, a nativity scene with figures of the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The colorful one by Emanuele Luzzati began as an art project in 1997 and has become one of the symbols of Turin's Christmas. In 2025 it stood in the Sambuy gardens in front of the Porta Nuova station and was lit on December 8.

In Piazzetta Reale, in front of the Royal Museums, a small grove of Nordmann fir trees, from 2 to about 10 meters tall, comes back every December, with free entry from Piazza Castello.

Planning a Christmas visit to Turin with kids

The events on this page start with the Luci d'Artista on October 23, 2026 and run into January 2027. The lights are free to see every evening until January 10, 2027, and Immaginaria in Venaria Reale, from December 8 to January 6, has free city shows.

Other events are a mix of family outings and theater. The Reggia di Venaria offers Christmas family tours with a hunt for shoes filled with sweets, then a workshop, for 9 euros per participant plus the palace ticket. The Stupinigi hunting lodge hosts a Christmas village on weekends from November 28 to December 13, with tickets from 7.50 euros and free entry up to age 2. The Torino Outlet Village has Santa on December 8, 12, 13, 19 and 20, and an ice rink open until January 31, 2027.

Theater runs from The Nutcracker on December 5 and 6 to A Christmas Carol on December 27 to January 3, and a family New Year's Eve party on December 31.

Fibonacci on the Mole and a van full of good luck charms

Kids can learn a little math in the dark: each number in the Fibonacci sequence on the Mole is the sum of the two before it, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8. Salerno and Pescara copied the idea of artist lights, but the Luci d'Artista name belongs only to Turin. Since 2024 the lights also come back briefly in summer, for the solstice.

The new works of 2026 include The Radiant Van, a glowing van that travels around the city carrying 18 good luck symbols from around the world.

Traditions today

  • The Luci d'Artista: Light artworks by contemporary artists along the streets and squares, since 1998. The 2026 edition has 31 installations and runs from October 23, 2026 to January 10, 2027.
  • Luzzati's nativity scene: The colorful nativity scene that began as an art project by Luzzati in 1997. In 2025 it stood in the Sambuy gardens in front of Porta Nuova and was lit on December 8.
  • The Piazzetta Reale grove: A small forest of Nordmann firs in front of the Royal Museums, with free entry from Piazza Castello and music every day from 3 to 10 pm in 2025.
  • The Palazzo Civico tree: The city's tree is lit on December 8 in the courtyard of honor of Palazzo Civico, where in 2025 children also met Santa.
  • The mechanical nativity scene on Via Po: At SS. Annunziata, Via Po 45, about 200 figures move by themselves. In 2025 a ticket cost 4 euros, 2 euros reduced.
  • Natale in Giostra at Parco Dora: The Christmas amusement park in the Vitali area, in its 46th edition in 2025.

A fact for kids

On the Mole Antonelliana, at night, giant numbers shine: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and so on. Each number is the sum of the two before it, and the artist Mario Merz put them up there.

Questions about Christmas in Turin

Is Turin worth visiting at Christmas with kids?

Yes, especially for the evening walks. The Luci d'Artista turn the city into an open-air museum of light, with 31 installations in 2026, and the Luzzati nativity scene, the Piazzetta Reale grove and several royal palaces add daytime options. This page lists the confirmed family events.

When are the Luci d'Artista on in Turin in 2026?

The 2026 Luci d'Artista were switched on on October 23, 2026 and shine until January 10, 2027. It is the 29th edition and has 31 installations, from the Mole Antonelliana to Piazza Carlo Alberto, Via Po and the Monte dei Cappuccini, so you can choose a short loop or a long walk with the kids.

When did the Luci d'Artista start?

In 1998, on the initiative of Fiorenzo Alfieri and the City of Turin. At the first edition 12 artists were invited, including Emanuele Luzzati, Giulio Paolini and Luigi Mainolfi, plus two young people chosen in a national ideas competition: Domenico Luca Pannoli and Enrica Borghi. Today the series is run by the Fondazione Torino Musei.

What are the glowing numbers on the Mole Antonelliana?

They are the first numbers of the Fibonacci sequence, the work The Flight of the Numbers by Mario Merz, placed on the Mole in 2004. You can tell kids that each number is the sum of the two before it: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8. It is part of the Luci d'Artista collection.

Where are Rebecca Horn's Little Blue Spirits in Turin?

On the Monte dei Cappuccini. Little Blue Spirits is a work by Rebecca Horn and part of the Luci d'Artista, which has 31 installations in 2026. Kids can look for them in the evening, perhaps together with Daniel Buren's Flying Carpet in Piazza Palazzo di Città.

Why are there Luci d'Artista in Salerno too?

Because after Turin, Salerno and Pescara adopted the idea of decorating the city at Christmas with artist lights. The Luci d'Artista name, though, belongs only to Turin. It began in 1998 with 12 invited artists, and the collection has grown one work at a time.

Do the Luci d'Artista come back in summer?

Yes, but only briefly. Since 2024 the classic winter edition has been joined by a short summer lighting, to celebrate the solstice. The main event remains the autumn and winter one, which in 2026 runs from October 23 to January 10, 2027.

Which Luci d'Artista are new in 2026?

New in 2026 are Poetiche del confine by Flavio Favelli in Piazzetta Reale, Star*(life) by Tony Oursler on the Politecnico, The Radiant Van by CANEMORTO, a glowing van that changes position, and Inversions by Samson Young at the OGR. A map of all 31 works helps you plan a loop that suits your kids.

What is The Radiant Van in Turin?

It is a 2026 work by the collective CANEMORTO. A van covered in lights drives around Turin carrying 18 good luck symbols from different parts of the world, and it changes position during the event. For kids it can become a treasure hunt: find it and spot the charms one by one.

What is Favelli's work in Piazzetta Reale made of?

Poetiche del confine by Flavio Favelli is the first of the lights made entirely with recovered materials. It uses antique gates and ironwork from the city, saved by Vittorio Viale and later kept at Palazzo Madama. It is a concrete way to tell children about the city's history.

What were the new Luci d'Artista in 2025?

The 28th edition, from October 24, 2025 to January 11, 2026, brought 4 new works: a neon by Tracey Emin donated by the CRT Foundation for Modern and Contemporary Art, a project by Soundwalk Collective with Patti Smith and Philip Glass at the OGR, a light by Riccardo Previdi and a work by Gintaras Didžiapetris.

Where are the Palazzo Civico tree and the Piazzetta Reale grove?

Turin has two. The city tree is lit on December 8 in the courtyard of honor of Palazzo Civico, at 5:30 pm in 2025. The grove in Piazzetta Reale, in front of the Royal Museums, has Nordmann firs from 2 to about 10 meters tall, with free entry from Piazza Castello.

What is the grove of fir trees in Piazzetta Reale like?

It is a small urban forest of Nordmann firs. The pattern on the ground echoes the palmettes of the nineteenth century gate by Pelagio Palagi, which become paths. At the entrance there is a big snowflake-shaped bench, and the route leads to the royal thrones. In 2025 it was open from December 8 to January 6, 3 to 10 pm.

Where is the Luzzati nativity scene in Turin?

In 2025 it stood in the Sambuy gardens, in front of Porta Nuova station, and was lit on December 8 at 4 pm. Born as an art project in 1997, it is one of the symbols of Turin's Christmas. Luzzati was also one of the 12 artists of the first Luci d'Artista in 1998.

What is the mechanical nativity scene on Via Po?

At the church of SS. Annunziata, Via Po 45, about 200 figures move on their own among houses and workshops. Little children like to spot who is working, who is walking and who is asleep. In 2025 a ticket cost 4 euros for adults and 2 euros reduced.

Where can kids meet Santa in Turin?

In 2025 Santa received children in the courtyard of Palazzo Civico on December 8, 13 and 20, from 3 to 7 pm, free until places ran out, and Piazza Solferino had a Santa's House and an Elves' Village. In 2026 the Torino Outlet Village has Santa on December 8, 12, 13, 19 and 20, and the Stupinigi Christmas village has a Santa's house and elves' village.

What happens in Turin on January 6?

January 6 closes Turin's Christmas. In 2025 the city program ended that day, with old-fashioned wooden games and the Befana in Piazzetta Reale from 3 to 6 pm. The evening before, the PalaTazzoli opened its rink for free skating called Waiting for the Befana.

When is Natale è Reale at the Stupinigi hunting lodge in 2026?

Natale è Reale 2026 at the Stupinigi hunting lodge, in Nichelino, is on November 28 and 29 and December 5, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13, usually from 10 am to 7:30 pm. The Tour Village starts from 7.50 euros for ages 3 and up, with free entry up to age 2. It has an elves' village, Santa's house, a post office, a covered market and a festive show.

What Christmas shows are on for kids in Turin in 2026?

The Casa del Teatro Ragazzi e Giovani has the Nutcracker dance show on December 5 and 6 (13 euros, 7 for under 14s), A Christmas Carol from December 27 to January 3 and a daily Sparkly Magic Show from December 26 to January 6. Teatro Alfieri stages the A Christmas Carol musical on December 7, with reduced prices for ages 3 to 12.

What is Immaginaria in Venaria Reale?

Immaginaria 2026 is Venaria Reale's Christmas festival of videomapping, light installations, music and storytelling, in the old town and on the palace facades. It runs from December 8, 2026 to January 6, and the shows in town are free.

What can families do at the Reggia di Venaria at Christmas?

The Reggia offers Lo Zapato family tours with a hunt for shoes filled with sweets or gifts, followed by a workshop making an Advent calendar or decorations. They are on selected Sundays from November 29 to December 27, plus December 8, for 9 euros per participant plus the palace ticket.

Are there free Christmas events in Turin?

Yes. The Luci d'Artista are free every evening until January 10, 2027, and Immaginaria's shows in the old town of Venaria Reale are free from December 8 to January 6. In 2025 the Piazzetta Reale grove was free to enter, and Santa at Palazzo Civico was free until places ran out.

Are Christmas events in Turin in English?

Most events are in Italian, so check with the host if language matters. The Luci d'Artista are visual artworks, and the Nutcracker, the magic show and the Reggia tours are easy to enjoy without much language, but confirm what is offered in English before you book.

Sources

  1. Luci d'Artista: luminarie di Torino, Italia.it
  2. Luci d'artista, Wikipedia
  3. Luci d'Artista Torino 2025-2026: date, nuove installazioni e programma della 28esima edizione, Mentelocale
  4. L'Albero di Natale 2025 di Torino: ritorna il boschetto di abeti luminosi, Guida Torino
  5. Natale 2025 a Torino: gli eventi della Città di Torino per le festività natalizie, Guida Torino
  6. Natale a Torino 2025: tutte le novità tra luci, Boschetto incantato e villaggi di Natale, Viaggiapiccoli
  7. Dove sono le luci d'artista a Torino: mappa, date e nuove opere, Viaggiapiccoli
Kelsey Cecil
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