All across the north of Italy from the Aosta Valley to Piedmont to the South Tirol, a multicultural blend of holiday celebrations will evolve. The holiday season stretches from Advent in late November, to Christmas, to saluting the New Year, and culminates on the La Befana, January 6, 2014.

Glittering lights, colorful lights and solemn lights, all symbolic of certain traditions-line cityscapes, illuminate castles perched above small villages, and light up alcoves of reverence in chapels, churches and synagogues. As the days of December pass, more and more lights will be brilliant in the night. Even the Italian castles in the most remote places are strung up with lights, illuminating their magnificent structures against the blackness of the hills and mountains. The castle fortress of Bard in Valle d’Aosta (Aosta Valley) presents one of the most beautiful and spectacular winter holiday light shows. It is the celebration of  the ‘Noel au Bourg’ taking place from December 6 to January 6, 2014. The fortress of Bard, a magnificent structure, is transformed into Christmas atmosphere, complete with a grand nativity scene, spectacular lights, and music.  In Piedmont visit the Castello Reale di Carlo Felice in the town of Govone in Cuneo province. Both the inside and outside of the castle are transformed into an aura of Christmas.  The Govone castle is open 10:00 – 20:00, and awaits its visitors offering warm hospitality, caroling, and traditional holiday sweets from December 5 to January 1, 2014.  Theatrical performances take place in the town’s center on December 13, and 20,  and for the La Befana celebration on January 3 – 6.