Precisely for this reason, the Christmas atmosphere in Livigno is pure magic: the surrounding nature is entirely tinged with white, as are the roofs of the typical Valtellina houses, which will host the snow until the end of the season. The muffled atmosphere and the soft blanket of snow give the landscape an enchanted, almost fairy-tale aspect: during the festivities, in fact, Livigno seems to transform itself into a real Christmas village, with markets, Christmas decorations and the immaculate blanket of snow, the true protagonist of the resort's long winter season.
To add an extra dose of Christmas magic, in the centre of the village comes the Christmas Village: a cosy complex of wooden huts decorated with coloured lights where you can be enveloped in the warm atmosphere of the festivities throughout the Advent period. Here it will also be possible to breathe in the scents emanating from typical local products - such as roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, sweets and mulled wine - while discovering the unique creations of Livigno's craftsmen.
There are many activities one can do in Livigno to feed one's Christmas spirit, first and foremost searching for the perfect Christmas present for family members (big and small), friends, one's partner and - why not? - even oneself. The streets of the pedestrianised centre are the ideal place for a unique shopping experience, surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian Alps at over 1,800 metres above sea level. With over 250 shops, it will feel like being in a mall, but under the open sky! With shopping to suit all tastes and budgets, it will be impossible not to find the perfect gift: there are perfume and jewellery shops, but also hi-tech shops and exclusive, single-brand fashion boutiques. There are also numerous shops in the village that are ideal for those who want a sporty or 'snow' themed gift, such as the shops of local artisans where you can find typical mountain objects... A paradise for every shopping addict!
Food and wine are also a fundamental part of Christmas in Livigno: Livigno's recipes - made with quality products and genuine raw materials - are able to tell the history and traditions of the area, satisfying all palates, even the most demanding... But that's not all! The Christmas atmosphere of Little Tibet makes one want even more to enjoy an excellent meal in one of the bars and restaurants in the centre, but also to fully immerse oneself in Valtellina folklore by choosing to lunch or dine in the alpine restaurants. What can't be missed to truly celebrate Christmas? The choice of sharing some of the many proposals - both Valtellinese and international - on the local menus, to feel the warmth of the festivities even more.
To round off the winter and festive evenings, Livigno proposes "Contrabbando" gin, which encapsulates the true essence of the area: this product is in fact made locally, starting with the harvesting of juniper berries, a tenacious plant that resists the wind and the weight of the snow cover, hiding its fruits - the very ones that make it so famous - among the prickly needles. But "Contraband" gin is also a clear reference to the history of Little Tibet: it tells the incredible stories of the mountain smugglers who undertook long night journeys to transport sugar, coffee, bottles of alcohol and cigarettes, defying the law and nature. "Contraband" gin can be found in the city's best pubs, as a base for making various local signature drinks that will satisfy even true connoisseurs, but it is also available in local supermarkets and duty free shops, both to have a little bit of Livigno at home and to give as a present to gin lovers at Christmas.
The magic of the festivities continues until New Year's Eve: on this occasion, too, Piccolo Tibet offers a series of events that will liven up the town and make everyone want to usher in the New Year. Starting at 6 p.m. on 31 December, in fact, the ski instructors will perform a unique show: they will walk down the town's illuminated slopes holding a torch or torchlight, and can be accompanied by all guests and Livigno residents who wish to take part in this show (after registering at the Central Ski School).Once off the slopes, the instructors will set fire to a wooden sign saying goodbye to 2022 and, at the same time, welcoming the new year, while toasting in company with mulled wine.
There are many possibilities to continue the evening while waiting for midnight: the restaurants in the village and the mountain huts at high altitude - reachable by ski lifts or snowmobiles - will open their doors to those who wish to satisfy their taste buds with traditional Valtellina or international dishes. Those who choose the high-altitude option will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the illuminated valley and admire the colourful fireworks display from a privileged vantage point. And if the evening does not end with dinner, Livigno offers many Disco Pubs where you can spend the after dinner among cocktails finely made by professional barmen and music of all kinds and eras!
News / 17.11.2022
With the 32nd edition of the Sgambeda, scheduled for Sunday 18 December, Livigno confirms once again to be the favourite destination of cross-country skiing and of all its fans, professional and not. After the recent awarding of the Sprint World Cup stage, scheduled for 21 and 22 January, the first in the centenary history of Livigno, it is in fact the turn of the traditional granfondo, which for more than three decades has characterised the winters of the resort.
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