The Holiday season is always a magical time of year in Tuscany with traditional Christmas markets, lights in the streets, and nativity scenes and Christmas trees on the main square of every town and village. There are many smaller Christmas markets, and there is a good chance you might stumble upon a traditional market during your travels through Tuscany. The following list is an overview of the larger and most significant Christmas markets in Tuscany, often in combination with a Christmas Village with entertainment and activities for children.
Christmas Markets in Tuscany
In Florence, the traditional Christmas market in German style is located on the beautiful Piazza Santa Croce right in front of the imposing Renaissance church. The Weinachtsmarkt opens on November 30th, and you’ll have until December 18th, 2016 to enjoy typical German specialties such as sausages, sauerkraut, pork knuckles, pretzels, strudel, and glühwein.
Another event in Florence is the Florence Sensations Christmas Edition that takes place from 21 to 23 December 2016 in the Obihall structure just outside the historical center. The event offers visitors an extensive market area with food shopping, international crafts, Beauty and Wellness, vintage shopping, Holistic path; Conference Area, and the kid’s entertainment area.
Meet Santa Claus in his home in Montecatini Terme, located between Pistoia and Lucca, from November 4, 2016, till January 6, 2017. Covering 700 square meters and surrounded by a park of 16,000 square meters the House of Santa Claus offers Christmas fun for the whole family. Kids can write their Christmas wish list and deliver their letter directly to the postmen elves who will make sure Santa receives it. In the house, you’ll find games, entertainment, clowns, Christmas Toy Land, face-painting and a real elf village, candy, and of course Santa Claus himself!
Another Christmas Village can be found in Chianciano Terme, located about 90 kilometers southeast of Florence, from November 5, till December 26, 2016. Besides the Christmas Market in the village, you can also find a Ferris wheel, ice-skating rink, face painting, Dinosaurs in the Flesh and the Polar Express tourist train.
Christmas Market in Florence
The Christmas Village in Montepulciano, 70 kilometers southeast of Siena, is held from November 18, 2016 – January 8, 2017, not only offers a market with traditional wooden houses but also Santa’s Castle. The Castle spans over an indoor area of more than 1000 sq.m., full of lights, decorations, and surprises where the children can meet Santa Claus while playing, singing and participating in didactic activities, entertainment, interactive shows and creative labs. Other attractions include an ice skating rink, exhibition of antique toys, pony mini ranch, and carousel.
Santa Claus also takes up residence in coastal city Livorno this year where volunteers have built up a wonderful Christmas Village in the park of Villa Mimbelli where numerous activities and festivities take place. Children can meet Santa Claus in his house, write their letters to Santa and participate in various workshops. The village consists of Santa’s House, the Post Office, and the Elves Workshop. Outside there are various food stalls, face-painting, an area with ponies and an exhibition area with craft workshops.
Furthermore, there is an ice-skating rink, show featuring the Christmas Fairy and Elves everywhere. On the Christmas Market, you can find all kinds of gadgets and gift ideas. Dates: November 26, 27 – December 2, 3, 4 and 8, 9, 10, 11 – December 16 – 24, 2016.
Arezzo celebrates Christmas in grand style with 65 events in 24 days on 14 different squares from December 3 till December 26, 2016 The main attractions of this large Arezzo Christmas City celebration include the Christmas train, Dancing Water Fountains and laser shows, Tirolese Christmas market, various Nativity scenes, Elves lab, artisan market, local products, the Village of Santa Claus, Igloo village, light shows, magical labyrinth, and the Luna Park.
The medieval village Arcidosso located on the slopes of Monte Amiata about 100 kilometers south of Florence, hosts its third edition of Natale di Luce (Bright Christmas) from December 3rd till January 8th, 2017. Christmas market with traditional wooden houses, ice-skating rink, nativity scene, Elves and Santa Claus, New Year’s Eve dinner at the Castel Aldobrandesco and New Year’s Eve party in the main square.
For more Christmas Markets and events visit our Event Calendar.
