The worth seeing Christmas markets in Tuscany

Let's find out together where to go to find villages, stalls, and Santa's cottages

Once again this year, colorful lights, roasted chestnuts, small wooden houses and fantastic elf villages are ready to return to Tuscany's most beautiful squares. Let's discover together all the must-see markets to experience the magic of Christmas at its best.

Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce in Florence

From Nov. 23 to Dec. 22, the customary Weihnachtsmarkt returns, the traditional Christmas market with more than stalls that-housed in wooden cottages-bring the typical scents and flavors of Christmas to the city with handicrafts and traditional foods arriving from all over Europe. It's a chance to sample gastronomic Christmas specialties, warm up with a good glass of mulled wine and browse the stalls in search of original gift ideas.

Arezzo Città del Natale

A series of events from Nov. 16 to Jan. 6, 2025, every weekend dresses the wonderful historic center of the Tuscan city in festive style. This year, the magic of Christmas marries the magic of the arts, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a unique experience in the city that in 2024 celebrates the genius of Giorgio Vasari in the 450th year since his death through the great exhibition The Theater of Virtues and a series of exhibitions and events that pay tribute to the artist and intellectual in his native land (info at www.vasari450.it). Precisely for this occasion, the theme The Christmas of the Arts, characterizes the entire edition of “Arezzo City of Christmas 2024,” where art and craftsmanship are the common thread of the many events that mark the wait for Christmas and accompany until the beginning of the new year, starting with the evocative path of installations and light projections that will offer an unusual and exciting reading of architecture and historic buildings. Among the novelties is the setting up of the Lawn, a large green area overlooking the city, which will be transformed into the Forest of Emotions. The monumental Medici Fortress, located at the highest point of the Lawn, will host Christmas in the Fortress: the marvelous architectural spaces will be dressed in magic to host Santa's House (attraction scheduled until Dec. 24) and the Elf Village (attraction scheduled until Jan. 6). In Piazza Grande (until Dec. 29), the Christmas Markets organized by Confcommercio Arezzo return and the unique atmosphere of the Tyrolean Village with its huts of taste and typical handicrafts is breathed in.

Fiera di Natale at Forte dei Marmi

Nov. 30 to Dec. 26 In Forte dei Marmi, more specifically in Piazza Garibaldi, Via Mazzini, Via Roma and nearby streets, the Christmas Fair returns with a beloved Christmas market. Every day from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Lucca Magico Natale

From November 23, 2024 to January 6, 2025 in Lucca's Piazza Napoleone we find Lucca Magical Christmas, with Christmas lights, decorations and the ice skating rink. A warm and enveloping atmosphere enriched by guided tours and concerts, as well as many attractions for the little ones. In the heart of Lucca, a village/market set up in typical wooden cottages enlivened by shows and entertainment with live performances, animations and the possibility of an unmissable appointment with Santa Claus to personally deliver the letter of gifts. Also not to be missed is the Historic Nativity Scene at the Baroque church of Santa Maria Nera (Dec. 11 to Jan. 8).

Il Castello di Babbo Natale a Montepulciano

From Nov. 16 to Jan. 6, 2025, the medieval Fortress of Montepulciano will host Santa's Castle. Visitors will be able to find out where Santa Claus lives with his elves, visit the magical kitchen, the study, the elves' bedrooms, the winter garden where the reindeer rest, ride the magical sleigh, and then the mythical throne room, where they can meet the master of the house, and then mail their letters in the fairy contraption. In the castle garden, it will be possible to take a ride on docile ponies or enjoy a wide range of street food with sweet and savory specialties, inside the equipped and covered area. In Piazza Grande, Via San Donato and adjacent streets there will be a Christmas market.

Empoli Città del Natale

From Nov. 16 to Jan. 12, 2025, Empoli lights up with magic, transforming into the City of Christmas. The historic center comes alive with light installations, with the big Christmas tree serving as the centerpiece for the delight of young and old alike. Matteotti Square becomes a real winter park, with an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel to admire the city from above and a tourist train for a special ride into the heart of the festivities. In Piazza della Vittoria and Piazza Farinata degli Uberti, the beloved Christmas market returns, where you can stroll among stands full of gastronomic products and typical crafts. Also back is the House of Superheroines & Superheroes, Princesses & Princes, dedicated to the little ones and their fantasies. Every Saturday and Sunday, Christmas parades enrich the atmosphere with performances and music.

Mercato nel Campo at Siena

In Siena's Piazza del Campo on Friday, December 6, Saturday, 7 and Sunday, December 8 (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) the appointment with the Mercato nel Campo is renewed. 130 exhibitors offer their wares in the shell of the Campo just as they did in the 14th century, at the time when the “Costituto Senese,” the first constitutional charter drafted in the vernacular, was written and adopted in 1309 to regulate every aspect of the city's life. Two major areas: the food area and the one dedicated to handicrafts. On display are the best traditional Sienese products and some goodies from all over Italy.

Pistoia Città del Natale

From Nov. 25 to Jan. 6, 2025, Pistoia is transformed into the City of Christmas with lights and decorations adorning monuments and squares in the historic center. The centerpiece of the village is Santa's House, set up in the frescoed halls of the Municipal Palace. Here the little ones can watch shows, see the Elves at work in their workshop, send their little letter in the post office or deliver it directly.

La Fabbrica di Babbo Natale a Pisa

Like every year, The Santa Claus Factory returns. It opens Nov. 30 and remains open on Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-7-8 and 13-14-15; the Republican Arsenals are transformed into a magical place, an event designed especially for children and their families. Upon entering, one comes across breathtaking scenery: the typical Santa Claus house and enchanting scenes with displays of elves bustling about preparing gifts. Children can even ride the reindeer-drawn sleigh. Every corner of the village is animated and colorful, bringing to life the tradition and magic of Christmas in a way that captivates. One of the highlights of Santa's Factory is undoubtedly meeting Santa Claus directly.