Excitement has begun to seep into the air as people gear up for “the most wonderful time of the year”. During the Christmas season, every Tuscan town comes alive, flaunting bright lights, fancy festive décor and trees standing nice and tall. But the highlights are always the holiday markets and mini-villages. Take a walk through these charming and nostalgic demonstrations of Christmas cheer while enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Chianciano Terme: Santa’s Village
Until December 26
This little town brightens up during the Christmas season with a Christmas village that’s suitable for all ages. From Ferris wheels to ice skating rinks, there’s something for everyone to do. Sit in Santa’s garden and grab some lunch or a snack while you take in the atmosphere. Kids can enjoy puppet shows and games during a special series running from December 8 to 11. An exciting addition to the festivities is the Polar Express, a train that picks up passengers in the main parking lot and goes through every major attraction in the village.
For more information, check out the official website.
Siena: Mercato nel Campo
December 3–4
Take a stroll through Siena’s Mercato nel Campo: this is a Tuscan holiday must! Hosted in piazza del Campo as a tribute to the open-air market of the middle ages, this market features stalls selling some incredible edibles from pecorino cheese and Cinta Senese to fine Tuscan wines and truffles. A bonus for those with a sweet tooth is the panforte and ricciarelli: Siena’s traditional Christmas desserts are scrumptious enough to earn a place at your Christmas dinner. Finally, browse through the arts and crafts stalls to find some simple yet striking works made by the local artisans. For further details, check out the Facebook page.
Pisa: Santa’s Workshop
December 3–4, 8–11
The Christmas village in Pisa’s Palazzo dei Congressi vaunts a large market with handmade products and themed entertainment, but perhaps the highlight of the village is Santa’s “magical factory” where kids can watch the elves hard at work. A perfect outlet for creativity, the factory hosts workshops where children can build their own toys or craft handmade gifts out of paper, wool, wood and more. Additionally, kids can write their Christmas letters to Santa, either dropping it off at the post office, or delivering it to him themselves! Other exciting attractions such as Santa’s reindeer stable, the Forest of the Elves and Santa’s sleigh are guaranteed to warm the hearts of both children and their parents. Check out the official website to learn more.
Montepulciano: Christmas Village
November 19–January 8, 2017
The town of Montepulciano comes to life with its rendition of Santa’s Castle at its medieval fort, which features festive décor, creative labs, interactive shows, entertainment for all ages, and the opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself! Seventy small wooden houses line via San Donato, selling festive foods and desserts and a number of artistic creations that could serve as good stocking stuffers for friends and family. The village also has an exhibition featuring a “factory of old toys” made by Santa’s elves over the years, a mini pony ranch for young animal lovers and a carousel.
For information on how to get there and ticket pricing, visit the official website.
Arezzo: City of Christmas
December 3–26
The entire city of Arezzo blooms as the festive season approaches. From themed exhibitions, to concerts and shows, every other street and piazza in this city can be seen getting into the Christmas spirit. Several piazzas all around the city will set up a variety of nativity scenes, while kids will be able to enjoy a number of Christmas attractions such as a Luna Park, a magical labyrinth, an igloo village and an elf’s lab. Plenty of surprises are on the program, too: would you ever have expected to find a sand art performance at a Christmas market? A total of 65 events is spread out over 24 days in 14 different piazzas. You’re bound to find one that suits your style! View more details on the official website.
