Christmas Markets in Tuscany

Whilst Tuscany isn’t quite as renowned as other regions in northern Italy for Christmas markets, the region offers plenty of interesting events during the festive season, particularly in Arezzo and Florence.

Christmas markets in Tuscan villages

In Tuscany, traditions aren’t consigned to a forgotten past but are deeply cherished and lived by local people.

Among these is the Yule log ceremony, which, despite having disappeared from homes due to modern lifestyles so different from those once common in the Tuscan countryside, can still be found in certain parts of the region on Christmas Eve, such as in Abbadia San Salvatore. Each year, a remarkably ancient and atmospheric ceremony takes place here, during which a large log is set ablaze, from which smaller torches are then lit. Though there’s no written evidence, it’s said this ceremony was practised even before the year 1000.

An even more curious tradition, held in Minucciano, is the construction of so-called “Natalecci”: imposing structures that can reach up to twenty metres in height in some cases, which are set on fire on Christmas night. According to local legend, the Natalecci light the path for the Christ Child as he descends to earth to save mankind from original sin.

Other places offering atmospheric Christmas markets in Tuscany include Montepulciano, Pisa, Lucca, Marina di Carrara, Pietrasanta, Livorno, Filettole, Verciano and Porciano di Lamporecchio.

Christmas markets in Florence

Christmas in Florence is a magical occasion: not only are traditions dating back to the Renaissance revived, but every piazza, village and street is decorated according to the tastes of the shopkeepers who run their businesses there. Even on the coldest and wettest of days, joy and cheerfulness are very much in evidence here: people flock to artisans’ shops to buy handmade gifts, such as jewellery, porcelain, leather goods and shoes.

Alongside concerts and Masses held in churches frescoed by the great artists of the past, another unmissable spectacle is the play of lights that takes place on the Ponte Vecchio. At regular intervals, the monument that symbolises the Tuscan city is illuminated on one side in blue, pink and green, whilst on the other a particularly striking optical effect is created with yellow and pink. The statues on the Ponte Santa Trinità are also lit in blue, while the entire waterfront comes alive with colourful lights.

Numerous Christmas markets in Florence can be found not only in the city’s most important squares, but also along its streets. The most renowned is the Weinachtsmarkt, the typical German Christmas market from Heidelberg, one of Germany’s oldest, which takes place every year in Piazza Santa Croce. In addition to plenty of gift ideas, you can also enjoy specialities such as beer, sauerkraut and würstel. Among the events not to be missed are performances for children, concerts and events organised by the flag-wavers of Florence‘s football club.

Another particularly charming Christmas market, held every year in Piazza Santa Maria Novella in front of the basilica, is the Scottish Christmas market, which celebrates the friendship between Florence and Edinburgh. This particularly distinctive market offers typical Scottish products such as kilts and other clothing, spirits and tea.

Christmas markets in Arezzo

Speaking more specifically of Christmas markets, the most atmospheric and unmissable is undoubtedly that of Arezzo: a village with dozens of stalls, a Ferris wheel and wonderful festive lights. In recent years its reputation has grown enormously, and indeed all the weekends in December right through to Epiphany are absolutely packed.

In the Palazzo della Confraternita, a Father Christmas village is also set up, where children can have fun in workshops designed specially for them and along magical pathways that capture the beauty and magic of Christmas.