Christmas in Tuscany: our favorite 2019 markets

Christmas holidays are always a magical time, but Christmas in Tuscany is truly a unique experience. The cities, the small villages and the villas come to life with a special light that seems to envelop residents and tourists.

If you want to treat yourself to a holiday characterized by a typically Christmas atmosphere, you can’t miss the Christmas Markets in Tuscany, which add an even more suggestive touch to this special period. We have selected for you the best Christmas markets in some of the most fascinating Tuscan cities: discover our guide and get ready to be enchanted.

Florence – Christmas Market – Weihnachtsmarkt

Although it has been a tradition in the city that has been renewed every year for years, animating Piazza Santa Croce with the sounds, scents and colors of the typical German markets, the one in Florence is one of the lesser known Christmas markets in Tuscany.

Starting from the last week of November, in this splendid square you will find over 50 exhibitors with food stands or typical handicrafts, in addition to the restaurants that serve dishes, drinks and savors of Northern Europe.
The market, which welcomes over a million visitors each year, is not the only Christmas market in the city of David: in fact, on the weekend of the Immaculate Conception, Piazza Santissima Annunziata hosts the “Fierucola” , the Christmas version of the weekly market dedicated to agriculture and handicrafts of local and ethically sustainable producers and on this special occasion dedicated to associations operating in the social and voluntary sector.

And if the Christmas atmosphere is never enough for you, don’t miss the Babbo Running, a non-competitive run of 5 km in Santa Claus costume, a charity event in which hundreds of Santa Clauses run – each at their own pace – to collect unsettled funds to the Tommasino Bacicotti Foundation and the Mayer Hospital. Meeting point at Piazzale Kennedy on December 8th!

When: November 23 – December 22
Opening Time: Every day from 10am to 10pm
Where: Piazza Santa Croce, Florence
Website: Christmas Markets Florence 2019
Discover our proposals for luxury hotels in Florence and find the perfect accommodation for your Christmas in Tuscany.

Arezzo, the largest Tyrolean market in Italy

The one in Arezzo is “the largest, the only and the original Tyrolean Italian market“, which brings together exhibitors from all over Europe in the picturesque setting of Piazza Grande, with typical products from Tyrol, Germany and Austria. Among so many charming wooden houses, you can discover the flavors of Tyrolean gastronomy or treat yourself (and give) to the most beautiful products of Tyrolean craftsmanship. This year, in addition to the typical stands, you will also find two special houses, one dedicated to beer tasting and the other of Tyrolean desserts. How can you resist?

If it is the culinary aspect of the Christmas in Tuscany that interests you the most, do not miss the great Baita and its dinners, where you can taste typical Tyrolean dishes and beers or experiment with innovative but interesting fusions of Tuscan and Tyrolean cuisine, in a combination of unique flavors.

There will also be space for the little ones’ fun: in the evocative location of the Palace of the Fraternity of the Laity, the home of Santa Claus will come to life, where children and adults can meet Babbo Natale and have fun with a wide range of themed activities, from the writing of the Christmas letter to the realization of the colored balls and many Christmas workshops to discover the magic that only a true home of Santa Claus can evocate.

This year, the Arezzo Christmas Market is not the ideal destination only for lovers of festive atmosphere, but also for Lego enthusiasts: at 100 meters from Piazza Grande, in fact, you will find the Christmas Brick Arezzo, a new Christmas village – over 600 square meters wide – dedicated to the most famous bricks of the World.

When: November 16 – December 26, 2019 [16-17-21-22-23-24-28-29-30 November; 1-5-6-7-8-12-13-14-15-19-20-21-22-23-24-25-26 December]
Opening Time: Thursday from 2pm to 9pm – Friday-Saturday and Sunday 10am-9pm (mountain hut open until 11pm)
Where: Piazza Grande, Arezzo
Website: Christmas Markets Arezzo 2019 
Discover the best hotels where to sleep in Arezzo among our proposals of luxury Relais in Tuscany.

Montepulciano, the Christmas Village

This year, there is no need to go to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus: from November 16th, Santa will meet his small (and grown up) admirers in Montepulciano, in the magnificent setting of the Medieval Fortress. Inside the Castle a real Santa’s House will be recreated, with many events, workshops and activities designed for the little ones.

Not far from Fortezza, the biggest Christmas of Central Italy market is waiting for you. In the magical Piazza Grande and in the adjacent streets, you will find over 80 wooden houses and as many exhibitors from all over Europe, with traditional handicraft products and typical Christmas flavors, along with many events and shows tailored for the whole family.

When: November 16th – January 6th 2020
Opening Time: 10.30-19.30
Where: Centro Storico, Montepulciano
Website: Montepulciano Christmas Markets 2019
Make the most of the magic of the holidays: find the perfect accommodation among our proposals for charming hotels in Montepulciano.

Fucecchio, the Magical Country of Santa’s Parade

On December 1st in Fucecchio open again the doors of Natalia Magic Christmas, the Magical Country of the Parade of Santa Claus by the Contrada Porta Raimonda.
Lights, colors, stands, the elven laboratory for the smallest and most exquisite desserts await you along with Rudolph, the Elves, the Queen of Ice and all the typical characters of the holidays.

Discover the incredible parade through the streets of the city, with Santa Claus riding the reindeer wagon that crosses the center of the country twice a day (at 11.30 and 16.00).
The event closes with a flourish on January 6, with the Volo della Befana in the Chiostro dei Frati.

When: 2-8-9-16-23 December
Opening time: from 10.30am onwards
Where: Chiostro dei Frati – Piazza La Vergine