My first time spending Christmas in Italy did not disappoint! Christmas in Tuscany is a captivating blend of ancient traditions, delicious culinary delights, and colorful illuminated piazzas that bring communities together in a spirit of joy and celebration.
The Christmas season kicks off with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, when towns across Tuscany begin to adorn their streets with twinkling lights and vibrant decorations. Arezzo was nicely decorated as was the town of Castiglione del Lago. Nativity scenes, known as “presepi,” become focal points of the towns, often elaborately crafted to reflect local culture and history.
The holiday spirit is on display at Christmas markets, where visitors can experience the sounds and tastes of Tuscany. Stalls brim with artisanal crafts, handmade gifts, and seasonal delicacies. Traditional treats like panforte, a rich fruitcake, and ricciarelli, soft almond cookies, are must-tries. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine wafts through the air, inviting everyone to indulge in the local flavors of the season. We enjoyed the markets in both Montepulciano and Arezzo, drank mulled wine and purchased some local crafts and sweets to bring home.
In recent years, many Tuscan towns have incorporated beautiful video projections into their Christmas celebrations. Cities like Florence and Arezzo plus towns such as Cortona are known for their spectacular light shows that illuminate historical buildings and public squares. These projections often tell stories of Christmas, showcasing artistic imagery and animations that captivate both locals and visitors. The combination of traditional decorations and visual art creates a magical atmosphere that enchants everyone who walks through the streets. It was definitely worth it for us to stay until after dark in Arezzo and Cortona to catch these beautiful illuminations despite the cold.
