Christmas Markets in Tuscany

10 days until Christmas. WHOO HOO! It’s gorgeous in Tuscany at this time of the year. The twinkling Christmas lights and the smell of roasting chestnuts add a magical atmosphere to the ancient cities . One our favorite pastimes during this season is visiting the fantastic Christmas Markets, called Mercatini di Natale in Italian. Outdoor stalls pop up everywhere, filled with wonderful goodies of all kinds. You’ll find handmade crafts, ornaments and the most delicious food. We found an excellent guide to all the markets around Tuscany on the Discover Tuscany  site which we thought we would share with you today.

Florence:

In Piazza Santa Croce will start today the classic German Christmas Market, that will go onuntil December 20th from 10.00am to 8.00pm every day. In Piazza Santo Spirito on December 19th there will be the Christmas fair. Added Dec. 10: We just learned there is another Christmas market called Mercanatale on December 12 and 19, in Piazza Tasso at the Leopoldine where you can buy food products made by local producers, including just pressed extra virgin olive oil. Take the best of Tuscany back with you by being direct from the farmer! From mid-morning to late afternoon.

Mugello:

On December 19th you can get to Marradi from Florence by traditional steam engine train. In Palazzuolo sul Senio on December 5th,8th,12th and 19th there will be the Christmas market. There will also be a nice exhibition about the “1000 Nativities of Palazzuolo” until January 6th.

Chianti:

On December 8th,12th and 19th in the particularly shaped Piazza Matteotti in Greve in Chiantithere will be the Christmas market.

Pisa and Lucca:

In the historical center of Pisa the Christmas market will take place under the Logge di Banchi and in Largo Ciro Menotti every day from 9.00am to 12.00am until December 24th.

Lunigiana:

In Aulla the market will take place on December 18th and 19th. In Pontremoli and surroundings there will be on display several beautiful nativity scenes fromDecember 19th to January 9th.

Siena and surroundings:

On December 18th and 19th there will be a nice Christmas market with arts and crafts in Torrita di Siena.