Christmas markets in Tuscany you’ll love this year
A handpicked list of Christmas markets in Tuscany to get into the festive spirit this holiday season.
Christmas markets are a tradition Italy has imported from Austria and Germany, where the markets have a long and illustrious history; however, they had such success it is now possible to see some lovely ones without having to cross the Alps!
The largest concentration of Christmas markets in Italy is on the Dolomites (Bolzano province) but if you are in Tuscany, you don’t have to go that far to dip into the Christmas spirit as you may well find there is a market near you!
On this page, you find a list of the best Christmas markets in Tuscany you can enjoy this holiday season.
Dates and specifics of announced Christmas markets come from the organizers of the markets and are subject to change. Always check official event sites for the most up to date info.
Arezzo Christmas market
- When: 16 November – 29 December 2024 Thursday to Sunday
- Where: Piazza Grande, Arezzo
- Official site: Mercatino Natale Arezzo Official Site
Arezzo is home to one of the biggest Tyrolean style markets in Italy, the biggest of all, according to its organizers.
The market takes place in beautiful Piazza Grande, which is an incredible backdrop for it, with its historical building overlooking its large expanse and has stalls and vendors from Italy, Germany and Austria, offering products and specialties from their respective areas.
The market is made of a Tyrolean Village with huts selling crafts and food treats, it host Santa’s House (Casa di Babbo Natale), and light show. In the same area this year they have a Lego Brick House with Christmas theme, inside Palazzo della Fraternita’ on Piazza Grande.
This is one of the best Christmas markets in Tuscany for size and quality
Arezzo is a lovely town to use as a base to see Tuscany or can be reached from Florence in a little over 1 hour by car.
Montepulciano Christmas market
- Where: Piazza Grande, Montepulciano
- When: 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 November 2024. Then 1, 6-8, 14, 15 December. Then 21 Dec 2024 – 6 January 2025.
- Official site: https://nataleamontepulciano.it/
Montepulciano is one of the prettiest towns in Tuscany in all season and also a fantastic place to visit in the holiday season thanks to its lovely Christmas market that lights up its main square during the darkest days of winter.
The Montepulciano Christmas markets takes place in stunning Piazza Grande and involves a large Christmas Village of wooden huts selling crafts and food and a something special for kids: Santa’s Castle (Castello di Babbo Natale) with lots of hands on a activities and, of course, the chance to meet the Big Man Himself.
In Italian we call him Babbo Natale and you can learn about him here.
Montepulciano is a fantastic town and I highly recommend a visit. You can read here >>> my guide to Montepulciano to help you plan your visit.
Montepulciano is easy to reach by car from Siena in about 1 hour by car and Florence in about 1.5 hours by car.
Lucca Christmas markets
- Where: Piazza Napoleone / Lucca town center, Lucca
- When: 26 November 2024 – 6 January 2025
Lucca is one of the best places to visit in Tuscany with kids and also a good destination for stay of a day trip during the Christmas season, when the town hosts a pretty Christmas markets and even an ice rink.
What makes the Christmas markets in Lucca special is that the town doesn’t only have one market but several, which make the whole town center feel and look festive.
The markets have huts selling crafts and food and have dedicated areas for artisan stalls (mercatino dell’artigianato) and local delicacies.
Babbo Natale / Santa is expected to meet kids in Piazza Napoleone when they will also be able to hand deliver their letter.
You can find here >> my guide to Lucca with kids
Christmas market in Florence
- Where: Piazza Santa Croce, Florence
- When: 21 November – 17 December
If you find yourself in Florence and Christmas, you’ll be happy to hear the city also hosts a small but cute Christmas markets that add a touch of Christmas magic to the already beautiful Piazza Santa Croce.
The market is made of wooden huts with food and crafts (food includes not just Christmas staples like mulled wine but also local cheese and Tuscan specialties) and of course the chance for kids to meet Santa.
As well as the market, Florence has several festive initiatives this year such as the lighting of the tree in Piazza Duomo, usually accompanied by suitable excitement, music, and even a small parade, a light show and you can even find an ice rink in Fortezza del Basso.
Empoli
- When: 16 November 2024 – 12 January 2025 (selected dates, see the official site below)
- Where: Piazza della Vittoria / Piazza Farinata degli Uberti
- Official site: https://www.empolicittadelnatale.it/
Not far from Florence, the lesser known town of Empoli also offers a wonderful Christmas market called ‘Citta’ del Natale’.
Empoli Christmas market is a big event: as well as the traditional stalls, the organisers promise a carousels for kids, a ‘mattoncini village’ (mattonicini are like lego bricks), snow (!), Christmas tourist train, Santa’s house, parades, light show and more.
Empoli is less than 1 hour by car from Florence and can be a great opportunity to see how Italy is off the tourist track!
Something special: Christmas at Castelfalfi
- Where: Castelfalfi
- When: 8, 9, 10 December
- Official site: https://www.castelfalfi.com/news/christmas-at-castelfalfi
Christmas at Castelfalfi is a special Christmas in the medieval borgo / resort of Castelfalfi (Montaione) and involved Christmas markets, performances, live music, street food and a plethora of activities for kids such as pony rides, puppet show and of course a the chance to meet Santa!
Good to know! If you are not staying in Castelfalfi, this area is also where you find one of my very favorite places in Tuscany: Tenuta Chiudendone. I highly recommend you check it out as a place to stay, it’s a gorgeous property with lovely accommodation , grounds, views and hosts!
Other Christmas markets in Tuscany you may like
At the time of writing, not all Christmas markets in Tuscany have been confirmed. Based on previous years however, the following towns can be worth keeping an eye on: Siena, Montecatini Terme, Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, Abbadia San Salvatore, Cortona, Greve in Chianti.
Spending Christmas in Italy? You may also like:
The best places to visit in Italy in December
Italian Christmas eve traditions and foods
How to wish Merry Christmas in Italian
How to wish Happy New Year in Italian
The best Christmas markets in Tuscany – pin this!
Marta Correale
Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate from the University of Rome, Marta channeled her passion for culture and travel into the creation of family travel websites that inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way. Marta also manages the thriving online community of parents 'Italy with kids' who turn to her for expert advice and competent Italy travel planning support. She is the author of the travel guides 'Best of Rome with kids' and 'Best of Florence with kids' available on Amazon and of an array of kids printables (scavenger hunts, info booklets etc) available on her Etsy shop 'Mama Loves To Print'
