Christmas and New Year in Lucca: all the events scheduled in December
Christmas: what a wonderful word. I can already see the illuminated windows, the small nativity scenes set up in the churches among the candles, the sweetness and the scent of the cookies that bake in the oven.
Christmas turns everything different even in Lucca: every square, every street, every stairway. The historical walls bordered by maples are more evocative than ever. The cafes in the center are red-colored, full of bows and wreaths, and going shopping is a real pleasure.
If you are in Lucca in December, you will appreciate a rich schedule of events, which starts mid-December and ends on January 1 with a big New Year's party in the main square. If you want an excuse to come to Lucca during the Christmas and New Year period, here's what you need.
DECEMBER EVENTS IN LUCCA
7 – 8 – 9 December
The Santa Claus Factory
Take your children to the Santa Claus Toys Factory set up in the Casa del Boia in Lucca. Kids and children can write down their letter to Santa and play with wood, polystyrene, paper and other recycled materials.
7 – 8 – 9 December
IL DESCO - Flavors and knowledge on show
A not-to-be-missed free admission event held in the Real Collegio in the historic center. A showcase of food products of the highest quality, brought by 73 selected exhibitors in the area, plus a series of interesting events and workshops. For example, on the 7th you can learn to make objects in olive wood or to make fresh pasta with chestnuts. Saturday the 8th you will see how to set up the table and taste the oil. Sunday the 10th, try champagne, sushi and sake. For more information: http://www.ildesco.eu/
8 – 9 December
PreGustando il Natale 2018 - Art, Flavor & Co.
Small fair of gifts, with unique decorations, handicrafts, little ideas, all accompanied by beer, sausages, strudel and Tuscan dishes to dine.
8 – 9 / 15 – 16 December
Santa's Little House
The Casermetta di San Paolino will host Santa Claus, who will meet children, join the pictures and receive the letters. For those who want to help children in need, there will be a special collection of used dresses and games in good condition.
15 – 16 December
Antiques Fair
A not-to-be-missed monthly appointment with 230 exhibitors from all over Italy: take the opportunity to buy really unusual Christmas gifts. Search among the antique and unique objects. The market will be set in Piazza S. Giusto, Piazza Antelminelli, square of the Church of San Giovanni, Piazza del Duomo and in the streets adjacent to these squares.
15 December
TEDxLUCCA
Piazza dei Servi in Lucca hosts, from 2 pm to 7 pm, one of the most important training events in the world: the TED. The theme is "Time has run out": we cannot waste more time if we want to save our planet. Nine experts will talk about biodynamic agriculture and environmental sustainability.
16 December – 7 January
Fiat Pax! A Small Renaissance Nativity Scene of the Artillery of the Walls
To enter the Christmas mood, the Association of Lucca Historica Lucense sets up a wonderful, small Renaissance-style nativity scene in the Underground of the S. Frediano platform, in the city walls.
16 December
Natale a 4 zampe
Visit Piazza S. Frediano to attend an event full of sweetness for adults and children: with abandoned animals looking for a new home and Santa Claus with a sleigh ready to meet the children.
21 – 23 December
RiECO il Natale 2018
If you run out of ideas for gifts, you can visit this little cute exhibition of craft, recycled and reused products in Villa Bottini, right next to Hotel Ilaria. Over 70 exhibitors, music and lots of Christmas magic.
Join also the Gift Day: bring a gift for the poor children of Lucca and the local associations will give it to the disadvantaged children.
30 December
Flying Run
If you are fond of running, attend the special race in the center of Lucca, starting from Loggiato Palazzo Pretorio - Real Collegio. The competitive version will be 10 km, while the non-competitive 5 km is perfect for families and those who just want to have fun.
31 December – 1 January 2019
New Year in the square
We celebrate the arrival of the New Year in Piazza San Martino, with music and DJset, to toast in company under the magnificent starry sky of Lucca.
