Christmas in Tuscany: embrace the magic

Se desideri vivere appieno il Natale in Toscana, soggiorna all'Hotel Ilaria di Lucca. Il nostro hotel, avvolto dalle mura cinquecentesche della città, ti permette di abbandonarti alla magia del centro storico vestito a festa, regalandoti momenti unici. Le altre splendide località toscane si raggiungono facilmente, aprendoti un mondo incantato in questo periodo.
Scopri i nostri consigli per un indimenticabile soggiorno natalizio in Toscana.

Lucca's festive season officially kicks off on Saturday, November 25th, as the dazzling lights of the majestic tree and enchanting art installations illuminate the city, with the mayor and official representatives in attendance. This year marks a special occasion as the festive glow will extend to every nook and cranny of the city, including Ponte a Moriano, Santa Maria a Colle, San Vito, and Santa Maria del Giudice.

Christmas markets won't grace the city until December 8th, when the iconic stalls will fill Piazza San Francesco, providing a delightful space for Christmas shopping, to find unique gifts for loved ones. Beneath the arches of Palazzo Pretorio, a bustling market featuring handcrafted nativity scenes and Christmas decorations awaits, accompanied by a captivating exhibition of nativities. At the same time, Piazza Napoleone will host the traditional winter fair from December 8th to January 6th.

Additional markets will spring to life in the Sant’Angelo district on December 2nd and 3rd and December 8th. In Ponte a Moriano, classic stalls showcasing clothing, delicacies, and thoughtful gift ideas will be ready for exploration from November 26th onward.

Nativity scenes are a cherished Christmas tradition in Tuscany. Alongside live nativity re-enactments in mediaeval villages, the region showcases numerous artistic displays, such as the nativity in San Miniato along the Via Francigena, with original interpretations created by local and international artists.
The terracotta nativity scene in Petroio is particularly notable, representing Tuscan craftsmanship at its finest and offering a beautiful view into the spirit of Christmas through the work of dedicated artisans.

Tuscan cities, already magnificent in their own right, shine with new life during the Christmas season, with sparkling lights and decorations transforming every corner into a small treasure. In Lucca, the Renaissance walls light up, adding a magical touch to the city’s skyline.
In December, Florence becomes a true Christmas gem: the most beloved streets in the centre, such as Via Calzaiuoli, Piazza della Repubblica, and Via Tornabuoni, are adorned with elegant gold and silver lights. Shop windows display enchanting scenes, perfect for enjoying a fairytale atmosphere, even without making a purchase. The majestic Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo is a must-see, lit every year on December 8th. A visit to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), with its magnificent frescoes in the Dome, makes a stay in the city even more memorable.
Siena, with its artisanal markets and mediaeval charm, and Pisa, with the famous illuminated Campo dei Miracoli, complete the Tuscan Christmas spectacle, each offering delightful snapshots of festive joy.

At Christmas, Tuscany, famously renowned as a cradle of food and wine culture, becomes even more enticing for food lovers. Holiday sweets in particular are delicious treats that are both irresistible and delightful indulgences. Among the most popular are ricciarelli, soft almond biscuits originating from Siena, with a touch of exotic spices. Their soft texture and unmistakable fragrance make them a delicious delicacy enjoyed throughout the region.
Another Christmas speciality is panforte, also from Siena: a dense, rich cake made with candied fruit, almonds, and plenty of honey. The combination of ingredients makes it a warming and satisfying treat, ideal for discerning palates. While found throughout Tuscany, it’s recommended to taste it at a traditional bakery, such as the historic Pasticceria Nannini in Siena.
In the Lucchesia region, you’ll find Befanini, colourful biscuits enjoyed by adults and children alike, popular in Lucca’s province from Garfagnana to Versilia, especially around Christmas and Epiphany. For an authentically Tuscan experience, we recommend pairing these sweets with a glass of Vin Santo, the local dessert wine whose sweet notes enhance the rich flavours of these festive treats.

A stay at Hotel Ilaria in Lucca offers a true Tuscan Christmas experience. Book now and start dreaming of your holiday with us.