Christmas markets in Tuscany, Italy

Waiting for Christmas in Tuscany

The magic of Christmas in Tuscany begins late November, when the town squares and city centres take on a festive feel with markets, fun for kids and a chance to stock up on gifts while getting into the holiday spirit.

Among the many events held in Florence don't miss the Weihnachtsmarkt,the traditional German Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce, back from 30 November to 18 December with its wooden huts, decorations and typical Northern European flavours, such as bretzel, strudel and pork shank.

In Siena, go shopping in the Middle Ages on 3 and 4 December with the advent of Mercato nel Campo,the reconstruction of the huge market that used to be held in Piazza del Campo back in the 1300s, with more than 150 stalls, typical Sienese products and much more. The Cortile del Podestà offers an interesting take on winemaking.

From 5 November to 26 December Chianciano Terme becomes the Paese di Babbo Natale (Father Christmas's Town). Scenes twinkling with lights, trees, stars and projections guide visitors through a spellbinding world and the “Polar Express" train will take little ones on a fun-filled ride around the town. The main event is Father Christmas' home, set up in the park of Sant'Elena with plenty of activities to keep kids occupied.

Montecatini, from 5 November to 8 January, turns into the La Città del Natale (Christmas town): don't miss The House of Father Christmas, the most famous reconstruction of Santa's home in Italy, back at Terme Tettuccio and Terme Tamerici, while Montecatini's mini-golf course becomes “Il Bosco degli Elfi" (The Elves' Wood) and the old town centre of Montecatini Alto (which can be reached on the historic funicular railway) is home to “Il Piccolo Regno Incantato" (The Little Enchanted Kingdom) with lots of fairytale characters.

In Montepulcianothe festivities begin on 19 November, through 8 January, with Villaggio di Natale (The Christmas Village): Piazza Grande, piazzetta Danesi and Via San Donato swarm with wooden huts and themed decorations, with street food, performances and Father Christmas's Castle for the little ones, set up in the medieval fortress.

Don't miss the party in Abbadia San Salvatore, in Monte Amiata, which becomes the Città delle Fiaccole(The Torchlight Town) from 8 December to 8 January, with markets, nativity scenes and children's workshops. The main event is the Notte delle Fiaccole (Night of the Torches) on 24 December, when a large bonfires are lit up along the old streets.

Last but not least, in Palazzuolo sul Senio, in the Upper Mugello, Magie dell'Avvento (Magic of Advent) is back: on 4, 8, 11 and 18 December Piazza IV Novembre comes alive with gift ideas and typical products sold at the various stalls, while 100 Presepi per Palazzuolo (100 Nativity Scenes for Palazzuolo), from 8 December to 6 January, gives you the chance to seek out the various depictions scattered throughout the town's windows, gardens and tiny streets.

You'll find Christmas markets all over Tuscany: in Lucca, Pisa, Marradi, Pietrasanta and many other towns.

Come and visit Tuscany and take a look at the selection of our luxury or bargain price Tuscan properties. At ECSM Property Ltd- we have an extensive database of Italian properties. Our multilingual staff is on hand to assist with finding you a new, luxury or bargain residence in this absolutely beautiful Mediterranean country. For more information and detailed guidance about the Italian Real Estate market, buying procedures, move and mortgage advice- refer to our website www.ecsmproperty.uk.com. We look forward hearing from you.