Christmas in Tuscany is a wonderful time of year. As a traditionally predominantly Catholic country, the festive season is particularly important and widely celebrated and there are lots of traditions of partake in. Food, of course, is a big part of this and there is always something good to eat at this time of year in Tuscany, whether that be one of the many regional Christmas sweets or partaking in a Christmas day feast of savoury delights. There are also plenty of beautiful Christmas markets dotted in cities and towns all around the region, presepi (live cribs) that can be visited, Santa's grottoes and meetings with Befana (the kindly witch who traditionally performs Santa's job in Italy) and local traditions and events. In addition to all of this, the twinkling lights and decorations make beautiful Tuscany even more lovely.
What are you waiting for? If you are thinking of spending Christmas abroad this year, Tuscany is the perfect destination and here are some of the best Tuscan cities in which to spend the festive season.
Florence
Florence, as the capital, is an obvious choice. As it is bigger, there is more of everything to choose from such as stores and restaurants, and, markets. Florence is, in fact, the best Tuscan city to hit up for a variety of excellent markets. One of the most famous Christmas markets in Tuscany is the Weihnachtsmarkt, located in Piazza Santa Croce. Based on the style of Christmas markets you can find in Germany, it offers everything you would want from a typical festive market, all with a distinctive Tuscan twist on the model. Other markets worth mentioning include: the Natale è Oltrarno market, which is a little more removed from the beaten tourist track and offers something more authentic; and Florence Noel, located in the old train station of Stazione Leopolda Firenze, which boasts a wide range of things to see, do and purchase there. There are also many more markets and events all around the city during the festive season but for the Tuscan Christmas market experience, find a vacation rental in Florence.
Of course, there are plenty of other wonderful cities in Tuscany with plenty to offer a visitor travelling during the Christmas period. Be sure to read on to the following posts in this series for more of our highlights and picks.
Florence
Florence, as the capital, is an obvious choice. As it is bigger, there is more of everything to choose from such as stores and restaurants, and, markets. Florence is, in fact, the best Tuscan city to hit up for a variety of excellent markets. One of the most famous Christmas markets in Tuscany is the Weihnachtsmarkt, located in Piazza Santa Croce. Based on the style of Christmas markets you can find in Germany, it offers everything you would want from a typical festive market, all with a distinctive Tuscan twist on the model. Other markets worth mentioning include: the Natale è Oltrarno market, which is a little more removed from the beaten tourist track and offers something more authentic; and Florence Noel, located in the old train station of Stazione Leopolda Firenze, which boasts a wide range of things to see, do and purchase there. There are also many more markets and events all around the city during the festive season but for the Tuscan Christmas market experience, find a vacation rental in Florence.
Of course, there are plenty of other wonderful cities in Tuscany with plenty to offer a visitor travelling during the Christmas period. Be sure to read on to the following posts in this series for more of our highlights and picks.
