ENCHANTED YULETIDE VILLAGES OF ITALY

Looking for the best in small town festive fun this holiday season? Then look no further!

The breathtaking regions of Umbria and Tuscany truly shine with festive cheer during the holiday season. Many towns and attractions offer a diverse array of magical experiences for both residents and travelers. Here’s my fifth annual Christmas Fun Guide, packed with valuable information to help make your holiday season joyful, cozy, and celebratory. This year’s edition features exciting activities in the big cities as well as some yuletide adventures further afield. If you’re keen on experiencing Christmas the Italian way, don’t forget to explore my post on Christmas in Italy.

Now, climb aboard my holiday sleigh and let’s visit my towns for Christmas 2024:

Citta della Pieve, Umbria.

Nestled atop a picturesque hill, the enchanting town of Citta della Pieve, a place I feel incredibly fortunate to call home, is ready to share a heartfelt message of peace this Christmas season. Allow yourself to be embraced by the magic of this charming locale as it transforms into “The City of Christmas”! With its beautifully adorned streets and cozy cobblestone pathways, Citta della Pieve becomes a warm beacon of joy and tranquility for all who gather to celebrate the festive spirit.

At the heart of the piazza stands a magnificent 9-meter Christmas tree, casting a spell of awe and wonder. One of the town’s most beloved traditions, the Lighting of the Tree, will take place on December 8th at 17:00. As the majestic tree comes alive with a myriad of shimmering lights, the air will be filled with the enchanting melodies of traditional and Christmas songs, gracefully performed by the Polifonica Pievese.

Each night, beginning December 8th, a delightful surprise awaits, delivered by the town’s grand interactive advent calendar, positioned in front of the town well at the foot of Via Vannucci. Indulge in delicious Elfish delicacies at the outdoor Elf Restaurant, and let the whimsical Ludobus fill your heart with joy and laughter as you sip your treats (Weekends only). Be sure to visit the delightful Santa Claus house nearby, radiating warmth and cheer.

But the festivities don’t conclude there! Throughout December, free concerts, theatrical performances, and mesmerizing magic shows will abound. Check with the tourist office for the ever-evolving program of events.

And, of course, do not overlook the iconic Monumental Presepe of Città della Pieve! This cherished tradition, tracing its roots back to 1957, invites you on a captivating journey through the evocative underground vaults of Palazzo della Corgna, revealing the enchanting tale of the birth of Jesus. You can immerse yourself in this magical atmosphere every deay from December 25th to January 6th.

Join us in Città della Pieve this holiday season, an ideal destination to immerse yourself in festive cheer. With all the enchanting towns accessible within an hour by car or train, it’s a fantastic base for day trips to Rome and Florence. If you wish, you can even enjoy a couple of nights up north, as the train from Chiusi will take you to Milan. Reserve your holiday stay at one of our many beautiful options, including our stunning Grove Cottage.

Castiglione del Lago, Umbria.

Visit Castiglione del Lago to see the Luci sul Trasimeno, the largest Christmas tree in the world, shining on Lake Trasimeno. Stretching 1000 meters, it is adorned with numerous lights, creating a festive atmosphere. Walking through this display offers a joyful experience, and the event provides a full winter wonderland vibe.

At the majestic Rocca del Leone, revelers can immerse themselves in festive performances and stunning light displays, providing entertainment for all ages. Additionally, patrons may explore the delightful Christmas market, where unique treasures and traditional delicacies await discovery.

For those with a spirit of adventure, don your skates and glide gracefully across the charming ice rink! And if you crave a bird’s-eye view of the enchanting landscape, ascend the ferris wheel to witness the beauty of Luci sul Trasimeno from above. Delightful events will unfold from December 7th, 2024, to January 6th, 2025.

Orvieto, Umbria.

In the enchanting town of Orvieto, let yourself be embraced by a warm atmosphere filled with holiday cheer, cultural gems, and delightful culinary delights. As you gaze upon the breathtaking Tree of Light nestled in the Well of San Patrizio and wander through the medieval quarter adorned with whimsical cribs, you can’t help but feel touched by the beautiful artistic illuminations and the heartwarming story behind Pinturicchio’s “Il Bambin Gesù delle Mani.” Be sure to visit the festive Christmas market, where the joyous melodies of the Umbria Jazz Winter festival will uplift your spirits and bring smiles to your heart. These loving celebrations commence on November 29th, 2024, and continue to spread happiness until January 6th, 2025.

Assisi, Umbria.

Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, offers a truly enchanting experience during the holidays. Immerse yourself in the magical transformation as the Basilica of San Francesco sparkles with stunning Christmas lights. Take a delightful stroll through the narrow alleys of the medieval town center and explore the treasure trove of unique artisan shops. Here, you will find an abundance of handmade crafts and local products, each carrying the charm of Assisi. Don’t miss the famous living nativity scenes that bring the Christmas story to life, This year will be extra special as it’s the 800th anniversary of the first nativity in history, made by Saint Francis in Greece in 1223. Marvel at the beautiful Christmas tree and decorations adorning the streets, and be captivated by the enchanting projections on buildings. As you wander through the town, you may even encounter joyful carollers spreading holiday cheer. According to the official event website, this year’s edition of the Assyrian Christmas Market will take place from Dec 7, 2024 – Jan 6, 2025.

Just a short drive from Assisi lies the picturesque town of Spello, where Christmas delivers its own special magic. From December 8th, join the festivities and enter a world filled with vibrant lights and joyful music. A highlight of the season is the Spello Splendens Festival, which takes place from December 28th to January 5th and promises a celebration of Renaissance Christmas music, featuring the enchanting sounds of bagpipes, flutes, and carols.

Montepulciano, Tuscany.

“Christmas in Montepulciano.” From November 16th only on the weekends until December 20th then everyday until the 7th of January 2025, you can embark on a delightful journey at one of Italy’s loveliest Christmas markets. Wander through the charming wooden chalets in the picturesque town of Piazza Grande and at nightfall be captivated by the spectacle of lights and animations projected onto the buildings. And of course, make sure to treat your taste buds to the exquisite saffron-infused Panforte, a beloved Tuscan Christmas delicacy.

In Pienza, The piazza of the cathedral is adorned with a magnificent tree and dazzling lights illuminate the streets. However, the true highlight of the season is The Torneo Gioco del Panforte (Tournament Games of the Panforte), a fab event taking place from December 26th to 30th at the Piazza Pio II’s Loggiato del Comune. During this festive competition, teams demonstrate their impressive aim by skillfully tossing Panforte cakes onto a table from a distance of 15 feet. The team that achieves the closest distance to the table’s edge emerges as the victorious champion. Panforte, a delectable disc-shaped Italian fruitcake, holds a special place in the hearts of Italians during the Christmas season.

Arezzo, Tuscany.

Arezzo welcomes the holiday spirit with an annual Christmas calendar of events from mid-November to the first week of January. Arezzo transforms its historic center into a magical winter wonderland.

In the Piazza Grande a Tyrolean Village, made up of wooden chalets, exhibitors from Tyrol, Germany, and Austria showcase their artisan products. Discover wood carvers, sculptors, ceramists, and the creators of hand-painted blown Christmas balls. Feast your senses on delectable typical german and Austrian fare and find unique gifts, fabrics and figurines related to the Nativity scene. While The Prato, a magnificent park above the city, welcomes you with its wooden “houses,” offering local street food, crafts, and traditional products, along with Santa’s grotto and a panoramic ferris wheel and ice skating ring, providing festive dun for all the family.

Arezzo also has much more to offer with interesting museums, history-filled churches adorned with splendid art, a plethora of antique stores and excellent restaurants.

Mark your calendars! The holiday market in Arezzo will run from November 16, 2024, to January 6, 2025. Please note that it is only open from Thursday to Sunday until the Christmas week. This vibrant event is not to be missed, so prepare to dive into the festive spirit and create lasting memories in the charming city of Arezzo.

Cortona, Tuscany.

Cortona is nestled in the picturesque hills of southern Tuscany. From November 30th to January 6th, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of this famous ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ town. The Piazza della Repubblica will captivate you with its mesmerizing light display, highlighting the architectural beauty of the main buildings. Piazza Signorelli hosts a magnificent Christmas tree along with charming craft markets and the captivating “Island of Reflections” installation. This installation, adorned with reflective surfaces, offers the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable holiday photos. And of course, be sure to visit the local Christmas market, where you’ll find a treasure trove of unique handmade gifts and mouthwatering traditional food products.

Spoleto. Umbria.

From December 1st to January 14th, over 80 events will take place, with a special preview on November 29th titled “Spoleto Illuminates Christmas.” This morning at the Town Hall, councilors Danilo Chiodetti and Giovanni Angelini Paroli unveiled the program for “It Happens at Christmas in Spoleto,” organized by the Municipality in partnership with local associations, Proloco, and cultural institutions.

The preview event on Friday, November 29th, coinciding with Black Friday, will kick off at 5:30 PM with the illumination of the grand 13-meter-high Christmas Tree in Piazza Garibaldi. The ceremony will feature a performance by Team Dance, with the exceptional godmother being Olympic rhythmic gymnastics champion Agnese Duranti. Additionally, on November 29th, the city’s Christmas lights will be activated, including a stunning 23-meter luminous Comet in the pedestrian area of Piazza della Vittoria, along with a video mapping display in Piazza della Libertà.

The full schedule of events will commence on Sunday, December 1st, with the opening of the “Frozen Park” ice rink in the former Spoleto-Norcia railway parking lot, which will remain in Spoleto until February 2, 2025.

Gubbio, Umbria.

Gubbio should definitely be on your list if you’re looking to embrace the magic of Christmas. This charming city truly captures the essence of the holiday season, offering a plethora of incredible attractions and events that cater to people of all ages. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as you explore CHRISTMAS LAND, home to vibrant holiday markets, 3D video mapping on the facade of the Palazzo dei Consoli, the fun Ferris wheel and the enchanting living nativity scenes. Gubbio will surely leave a lasting impression on your heart during this joyous time of the year.

Don’t forget to experience the magic of Christmas by visiting the largest Christmas tree in Europe on Mount Ingino. Every year, the slopes of Mount Ingino, just outside the captivating city of Gubbio, are adorned with a breathtaking display of lights in the shape of a Christmas tree. Make sure to witness this mesmerizing sight and let yourself be enchanted by the festive spirit.

Empoli, Tuscany.

Empoli, located just outside of Florence, is another town well worth visiting during the Christmas season. The streets and squares are lit up with decorations and displays along the Empoli promenade. The historical buildings get a new look thanks to video projections and plays of light and Piazza Farinata degli Uberti becomes a winter wonderland during the “great snowfall,” repeated throughout the afternoon and early evening to the delight of tourists and residents alike. And in the Piazza della Vittoria, you’ll find the Christmas market filled with crafts, food, and wine, where you can buy unique gifts or enjoy an excellent hot chocolate. There are also lots of activities for children: from the Magical World of Father Christmas, with Santa’s house and postal service, to the “Brick Village,” where you can build fantastical creations with Lego, and the winter funfair in Piazza Matteotti, complete with an ice-skating rink. Lastly, young and old can climb on board the charming Christmas Train to admire the city all decked out for the holidays.

Todi, Umbria.

In the enchanting city of Todi, Christmas brings a touch of magic that will delight both young and old. Get ready to embrace the joy of the season as you glide across the ice at the ice skating rink or pay a visit to Santa’s house. Don’t miss the bustling Christmas markets and the magical moment when the Christmas tree lights up, filling the air with a sense of wonder.

To explore the full program of Christmas in Todi, including exhibitions, workshops, weekly Christmas concerts, theatrical performances, markets, and family events, please click here. Let the authentic atmosphere of this eagerly anticipated time of year warm your heart and create cherished memories for you and your loved ones.

Abbadia San Salvatore, Tuscany.

In the lovely town of Abbadia San Salvatore, a heartwarming Tuscan Christmas tradition takes place each year. It’s called the ritual of the fiaccole, or Christmas torches. On Christmas Eve, the town is filled with the joyful melodies of shepherds’ songs and the comforting warmth of crackling fires. Both residents and tourists are captivated, transported on a magical journey back in time. This ancient tradition dates back to a time before the year 1000. In the past, people would gather around the abbey and along the enchanting Via Francigena for midnight mass. To guide their way and keep everyone cozy, fires would be lit. Even today, large piles of wood are carefully stacked in front of the historic abbey and in different areas of the town. The entire community comes together in celebration of Christmas. Festivities commence around 6pm with the lighting of a bonfire beneath the municipal offices.

Later, at around 9pm, a group of singers blesses each wood pile as they journey through the streets. The merriment culminates with the opening of wine cellars after the midnight mass. This cherished event truly embodies the spirit of Christmas, fostering a sense of unity and joy. It is a testament to the rich history and unwavering traditions of Abbadia San Salvatore.

Candelara, Le Marche.

Candelara is a charming village located in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, featuring a distinctive historic center encircled by 15th-century walls. During the Christmas season, it hosts one of the most enchanting markets known as “Candles to Candelara,” where candles take center stage. Their glow lights up the entire village, which is adorned with Christmas cribs and iron sculptures, along with the elves’ workshop. In the evenings, the electric lights are turned off, allowing the warm illumination from thousands of flickering candles to take over. This year’s highlights include a mechanized Nativity scene in the Church of Santa Lucia and an eco-friendly pedal carousel for children.

Candelara serves as a fantastic starting point for a delightful Christmas journey in the Marche region. The 2024 market will be held on select dates from November 23 to December 15, featuring numerous events for both adults and children. For more information, please visit the Candelara website.

BIG CITY FUN

Florence.

Florence offers the perfect big-city Christmas adventure and is easily accessible by train from Città della Pieve, making it an ideal choice for a festive day trip. Oh, and from November 18 to December 17, you absolutely must visit the delightful WEIHNACHTMARKT in Piazza Santa Croce. There, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance and discover a wide array of crafts and flavors from various parts of Europe. For the little ones, there is also a delightful program called “The World of Santa Claus” at Villa Montalvo in Campi Bisenzio, running until December 24.

This year, Christmas with Ars Manualis is returning for the third time in a row to Piazza Santa Maria Novella where from the 7th to the 23st of December an array of talented artists, skilled leatherworkers, brilliant ceramicists, masterful wood carvers, creative decorators, skilful textile artisans, talented mosaicists will not only display their creations for sale but also demonstrate their skills.

Also for ceramic lovers, make sure not to miss the Christmas Ceramics Fair on NOVEMBER 3OTH and DECEMBER 1ST. Located at Piazza Ognissanti, this fair offers you the chance to explore the unique creations of 90 contemporary ceramicists from Europe. It’s a true treasure trove for finding that special Christmas gift, so be sure to mark it on your calendar!

Roma.

“Christmas in Rome” is a magical experience, as festive lights and decorations adorn the city’s iconic monuments, restaurants, and shops. Much like Florence, most tourists tend to leave Rome during the week leading up to Christmas, creating ample opportunities for you to capture holiday photos at typically crowded landmarks. While the city’s Christmas markets may be smaller compared to other European cities, they are brimming with unique artisanal products and local treats. The Piazza Navona Christmas market is a highlight, featuring delightful stalls that offer handmade ornaments, sweets, and toys. Additionally, Rome boasts a rich tradition of nativity scenes (presepi), with stunning displays located in churches and public squares across the city.

For a spiritual Christmas in Italy, consider attending Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This profoundly moving ceremony attracts thousands, often led by the Pope, and due to its popularity, booking in advance is essential if you wish to secure a seat inside. Alternatively, if you seek a more tranquil celebration, many local churches offer services, allowing you to embrace the intimate side of Roman Christmas traditions.

Milano.

If you seek to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas in Italy in the city, Milan stands as a splendid choice, brimming with delightful festive activities that will enchant all. Renowned as Italy’s fashion and design capital, Milan reveals its joyous spirit during the holiday season. Throughout the year, The Duomo di Milano mesmerizes visitors, but come Christmas, it transforms into a dazzling spectacle, adorned with Christmas lights and graced by a magnificent tree in the square. Don’t miss the chance to savor panettone, Milano’s traditional Christmas dessert, which has blossomed into a cherished symbol of Christmas across the nation. Once your taste buds have danced with delight over panettone, secure tickets for a Christmas concert at the illustrious Teatro alla Scala. In close proximity, the Mercatino di Natale at Piazza Duomo beckons, renowned as one of the finest Christmas markets in Milan, where exquisite gifts, crafts, and delectable treats await. Be sure to wander through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where breathtaking festive displays and luxurious Christmas shopping await your gaze. If you find yourself in Milan on Christmas Eve, partake in the sacred Midnight Mass at the Duomo or explore the myriad of churches that grace the city. And do not forget to reserve your table for Christmas dinner if dining out is part of your festive plans!

Piedmont and Turin – City of Lights.

If you find yourself in northern Italy, be sure to visit one of the most enchanting Christmas markets in the region, situated in the picturesque town of Govone. This lovely spot is nestled in the hills of the Roero wine region, positioned between Asti and Alba. The Govone castle features more than 70 stalls showcasing an array of Christmas treasures, from tree ornaments to truffles perfect for your holiday feasts.

If you’re eager to experience a snowy Christmas and Torino hasn’t delivered yet, consider heading to Cuneo. You can enjoy the winter charm in places like Limone or venture deeper into the mountains, where numerous quaint villages, many with French names, await. Sestriére, which hosted the Winter Olympics, has everything you would expect from a ski resort town.

Turin transforms its streets with the yearly Luci d’Artista decorations, showcasing 19 artistic light installations created by renowned artists throughout the city center. Additionally, Turin features an extensive Mercatino di Natale, a stunning Christmas market that lines its streets. While you’re there, don’t forget to indulge in one of its famous Bicerin coffees—a delightful blend of espresso, gianduia chocolate (for which the city is well-known), and whipped cream.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, I must emphasize how the timeless architecture of Italy’s ancient towns weaves an ineffable enchantment into the holiday season, a charm that modern settings cannot replicate. With a treasure trove of unique and delightful experiences awaiting, I assure you that a journey to Umbria, Tuscany and beyond this festive season will be nothing short of extraordinary. May this season bestow peace upon the earth and be filled with heartwarming adventures. Buon Natale a tutti!