Tuscany is not the most famous destination in the world when it comes to Christmas markets and, if you are plan a getaway in and around the Holidays and want to specifically attend a famous Christmas market, it is not the destination that many would necessarily recommend. However, if you want to plan a festive break and include a visit to some lovely Christmas markets, then a holiday in Tuscany is definitely a great fit. Not only are there some really nice markets to visit but Tuscany is wonderful at this time of the year! Picturesque historic town centres are made prettier by the addition of lights and decorations while cities like Florence and Pisa are also more beautiful when decorated for the season but also have a diverse calendar of seasonal delights and events. There are endless delicious seasonal treats to eat and drink, cheer just permeates everything, wonderful local Tuscan crafts that are steeped in tradition and are incredibly high-quality can be purchased as extra-special gifts, and much more besides. So, if you want to enjoy all of this while attending some really charming Christmas markets, then here are the 2025-2026 dates for some of Tuscany’s most beloved examples...
Città del Natale Christmas Market
Arezzo
15th of November 2025 – 6th of January 2026
This is probably the biggest and best Christmas market in Tuscany and actually deserves to be a lot more famous internationally than it is. While it doesn’t have the big name recognition of some of Europe’s more illustrious Christmas markets, it has so much to offer, all set within the picturesque surroundings of the beautiful historic centre of Arezzo.
There is a Tyrolean-style Christmas market, the core of the event, in the Piazza Grande each year. From the pretty Alpine-style wooden huts, there are creators from Italy as well as from Tyrol, Austria, and Germany selling hand-crafted wooden objects, Christmas decorations, homewares, gifts, clothes, toys, beer, Tyrolean food, sweets, and more. Open from 10am until 9pm pretty much daily throughout the entire season, it is a place full of festive charm and interesting wares.
However, in addition to the market, the Christmas event in Arezzo takes over the whole town and also offers more market stalls in Piazza San Jacopo and Piazza Risorgimento, a special art market, an ice-skating rink, Santa’s House, lights all through the town, a special light event and walk through Il Prato Park, and more. You can also pay into a big Christmas extravaganza at the old Medici Fortress from Thursday to Sunday. A majority of the events and attractions are free entry though, so you really get a lot of bang for your buck!
We think that this might actually be the most underrated Christmas destination in Europe so if you want to get ahead of the crowd and your friends and family, then we suggest booking a vacation rental in Arezzo this Holiday Season!
Siena
5th to the 7th of December 2025
Located in the iconic central piazza of the medieval city of Siena where the famous Palio horse race takes place each year, this is Siena’s biggest annual Christmas market. Traditionally held over the first weekend in December, it sees over 160 exhibitors set up stalls selling everything from handmade Christmas decorations to toys, designer good to local food products, wine to homewares.
Exhibitors come from all over Italy and there is a really wonderful array of things to browse, ensuring you’ll find some special gifts! If you’re thinking about staying in a villa in Siena around this time of the year, it is definitely worth swinging by for a leisurely stroll about – a perfect way to enjoy a festive weekend in the run up to the season.
Florence
22nd of November - 21st of December 2025
Another of the most beloved and well-known Christmas markets in Tuscany, this traditional German-style market is held in the piazza in front of the Basilica di Santa Croce each year, transforming it into a pretty little Alpine village in the middle of Florence. Over fifty wooden stalls will fill the historic centre of the Birthplace of the Renaissance with the scents and sounds of Christmas. There will be artisanal crafts and foods presented by sellers from all across Europe, giving visitors a chance to browse everything from Christmas ornaments and gifts to candles to clothes to culinary delights, and more.
In addition, the atmosphere is made even more special and magical by the various entertainments that will also be taking place in the piazza such as live music, carol singing, traditional flag-waving performances by costumed troops, and a whole calendar of exciting events, especially for the little ones. Santa’s House will also be at the market, so kids will have a chance to see the big man himself.
With free admission, the market will be open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 11pm, giving you plenty of opportunity to visit if you book a holiday rental in Florence during the Holiday Season.
Lucca
22nd of November 2025 - 6th of January 2026
While the full details have not yet been released for this year, Lucca’s Christmas market and celebration event will likely follow similar patterns to previous years. Centred around the lovely Piazza Napoleone in this pretty medieval city, it typically features a market selling local foodie delights and products alongside an array of crafts, Christmas goods, gifts, toys, and more from sellers from all over Italy. Local artisan markets and other themed markets will also take place in other piazze throughout the season.
Particular care is always made with the beautiful lights and projection displays in Lucca, transforming the already lovely city into a truly magical place. Music is also key to the city's Christmas celebrations, with concerts, choirs, and live music of all kinds taking place in churches, old palaces, piazze, and various other venues and events throughout the season. Ice-skating will be possible in the Ice Park on the famous old walls of the city and Santa will also be in residence so you’ll be able to bring the kids along to meet him in his village.
For more details, keep an eye on the local government’s website in the coming weeks but it is sure to be another wonderful festive season in town for anyone who books a villa in Lucca this Christmas!