Archive for 'December'

We have been talking a lot lately about the many things that make Tuscany a perfect spot for a Christmas getaway. One of these is her wonderful Christmas markets and, though Tuscany is not necessarily internationally renowned for her Christmas markets, the Tuscan breed is rather special, indeed. This is something that you will quickly realise if you have found a vacation rental in Arezzo and are planning on spending time in this charming medieval town over the Holidays as it is home to what has been described as the “the largest, the only, and the original Tyrolean Italian market”.

Located in the Piazza Grande, Arezzo’s Villaggio Tirolese di Arezzo is the largest in Italy after the one in South Tyrol. So, it may not actually, in truth, be the originator but this hyperbole is merely to extol the particular virtues of this wonderful Christmas market. It sees exhibitors from all over Europe come together and brings the charms of Alpine Italy, Germany, and Austria together through a particularly Tuscan lens.

Thinking of spending Christmas abroad this year? Want to get away from the chaos of the festivities and endless obligations so you can just enjoy yourself over the Holidays? Then why not consider a Christmas getaway in Tuscany? Tuscany is the ideal location for a Christmas break as it boasts pretty towns that are even more picturesque when all dressed up for the festive season, delicious foods that make for excellent Christmas feasts, lots of unique Christmas traditions, and plenty of yuletide cheer. One particularly beautiful Christmas getaway destination in Tuscany is Siena. The charming city of Siena, with its lovely historic centre and penchant for going all out for the Holidays is just about as idyllic a spot as you could get for a very special Christmas. Just find a luxury villa in Siena and get planning the Christmas of your dreams!

Considering getting away this Christmas – escaping the chaos, the in-laws, the dinner preparations, and more – but not sure where to go? Why not think about choosing Montepulciano? It is a beautiful town, famous for its wine, located in lovely Tuscany, surrounded by the most gorgeous scenery, historic and well-preserved, and very peaceful and quiet. Better yet, it is utterly transformed at Christmas and becomes a magical winter wonderland with plenty to keep everyone in the family or in a group of friends happy! If you are looking for a home away from home that is full of Christmas cheer but far removed from your daily routines and responsibilities, then just browse our incredible vacation rentals in Montepulciano and plan a Christmas getaway in Tuscany.

From the 16th of November 2019, right through to the 6th of January 2020, the lovely medieval town of Montepulciano goes crazy for Christmas. A Christmas Village pops up in the Piazza Grande and the cute little wooden huts that make up the town’s Christmas market house various stalls selling all sorts of goods from Christmas ornaments and gifts to local crafts to seasonal treats and snacks to hot drinks of all kinds. Then, at the Poliziana Fortress, Santa Claus takes over for the season and it becomes his castle and the garden plays host to an ice-skating rink.

Italy is famous for her Nativity scenes, or presepi, and Tuscany, in particular, has quite a long and rich tradition of exhibiting some very impressive examples. Many different towns have presepi, sometimes with live animals and actors, sometimes on a large scale, sometimes innovative, sometimes historic and traditional, and sometimes as part of an exhibition of multiple examples. In fact, last year, we wrote a whole guide to the different presepe traditions in Tuscany. However, one town with one of the most beloved and famous of these traditions in recent years has to be Castelfiorentino. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and love Christmas, this magical little Tuscan festive tradition might be your cup of tea.

I don't know about you but my first instinct upon seeing a Christmas cake wouldn't be to throw it! However, in Pienza that's exactly what they do in an annual festive tradition involving Panforte, a typical Tuscan confectionary made at Christmas time. If you're into mad, food-based sporting traditions, then just find a vacation rental in Tuscany, or a vacation rental in Pienza, in particular, and come witness the city's annual Gioco del Panforte.