December in Tuscany and Umbria is a time of festive celebrations, cultural events, and winter charm. Here’s an updated guide to the region’s highlights for December 2024:

Christmas Markets and Festivities in Tuscany and Umbria 

•Arezzo: The National Antique Fair is scheduled for December 7-8, 2024. Additionally, the Arezzo Christmas Market will run from November 23 to December 24, 2024, offering daily events for all ages.

Christmas Markets and events up to December 29: https://mercatininatalearezzo.it/

by the occasion stop by the bar Vestri on the way to Arezzo for the best chocolate treats and Panettoni!

•Assisi: Commemorating 801 years since St. Francis’s first nativity scene in 1223, Assisi will host special celebrations throughout December 2024.  From December 7 to January 6, the Christmas market and various events will be detailed on the official website. https://www.nataleassisi.it/

•Castel Rigone, Perugia: The Christmas Market  1, 7, 8, 15  from 2.00 PM to 8.00 PM will be open at Borgo Medievale.

•Cetona: The Olive Oil Festival is set for December 6-8, 2024, celebrating the region’s renowned olive oil with tastings and local products.

•Chianciano Terme, Siena: Experience the Santa Claus Village at Terme Sant’ Elena throughout December 2024. Details are available on the official website.

•Chiusi, Siena: Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2024, in the main piazza of the old town.

•Civita di Bagnoregio: The living nativity scene will be presented on December 26, 30, and January 1, 6, and 7, 2025.

•Corciano: Celebrating the 41st anniversary of the Nativity scene, events will commence on December 8, 2024.

•Città della Pieve: From December 1, 2024, to January 6, 2025, enjoy Christmas markets and family events. The Monumental Nativity Scene will be open from December 25 to January 6.

•Cortona: From December 1, 2024, to January 7, 2025, the town will host various events, including markets and cultural activities. The National Archaeological Museum is also a must-visit during this period.

•Florence: The Ferris wheel at Cascine Park will operate from December 8, 2024. The Weihnachtsmarkt at Piazza Santa Croce will run until December 17, 2024.

•Gubbio: The Christmas Land festivities will begin on December 8, 2024, featuring the lighting of the world’s largest Christmas tree at 6:00 PM in Piazza 40 Martiri.

•Lake Trasimeno: From December 8 to 28, 2024, witness the largest Christmas tree on water. The “Luci sul Trasimeno” events will offer various activities.

•Montepulciano: The Christmas market will be open until January 7, 2025. Notable events include https://nataleamontepulciano.it/:

•December 8: Ensemble performance by Istituto Musica Hans Werner Henze at Ex Macelli at 9:15 PM.

•December 15: Christmas carols by Istituto Musica Hans Werner Henze and Orchestra Poliziana at Chiesa del Gesù at 5:00 PM.

•December 16: Toscana Gospel Festival at Chiesa del Gesù at 9:15 PM. TBC

•Orvieto: The city will host over sixty events coordinated by the municipality, including:

•The Tree of Light at St. Patrick’s Well.

•A large luminous Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo.

•Magic Palaces and nativity scenes in the Medieval Quarter.

•A market in Piazza della Repubblica.

•The Santa Claus Village in Ciconia.

•Umbria Jazz Winter from December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025.

•Pienza: From December 6-8, 2024, the historic center will feature fifty stalls offering unique gifts and local products. Events include:

•December 6: Inauguration of the “Mater dei” exhibition at Salomone Piccolomini Palace.

•December 7: Performances by the Trasimeno Gospel Choir around the center.

•San Gimignano: The Christmas Market will take place on December 6-8, 2024, at Piazza Duomo from 9:00 AM.

•Siena: Festivities include:

•Santa Claus House at Palazzo Papesse with workshops for children.

•An ice rink and other attractions at La Lizza Gardens, alongside a Christmas market for hobbyists.

•December 7, 2024, at 4:00 PM: Activities for children, including a guided tour with a treasure hunt.

•December 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM: Christmas tree decoration with the children of the 17 Contrade.

•Valiano di Montepulciano, Siena: On December 14-15, 2024, the Christmas Market at the Castle will feature wine and food tastings, local events for kids, and live music from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Additional Highlights

•Thermal Spa Retreats: Relax in hot springs such as Bagno Vignoni and Saturnia, offering naturally warm mineral waters amidst scenic views.

Here are the events in Chianciano (ask our code of il Fontanaro for an immediate discount) https://www.termechianciano.it/natale-e-capodanno-2024-alle-terme-di-chianciano

•Truffle Hunting and Tasting: Join truffle hunting excursions in Umbria, followed by tastings paired with local wines.