We love Arezzo at any time of year, but during the Christmas holidays there’s an extra reason to visit this beautiful town in Tuscany. Arezzo becomes one of the top places in Italy to enjoy the Christmas spirit, with splendid Christmas Markets and plenty of events that enliven the town, filled to the brim with the magic of Natale.
Arezzo really takes Christmas to another level! The beautiful Piazza Grande and the town’s park Il Prato turn into wondrous places filled with wooden huts selling artisanal gifts and delicious treats, the atmosphere made special by amazing light shows and decorations. The prodigious illumination, and colourful video mapping of the beautiful palaces in Arezzo’s historic centre seem to reveal the fairy-tale quality of this town.
When is this all happening? Every year, from mid November to 6th January – this year from 16th November 2024 to 6th January 2025.
* Top Inspiring Things to Do in Arezzo
Arezzo Christmas Markets and Magic
Piazza Grande dressed up for Christmas
Arezzo’s main square, Piazza Grande hosts wooden huts selling Christmas decorations and delicious food treats. And every evening, from 5pm until 11pm, creative colourful video mapping turns Piazza Grande and some of the streets in the historic centre into marvellous settings, where every corner becomes a visual marvel.
If you’re in the mood for shopping, you find more market stalls selling local arts and crafts, and food specialities in Piazza San Jacopo and Piazza Risorgimento.
WHERE: Piazza Grande and surrounding streets
WHEN: From 16th November to 6th January, every day from 5pm to 11pm.
Christmas Market at Il Prato, Arezzo’s park
The Prato, the large park that dominates the city from atop a hill, turns into an enchanted village dotted with characteristic wooden houses. Here you find delights all sorts: local street food, artisanal creations, traditional products and original Christmas gifts. Spending some time here is a magical experience, a journey through scents and flavours surrounded by the special Yuledite spirit.
But that’s not all. At Il Prato you find an enchanted wood with light displays that create an immersive Christmas experience at ‘ Bosco delle Emozioni’.
Where: Il Prato
When: from 21st November to 21st December 2024, Thursday to Sunday (open from 3pm on Thursday, and from 10am on weekends until 9pm) – then from 23rd December open every day until 6th January.
Panoramic Wheel at Il Prato
See Arezzo from a unique point of view and ride the panoramic wheel for an amazing experience, where the view is even more magical.
From 16th November to 6th January. Open from Monday to Thursday from 3pm to 11pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 11pm. Ticket: 8 Euro.
Father Christmas at Fortezza in Arezzo
The kids can meet Father Christmas himself at the Fortezza. A mysterious path inside Arezzo’s ancient fortress leads you to Babbo Natale, ready to receive everybody’s request.
You can get the ticket directly at the entrance, no booking needed. Detailed info on the official site Babbo Natale in Fortezza.
* Best Christmas Markets in Tuscany
Author: Sabrina Nesi, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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