Siena is a magical place to be in December. Twinkly lights. Shops and streets dressed up in Christmas finery. It’s a very inviting atmosphere. And there’s plenty of festive fun to be had too.
From 1st December 2025 to 7th January 2026 Siena celebrates Christmas with events that make the town sparkle even more than usual! Remember, there’s a Christmas market in Piazza del Campo on 6th-8th December with traditional food, music and illuminations.
Siena in December 2025 – Events, Christmas Magic, Things to do
Let there be Light! Siena Christmas Lights
From the 1st December 2025 to 7th January 2026 the medieval streets of Siena are illuminated for Christmas. The masterful decorations fill the historic centre with festive light, creating a truly magical atmosphere: the streets Banchi di Sopra, Banchi di Sotto, and Via di Città host special artistic installations.
The main “Christmas Way” goes from the park Parco della Lizza to the Cathedral, passing through the heart of the town, the magnificent Piazza del Campo. Walk to the Medieval Loggia della Mercanzia (behind Piazza del Campo) and Loggia del Papa, which are designated as focal points for specially curated performances.
Why is the 1st of December a very special day for Siena? On this day the town celebreates its patron saint Sant’Ansano, a martyr of the 3rd century AD who is said to have brought Christianity to Siena.
And of course, you’ll see the Cathedral Square embellished with lights and the huge Christmas tree!
Traditional Market in Piazza del Campo – 6th-7th-8th December 2025
On December 6th, 7th, and 8th, Piazza del Campo hosts the traditional ‘Mercato nel Campo’, a historical reenactment of the 14th-century market. Around 130 stalls will take part – featuring artisans and farmers showcasing the best of local produce (food, artcraft, Christmas decorations, homeware) and the traditions of Siena and its region.
Going to the market in Siena is like turning back the clock to the Medieval period. Just think -Siena’s main square started its life as a marketplace as well as a political power centre. So as you browse among the stalls, you may feel like you’re doing the shopping in the Middle Ages.
Fun for the Family
From December 6th to January 6th, the town’s main park Parco della Lizza hosts the ‘Cittadella del Divertimento’, featuring numerous attractions for youngsters and families, including an ice skating rink, open-air shows, street artists. And there’ll be food trucks with all sorts of treats!
The Christmas Village, set up in the garden of Villa Rubini Manenti (address: Via degli Umiliati), is on from December 13th 2025 to 5th January 2026. Children will meet the long awaited Father Christmas and participate in creative workshops.
Concert on New Year’s Eve in Piazza del Campo
Finally, on December 31st, Piazza del Campo hosts the New Year’s Concert. The magical setting of the square filled with music and festive atmosphere makes the celebration unique. A fabulous light show in the square will complete the spectacle. More music with a DJ set until the early hours.
There’s another reason for Siena to celebrate this year: Siena celebrates the 30th anniversary of its nomination as a UNESCO Heritage site!
Christmas Traditional Delights in Siena
The most famous of all Tuscan Christmas treats come from Siena, and the local pasticcerie are always hard at work preparing them. You can’t say you’ve celebrated Christmas holidays in Siena if you haven’t tried their traditional treats!
Starting with ricciarelli , the soft almond paste biscuits that boast a centuries-long history. They are as much a part of the identity of the city, as the Medieval horse race Il Palio and the historical contrade. Get them at the iconic Pasticceria Nannini in Via Banchi di Sopra, or at La Nuova Pasticceria, a few steps from Piazza del Campo.
There are other traditional sweets that make Christmas in Siena: panforte, made with mixed nuts, candied fruits spices and honey, and the rustic cavallucci, mad with walnuts, candied orange and anise. Try those by Pasticceria Peccati di Gola.
Weather December in Siena
Siena gets quite cold in December, with temperatures ranging from 4 (39 F) degrees to 11 degrees (52 F) (media 7 – 44 F degree). It gets colder towards the end of the month. December in Siena gets an average of 9/10 days of rain.
Suns rises at 7:30am – Sunset 16:40pm
=> School Holidays in Italy start on 23rd December and run up until 6th January, so expect many Italian tourists during these two weeks.
READ ALSO:
* How to Enjoy Christmas in Tuscany!
* Best Christmas Markets in Tuscany
Author: Sabrina Nesi, co-founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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