Visiting Tuscany In Winter: What’s On In 2024-25
Visiting Tuscany in winter offers a magical experience, filled with festive events, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Planning a trip to Tuscany this winter? Our guide to Tuscany’s winter events (2024-2025) is packed with seasonal highlights to keep your itinerary full of unforgettable moments.
From the twinkling lights of Christmas markets and age-old festive traditions in charming medieval towns to January’s cultural festivals and February’s vibrant carnivals, Tuscany has something for everyone during the colder months.
You’ll also have the chance to indulge in hearty Tuscan dishes, sip fine wines by roaring fireplaces, and explore art-filled cities without the summer crowds.
Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking to soak in the serene beauty of the Tuscan countryside in winter, this guide will help you uncover the best events and activities happening in December, January, and February.
So grab your calendar and start planning your Tuscan winter adventure!
📌 Not sure what to pack? Get essential packing tips for your winter in Tuscany.
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What’s On In December? Christmas Markets, Festivals and Food!
Christmas Markets are held throughout Tuscany, selling local crafts, holiday decorations, regional foods, and handmade gifts, showcasing local artisans. Larger events are held in the major Tuscan cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena, but Christmas Markets can be enjoyed across the region. In fact, we have just spent a couple of nights in Arezzo, the home of ‘Arezzo Città del Natale’ (the Arezzo Christmas City festival). You can read all about the highlights here, along with tips on how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and how to enjoy Arezzo’s festive vibes.
The Sagra del Cinghiale (Festival of the Wild Boar) runs from 24 November to 8 December in Suvereto, Livorno. This medieval-themed event celebrates the region’s culinary tradition with wild boar dishes, parades, and period costumes.
San Quirico d’Orcia holds the La Festa dell Olio (Olive Oil Festival) from December 6 to 8. This celebration of freshly pressed olive oil, includes tastings, workshops, and cultural events.
‘Presepe vivente’, live reenactments of the Nativity scene are performed with live actors, artisans and animals, in the towns of Equi Terme (December 25 to 28) and Casole d’Elsa (December 26 and 29, as well as dates in January), 2024, as well as early January 2025.
Many towns light up their historic squares and buildings for the Festival of Lights, including Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni, creating a festive atmosphere with twinkling displays.
Il Desco, Lucca’s premier agri-food market, will be held at Real Collegio on November 30, December 1, 7, and 8. Showcasing the food and wine of north-west Tuscany, this year’s event highlights sustainability through local cuisine, eco-conscious practices, and reusable materials.
On Christmas Eve, massive torch-lit bonfires illuminate the charming hill town of Abbadia San Salvatore for Fiaccole di Natale.
And of course, on December 24, Churches across Tuscany host traditional midnight mass services.
If you’re looking for a special way to bring in 2025, attending the New Years Eve Opera Gala in Florence would be hard to beat. The concert, featuring arias and duets from La Traviata, La Bohème, Tosca, The Marriage of Figaro, and The Barber of Seville, will be held in the Chiesa di Santa Monaca.
REMEMBER to confirm times and dates for all events closer to your visit. They may change!
📌 Discover the best Christmas Markets when you are visiting Tuscany this winter. With local crafts, tasty treats, and unique holiday gifts. Get into the festive spirit, Tuscan style!
What’s On in January? Epiphany, Concerts, and More!
In Italian folklore and folk customs, the Befana is a witch-like old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve. La Befana celebrations include parades and festivities across Tuscany. Florence hosts a reenactment of the Magi procession, while Arezzo and Pisa also embrace this beloved tradition.
The Tuscany Winter Film Festival, held in Florence from January 5–7, festival brings together a variety of films with a focus on winter themes, offering screenings and discussions at various venues throughout Florence.
Celebrate the Festa di San Antonio Abate, the patron saint of animals in San Gimignano (January 17–18). This festival includes processions, traditional music, and exhibitions, as well as plenty of food, local crafts, and festivities.
Lucca’s Winter Market, is a charming market focused on local crafts, foods, and winter treats. (January 19–20)
Pick up an antique souvenir Held on January 4-5, Arezzo’s Fiera Antiquaria, is one of Italy’s largest and oldest antique fairs.
The Palio di Buti is an historic horse race, held on the last weekend in January, is one of the oldest palios in Tuscany. The event includes a medieval parade, and the race itself runs through the streets of Buti.
You can enjoy FREE admission to many state museums across Tuscany on January 5, as part of the Domenical Museo initiative aimed at encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore the art and culture of the region.
REMEMBER to confirm times and dates for all events closer to your visit. They may change!
What’s On On February? Carnivals and Winter Wonders!
Carnival of Viareggio – From February 8 to March 4, this famous carnival features six paradeswith massive, intricate floats and a festive atmosphere. It’s one of the most celebrated carnivals in Italy, offering music, masquerades, and cultural events.
Napoleon Bonaparte Exhibition – Running until the end of March, this exhibition at Villa Guinigi in Lucca, showcases everyday objects from the Napoleonic era, giving a glimpse into his private life.
Le Monete dei Nostri Bisnonni Exhibit – Also in Lucca, this exhibition explores the history of Italian paper money from the 19th century.
February often sees special exhibitions in the many of the galleries and museums in Florence, Pisa and Siena. Check their calendar closer to your visit for details.
REMEMBER to confirm times and dates for all events closer to your visit. They may change!
From festive Christmas markets and traditional celebrations to cultural festivals and carnivals, Tuscany offers a wide range of experiences during the colder months. Whether you’re interested in food, culture, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, visiting Tuscany in winter provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the region at a slower pace, with fewer crowds and plenty of seasonal charm.
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