Christmas markets and lights in Lucca and Florence
The holiday season is just around the corner, and Italy is the perfect destinations for a beautiful Christmas trip. As a matter of facts, all the Italian cities start to glow and welcome tourists with lights, decorations, trees, and Christmas markets.
From November 26 to January 6, the wonderful Tuscan city Lucca will embrace tourism, turning into Lucca Magico Natale (Lucca Magical Christmas) and making this period the perfect opportunity to get to know all its beautiful places, and to spend the holidays in a special way with friends and family, among events, markets, installations, and colorful illuminations.
Let’s see together all the initiatives of Lucca Magico Natale 2023 and discover some of the best Christmas markets in Tuscany!
Installations in the old town and Christmas trees in Lucca
A lot of international artists have curated many installations in Lucca’s old town, among which there is certainly no shortage of Christmas trees.
From November 26, you can find the Christmas nativity scene and the Christmas tree by the architect Michel Boucquillon in San Michele square.
From December 2, San Giovanni square will host the beautiful installation Riflessioni nel bosco (Reflections in the wood) by the Italian designer Emiliana Martinelli.
On the other hand, San Martino square will be animated and curated by the multimedia artist Francesco Zavattari, who will curate a unique installation from December 3.
And finally, a 14-meter Christmas tree will stand out in Napoleon square, while on the slope of the Caffè delle Mura we’ll find a tree made and cared for by the municipal gardeners.
Artistic illuminations, decorations, and colored lights in Lucca
Christmas decorations can’t be missed, and the whole city will light up with colorful lights and decorations. You can walk around with friends, family, and partners, looking for the perfect gifts with a good hot chocolate, admiring all these beauties.
In addition to the light in Lucca’s characteristic streets, you can admire some new bright decorations:
- The Star in San Salvatore sqaure
- The great Oak in Scalpellini’s square
- The Comet in Anfiteatro square
- The Christmas ball in San Frediano square
- The Santa Claus in Santa Maria square
- The Christmas gift in Vittorio Emanuele square
1.432.869 colorful lights are ready to make your Christmas magical!
Traditional Christmas markets in Lucca
There is no Christmas without Christmas markets! This year Lucca hosts 9 traditional markets in which to immerse yourself in search of gifts, gastronomic products, and handicrafts.
The most classic market is located in San Francesco square, and it is open every day from December 8. You can find here the perfect Christmas atmosphere and the typical little houses of the northern European markets with holiday decorations.
On the other hand, a great novelty is the market of nativity scenes and handcrafted decorations located under the loggia of Pretorio Palace. The great tradition of the Media Valle of Serchio finally finds a space in the old town.
The traditional winter fair is waiting for you in Napoleon square, from December 8 to January 6. You can find ice skating rink, classic themed banquets, children’s carousel, and Christmas music.
Villa Bottini offers its space for an extraordinary edition of Fashion in Flair on the weekend of December 8-9-10. It’s a high-quality craft market that will surprise you.
The loggia of Sani Palace hosts the artists, creatives, and artisans of Meraki Market on the three most festive weekends of the month: December 8-9-10, 15-16-17 and 21-22-23.
The craft markets never end! In San Giusto square you will find the Arts and Crafts Xmas Edition market in December 8-10 and December 22-24.
You can also enjoy the 18th edition of the market of local flavors Desco. It’s located in the loggia of Real Collegio and it takes place in December 2-3 and December 8-9-10.
There is also the famous Antiques Market, which enlivens the square and streets around San Martino Cathedral in December 16-17.
Finally, you will find the Sant’Angelo markets (December 2-3-8) and the Ponte a Moriano markets (December 26) only leaving the old town and visiting the surroundings of Lucca.
Christmas markets in Florence: a not-to-be-missed experience in Tuscany
If you are planning to stop in Tuscany for a few days, we recommend the Christmas markets in Florence as well!
The extraordinary setting of Santa Croce square hosts the largest Christmas market in the whole city. You’ll find a beautiful small village with typical South Tyrolean wooden chalets and a lot of stands with a German and international touch full of gift ideas, clothes, handicrafts, international delicacies, hot chocolate, crepes and mulled wine, as well as Dutch waffles and Austrian pretzels.
Shopping and good food will transform your tours through Lucca and Florence into a pleasant and magical Christmas adventure in some locations with great artistic impact.
Book now your Christmas getaway to Lucca and get ready to experience this magical time between lights and markets! Antica Bifore Guest House is festively decorated, and it’s ready to welcome guests who travel to the breathing heart of our city’s old town.
