Here in the office I’m staring to think “Tuscan Christmas”. We have Christmas music in the background, there are tons of lights and trees outside, the window displays are red and green, and I spent the weekend at various Christmas markets. There really is a magic, happy atmosphere as everyone is flocking downtown and doing plenty of shopping.

If you’re dreaming of spending the December holidays in Tuscany but don’t yet have plans, enter now to win a week all-expense paid trip in the “Happy New Tuscany” contest: www.wintuscany.com !

If you’re already here or planning your visit, other than the usual “tourist destinations”, you’ll want to follow our list of special things to do over the Holidays in order to feel like you had a real “Tuscan Christmas”. (Hey by the way, check us out on Twitter @GiftfromTuscany and on Facebook to get a free virtual gift :-) )

Here are some of my favourite things to do during the Christmas season in Tuscany:

1)   Christmas Markets: you might think of Austria or the North when you think of Christmas markets, but Tuscany has lots of good ones too. The major ones are:

a.     Arezzo (Nov 29 to Jan 6, Via dell’Anfiteatro, piazza san Jacopo and piazza Risorgimento, daily 9-20

b.     Florence (the German- style market in Piazza Santa Croce, and the big Florence Noel show at the Stazione Leopolda Dec 5-13)

c.      Marina di Carrara (Dec 13-14)

d.     and in Maremma the Mercatino dell’Uccellina at Alberese

e.     Chianciano Terme: La Dolce Vita big Christmas festival from December 8th to Jan. 6th with exhibits, caroling, and plenty of activities for kids.

f.      An Etruscan Christmas in Chiusi from Dec 6-25

2)   The crèche display in San Giovanni Valdarno (www.natalenelmondo.it ) or in Bettolle – Italians are known for creating intricate nativity displays that you can see not only in these dedicated exhibits but also in just about any church, so keep your eyes peeled for them!

3)   Bundle up and go skating, in Florence at the Parterre or in Arezzo in Piazza Giotto. Have a thick mug of hot chocolate when you’re done!

4)   Go for a dip at the thermal baths – Tuscany has plenty to offer in just about each area of the province. It’s great to bathe in hot water outside when it’s cold. Tip – wear a hat! (See Tuscan Terme).

5)   Pig out on sweets. That’s what real Tuscans do. Typical desserts during this season include: Panpepato (spice bread), Necci, a bread is eaten with ricotta and salami, and Ricciarelli, an almond paste cookie.