Introduction
December is one of the most magical months to visit Tuscany. With the arrival of winter, the region transforms into a stunning display of colors, flavors, and traditions that make this time of year particularly special. Temperatures drop a bit and there is nothing better than warming up by walking through the various Christmas markets, or with some local tastings that warm body and soul.
In this article, we’ll explore the best experiences to enjoy in Tuscany during December, from markets to wine tastings and outdoor adventures.
[Foto caricata da Alyssa]
Why Visit Tuscany in December?
December is the perfect time to discover Tuscany from a different perspective. The days are still long enough to explore,allowing you to enjoy the best of the region and completely relax.
Additionally, December is packed with events and festivals, many of which are centered around the Christmas event. Whether you’re a food lover, an art enthusiast, or someone who loves nature, there are countless activities and experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.
Join a White Truffle Hunt
December is a good month in which you can join truffles, even one of the most sought-after and expensive delicacies in the world. In Tuscany, particularly in the areas of Mugello and San Miniato, you can join expert truffle hunters and their trained dogs on a thrilling truffle hunt through the forests. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tuscany while searching for these rare underground treasures.
- Mugello: Near Florence, is famous for its stunning landscapes and high-quality white truffles. It is still an uncontaminated area and certainly the best place to live an authentic experience.
- San Miniato: Known as the white truffle capital of Tuscany, this area produces some of Italy’s finest truffles. A truffle hunt here will reveal the secrets of this ancient tradition.
Tips for Truffle Hunting
- Book early: White truffle season is short and highly sought after, so be sure to reserve your truffle hunting experience in advance.
- Try a tasting: After the hunt, many experiences include a tasting of dishes featuring truffles, often paired with local wines.
Explore Tuscany’s Christmas markets
December is a perfect month to explore Tuscan Christmas markets, that celebrate winter’s bounty.
These festivals are a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, taste and know more about local tradition, but also purchase fresh products directly from farmers and producers.
Christmas markets are a good place to buy your unique Christmas presents, as you can find expecially pieces of tuscan handcrafts.
Top December Christmas markets in Tuscany
- Florence Weihnachtsmarkt: Held between the end of November and 22nd December, this festival is dedicated to the craftsmanship and flavors from all over Europe. It features tastings, markets, and live demonstrations in one of the most important squares of the city center: Piazza Santa Croce.
- Siena and Montepulciano: In the famous Piazza del Campo, on the first weekend of the month, a typical market will be held. There you can taste all typical local products, but also, buy your special Christmas presents.
- In Montepulciano, only during the weekend, there will be a special Christmas Market, where among the wooden houses you will find Christmas decorations, food products, sweets, clothing and leather goods, local crafts and much more.
- Arezzo-Città del Natale: In December, Arezzo becomes one of the most traditional Christmas villages all over Tuscany. You can visit the Village from the end of November until January 6th. In her Piazza Grande, Arezzo holds the traditional Tyrolean Christmas market, where you can be overwhelmed by the scents and Christmas atmosphere.
- Pisa: Starting from the end of November in the Arsenali Repubblicani you will find “La Fabbrica di Babbo Natale”where you can assist a lot of Christmas events, for children but also adults.
For further information, click on the “Visit Tuscany” guide.
Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours
December is also the ideal month for wine tasting in Tuscany, to warm you from the cold temperatures and spend your time in Tuscany in the best way.
Many wineries open their doors to visitors, offering guided tours of the vineyards and cellars, followed by tastings of Classic red wine but also the freshly harvested wines made in November.
Don’t lose the opportunity to immerse yourself in a vineyard tour or a wine tasting (click here).
Best Places for Wine Tasting in Tuscany
- Mugello : is one of the most young and important producers of Pinot Nero. There are a lot of wine-tasting experiences in all Mugello areas. One of the most known Pinot Nero is “Il Rio”, made in Vicchio di Mugello.
- Chianti Classico: One of the world’s most famous wine regions, Chianti Classico is perfect for learning about Tuscan wines. Join a wine tasting tour and enjoy the rolling hills, picturesque villages, and historic vineyards.
- Montalcino: Known for its Brunello di Montalcino, this area offers some of the most exclusive wine tasting experiences in Tuscany. Tours often include visits to breathtaking
Take a Cooking Class with Seasonal Ingredients
One of the most rewarding experiences in Tuscany is joining a cooking class, and in December, the star ingredients of the season are black cabbage,potatoes and of course white truffle. In these hands-on classes, you’ll learn how to make traditional Tuscan dishes using the freshest winter produce.
Dishes You Might Learn in an December Cooking Class
- Tortelli di patate: A classic dish in Mugello. A fresh pasta filled with potatoes and aromatics. You can serve them with a special duck or wild boar sauce.
- Crostini with black cabbage: roasted slice of bread with black cabbage, an essential ingredient in a tuscan winter cuisine.
- Tagliolini with White Truffle: A simple yet luxurious dish, tagliolini with white truffle shavings is a must-try during white truffle season.
Discover an authentic Cooking Class in Mugello.
Visit Tuscany’s Art Cities
If you love art and history, December is the perfect time to visit Tuscany’s art cities. With fewer tourists compared to the summer months, you can explore the museums, cathedrals, and historic piazzas of Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca in a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.
Tips for Visiting Tuscany’s Art Cities in December
Here you can finde some tips for visiting our art cities in December.
- Florence: Admire Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David and the frescoes in the Duomo, while strolling through Florence’s historic streets.
- Siena: Visit the Duomo of Siena and the famous Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race takes place.
- Lucca: Explore the historic walls of Lucca by bike and discover its medieval towers and Romanesque churches.
Conclusion: Why December is the Best Time to Visit Tuscany
December is one of the best months to visit Tuscany, thanks to winter traditions and several Christmas markets all around the region.
Whether you want to savor the flavors of winter, explore the stunning countryside, or discover Tuscany’s artistic treasures, this magical time of year offers something for every traveler.
Plan your trip to Tuscany in December, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences to try.
