Read on to find out what the best festivals are in the region for November and December. You’ll always have a good reason to visit this magical and delicious wine region, even in the winter!
The zones of Chianti are rich in history, tradition, and culture. It shouldn’t be surprising that all year long (and in particular from November to December), sagras, events, festivals, and folklore traditions are celebrated in practically every town and village, enticing and delighting locals and visitors alike.
FESTIVALS IN NOVEMBER
In Massa Marittima, near Maremma, the next-to-last month of the year is called “Novembre Grosso,” or “Fat November.” This is, in fact, the name of a festival that promotes culture, art, and the environment of the surrounding Metallifere Hills. There will be guided visits, conferences, workshops, tastings, concerts, and multiple spectacles.
For almost a quarter of a century in Fiesole, the “Sagra delle Frattaglie” has been held during the last two weekends of November. Taste traditional peasant recipes based on the frattaglie, such as tripe alla fiorentina, lampredotto, inzimino, stufato core e paracore, poppa, and fried onions with tripe. And of course, other foods will be served as well, such as wood-fired pizza and grilled meat. Obviously, everything will be paired with some of the best selected wines of the territory.
DECEMBER, FROM FIRENZE TO SIENA
During the Christmas period, it is almost impossible to move through Florence, only 30 km from Viticcio. The Tuscan capital becomes the centre of hundreds of holiday initiatives and activities. Of these, the principal one to note is the Firenze Light Festival, which from the 8th of December to the 8th of January, city plazas and monuments are festively lit up. Also in Florence, an event not to miss on the 2nd of December, the 7th edition of Calici Sotto l’Albero. Open to the public, this is a food festival showcasing the best gastronomic and wine offerings from the area. Natale con lo spettacolare Cirque Reckeless, on the 8th of December will be taking place at the Visarno Racecourse. If music is your passion, don’t miss out on String City. Two days of music spread through the city with over 80 concerts performed with only string instruments. Further details and the program can be found online at String City.
Every year in Strada in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, San Polo in Chianti, Panzano in Chianti and Tavernelle during the period of the Immaculate Conception (Immacolata) till the 16th of December, the Christmas Markets are held: days dedicated to local artisans. It’s the perfect opportunity to do some gift shopping for Christmas. Other than objects and goods, you will see seasonal desserts, beauty products, clothes, and specialties of Chianti and Val d’Orcia.
Every December in the municipality of Castelfiorentino, the “Nativity Street” is held, an event that lasts from the Immaculate Conception until Epiphany on January 8th. Visitors may enjoy the exhibits of artistic and hand-crafted nativity scenes made by the town’s residents and displayed on windowsills, in churches, in the cells of the ex-prison, in storefront shops, and out in the open along a beautiful route that guides visitors through the streets and alleyways of the upper village.
There is always Siena, about 40 km away from Viticcio, that is decked out with festivities during the holidays. The 2nd and 3rd of December at Piazza del Campo there will be a fabulous Medieval Market with stalls of artisanal products. Siena also offers a rich calendar of music and culture such as the event “7 note in 7 notte” running until December 14th. You are able to attend concerts at all of the city’s museums so that art and music can collide. There is also wine and food on offer at each museum.
Many events for every taste, you just have to decide which city to start your tour. Viticcio is always open for those who wish to enjoy the Christmas Holidays in incredible Tuscany!
