Siena Christmas Markets

The arrival of the Christmas season brings with it a magical atmosphere of festivity and joy. And what could be more charming than a traditional Christmas market? In Siena, a city with a fascinating history going back over a thousand years, the Christmas markets offer a unique experience, transporting visitors into an enchanted world of lights, scents and colours. In this article, we will explore the welcoming atmosphere of the Christmas markets in Siena, discovering their distinctive character and the wide range of handicrafts and gastronomic products that make them a true paradise for holiday lovers. 

Christmas markets in and around Siena 

The Christmas markets near Siena offer a unique experience. The city dresses in its finest raiment at Christmas time and is filled with warmth and lights, providing residents and tourists with a magical, enchanted atmosphere. A series of events take place between the end of November and the beginning of January, with thematic markets, shows, musical performances, exhibitions and children’s activities. The most famous Christmas markets of all are those in Piazza del Campo, which then spread to Piazza Matteotti and Piazza Tolomei. Here, you can enjoy all the traditional Sienese delicacies at Christmas time and beyond.

The Christmas markets are not confined only to Siena: in nearby towns, such as San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Colle Val d’Elsa and Montepulciano, there are similar events, with even more intimate and cosy atmospheres. San Gimignano, for example, hosts a medieval Christmas market, where ancient crafts and traditions of the past are brought to life, offering guests a very special evening. In Monteriggioni, on the other hand, the market offers special activities for children, with workshops for creating and decorating Christmas adornments. 

Christmas markets in Piazza del Campo 

The Christmas markets in Siena usually begin in mid-November and last until the end of December. The heart of the event is located in Piazza del Campo and from here the stalls spread throughout the historic centre during the first weekend of December. The event is attended by over 160 exhibitors  who come not only from the province of Siena but also from all over Italy. Strolling among the stalls one can browse a vast range of goods. Including: 

• Handmade Christmas decorations: everything you need for the Christmas tree, such as baubles, garlands, stars and coloured lights. Your Christmas tree or crib will be more beautiful when decorated with handcrafted objects that make it unique and precious;
• Handmade items: Household objects, such as centrepieces, cushions, tablecloths and winter blankets, are all to be found on the market stalls; 
• Typical gastronomic products: Christmas is a time for enjoying the pleasure of confectionary, such as panettone, pandoro, nougat, chocolates, panforte and many other sweet delicacies;
• handcrafted objects: be they wood carvings, ceramics, textiles, jewellery or anything else, handmade items of all kinds are on offer. Every handcrafted object is a unique item, sure to amaze whoever sees them; 
• Gift items: you can delight both young and old at the Siena Christmas markets; there is something for everyone, from toys to designer objects. Markets are the ideal place to buy the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family;
• local food and wine products: tourists from all over the world come to enjoy Tuscan delicacies, and the Christmas markets are the perfect opportunity to taste and buy specialities such as wines, olive oil, cured meats and cheeses. Real treats with which to enrich the Christmas table and thoroughly impress your guests. 

These are just some of the examples of what you can find on the stalls at the Mercato nel Campo in Siena. Shopping at market stalls supports small local producers. And anyway, the festive atmosphere and colourful lights make this a unique and atmospheric experience for young and old alike.

And for the little ones?

Father Christmas also comes to Siena! Every year, many Christmas-themed workshops are organised in the city’s various museums. Therefore, it is recommended you check the website of the museum or municipality to stay up-to-date as concerns dates, costs and programmes. 

Siena is a city that has much to offer to visitors of all ages and at all seasons of the year, including during the Christmas period. Don’t miss the chance to visit this town at a time other than the Palio and see it in a more romantic and festive light.