Arezzo turns into a full Christmas city every year starting in mid-November. The heart of it all is Piazza Grande, where the Tyrolean Village fills the square with wooden chalets, glowing lights, and projections that dance across the facades of the historic palaces. It is one of the most atmospheric Christmas settings in Italy and it feels even more magical at night when the entire piazza lights up.
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Arezzo in December
This is the place to snack your way through the season. You can grab pretzels in every flavor from salty to cheesy to chocolate-dipped. You will find hot chocolate, Vin Brulé, Tuscan wine, polenta, roasted pork, and plenty of quick bites to keep you warm while exploring. The square is surrounded by great restaurants too, so it is easy to turn a visit into a full evening out.
The Christmas market is also a fantastic spot for shopping. Stalls sell high-quality ornaments, winter accessories like scarves and hats, and lots of handmade pieces you will not find in big city stores.
The festivities continue beyond Piazza Grande. Santa’s House takes over the Medici Fortress, a fun stop, especially if you are traveling with kids. Il Prato park hosts a Ferris wheel and another cluster of Tyrolean-style stalls selling products from local farmers, artisans, brewers, and winemakers. It feels like a second market inside the city and adds even more charm to a winter weekend in Arezzo.
Top Things to Do in Arezzo in December (That Aren’t Just the Christmas Market)
Arezzo is one of the oldest cities in Tuscany, with roots that go back to the Etruscans between the sixth and fourth century BC. It grew into a powerful Etruscan center with its own bronze workshops, pottery production, and even its own coinage. The Romans later transformed Arezzo into an important crossroads and military hub, and the city continued to expand through the Middle Ages with new walls, noble towers, and the creation of Piazza Grande. By the Renaissance it had become a vibrant artistic center, home to figures like Giorgio Vasari, whose work still shapes the look of the city today. This layered history is visible everywhere you walk in Arezzo and adds real depth to a modern visit, especially when you explore its churches, squares, and hilltop viewpoints.
Basilica di San Francesco and the Piero della Francesca Chapel
The Basilica of San Francesco is worth a visit on its own, but the real treasure is inside the Bacci Chapel. This is where you will find the fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca, considered one of the greatest masterpieces of early Renaissance art. The Legend of the True Cross fills the walls with precise geometry, luminous colors, and storytelling that feels almost cinematic.
Access to the chapel is controlled, and it is strongly recommended to reserve your time slot in advance. You do not need a reservation to enter the church, but if you want to see Piero’s frescoes up close, book at least two days ahead, especially in high season or around Christmas.
It is one of the most important cultural experiences in Arezzo and absolutely worth planning for. The tickets cost 8 euros, and you can book at the Basilica’s official site.
Museo di Casa Vasari
Giorgio Vasari is one of Arezzo’s most important historical figures, and visiting his house is a great way to step into the world of this Renaissance artist, architect, and biographer. The museum is set inside the palazzo he purchased in the 1540s and decorated with richly painted ceilings and symbolic fresco cycles.
Each room reflects Vasari’s ideas about art, beauty, and classical mythology, from the Camera della Fama e delle Arti to the Sala del Trionfo della Virtù. The house also displays portraits, religious works, and pieces painted by Vasari and the artists in his circle. It is a small museum that feels personal and atmospheric, giving you a closer look at the man who shaped so much of Tuscany’s artistic identity.
It is an easy walk from the center and makes a perfect cultural stop during your stay in Arezzo. Book your tickets in advance here!
Fortezza Medicea
The Medici Fortress sits at the highest point of Arezzo and offers some of the best views in the city. Its history stretches from ancient Etruscan times to the Florentine domination, but today it is one of the most scenic places to stroll, especially in winter.
During the Christmas season the fortress becomes the Casa di Babbo Natale (it’s Santa Claus’s House in Italian), a full holiday experience set inside the old walls. Entrance costs about 10 euros per person and includes animated village models, twinkling lights, themed rooms, and a friendly Santa ready for photos.
There is also a kid’s room where they can write letters to Santa and a room dedicated to love, which is a cute stop for couples. It is an easy and fun holiday activity that adds another layer to an Arezzo Christmas weekend.
Explore Local Artisans and Independent Shops
Arezzo has a strong tradition of craftsmanship, and its historic center is full of small workshops and independent boutiques that are worth exploring. As you wander between the Cathedral, Piazza Grande, and Corso Italia, you will find goldsmiths, leather artisans, ceramic studios, and antique shops that reflect the city’s artistic heritage.
Many stores sell handmade pieces created right in the area, so it is a great place to pick unique souvenirs that go beyond typical tourist items. Whether you are browsing hand-painted ceramics, locally produced jewelry, or Tuscan textiles, stopping into these artisan shops adds a relaxed and authentic touch to your visit.
How to Reach Arezzo from Florence and Rome: Simple Transportation Tips
From Florence
Getting to Arezzo from Florence is fast and easy by train. Trains leave from Firenze Santa Maria Novella throughout the day and most of them are regional trains. The ride usually takes less than an hour and drops you directly at Arezzo’s main station, which is a short walk from the historic center. There is no need to book far in advance for regional trains, but you can buy your ticket online or at the station. This makes it simple to enjoy Florence, join a tour or two, and still plan a smooth day trip or an overnight escape to Arezzo for Christmas markets, food, and shopping.
From Rome
From Rome, the train is the most comfortable option. Direct trains leave Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina. Regional trains take about two hours and forty minutes, while the Freccia Rossa options usually take around one hour and fifteen minutes. Prices vary depending on the type of train and how early you book. Once you arrive, the station sits right at the edge of the center, so you can reach Piazza Grande in roughly fifteen minutes on foot.
If You Are Driving
Arezzo is easy to reach by car from both Florence and Rome using the A1 highway. Once you exit at Arezzo, it takes about ten minutes to reach the historic center. Parking in the old town is limited, so the best option is Parking Sant’Agostino. It is close enough to walk comfortably into the heart of the city and far easier than trying to navigate the restricted traffic zones in the center. This is the most convenient place to leave your car for a day of exploring.
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Where to Stay in Arezzo in December
Arezzo has no shortage of B&Bs and small guesthouses, which is usually the easiest and most budget-friendly way to stay in town during the Christmas season. Many are run by local families and give you a warm, authentic base close to the historic center.
If you prefer a hotel experience, the best option in the city is the Vogue Hotel. It is only a five-minute walk from Piazza Grande, making it ideal for enjoying the Christmas market without needing a car. This four-star hotel is spotless, modern, and run by genuinely kind staff. Each room is named after an Italian poet or writer and they are surprisingly spacious, with large bathrooms that often include both a jacuzzi and a shower.
The mid-level floors have painted ceilings that add a bit of charm, while the top floor offers wooden beams and beautiful views over the rooftops of Arezzo. It is quiet, comfortable, and perfectly located for a winter weekend in the city.
What to Eat in Arezzo at Christmas
Arezzo is a fantastic food city, especially in winter when rich Tuscan dishes, truffles, and full-bodied wines take center stage. If you want the best overall dining experience, start with Ristorante L’Essenza. Inside, it feels like a small medieval grotto with painted ceilings and a cozy atmosphere. Outside, the tables sit right on Piazza Grande, giving you a front row view of the Christmas market.
The menu is excellent: high-quality ingredients, great truffle dishes, and even simpler main courses that are hard to find elsewhere in town. The Fiorentina steak is one of the best in Arezzo and you can also try an outstanding Prussiana here. The wine list is impressive and made even better thanks to their connection with L’Indigeno, the aperitivo wine bar across the piazza. This is a must every time you visit Arezzo, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially if you want an indoor table.
Another great choice on Piazza Grande is La Lancia d’Oro. This is a more refined and creative restaurant with beautifully presented dishes and a more elaborate style of cooking. Prices are higher and portions smaller, but the flavors and the technique make it worth it if you want a more upscale meal. It is also small and popular, so booking ahead is essential.
For a quicker lunch or a relaxed glass of wine, try Chiantineria, just a short walk from the piazza. They serve good pasta, quality meats, and have plenty of local wines by the glass. For a focused wine tasting experience, La Terra di Piero in Piazza San Francesco is another solid stop with knowledgeable staff and great bottles to try.
And of course, part of the fun of visiting Arezzo at Christmas is enjoying the food stalls in Piazza Grande and the market near the fortress. You can snack on pretzels, polenta, roasted pork, local wine, craft beer, and sweet treats while soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
Bonus: Don’t Miss Arezzo’s Famous Antiques Market
Arezzo hosts one of Italy’s most important antiques markets, held every first Sunday of the month and the Saturday before. It began in 1968 and quickly became a signature event for the city, attracting collectors, dealers, and curious visitors from all over Italy.
The fair spreads through Piazza Grande and into the surrounding streets, filling the historic center with hundreds of stalls. You can browse everything from vintage jewelry and old books to paintings, scientific instruments, ceramics, furniture, and quirky objects you never knew you needed. It is an atmospheric place to wander, especially in the morning, and a fun way to discover unique pieces while soaking in the charm of Arezzo’s medieval streets.
Even if you are not planning to buy anything, the fair is a lively and authentic experience that adds real character to a weekend in the city.
Why Arezzo Should Be Your Next Winter Weekend Escape
Arezzo is the kind of place that delivers an authentic Italian experience without the crowds of Italy’s major cities. Its medieval streets, hilltop views, and Renaissance landmarks create the perfect setting for a winter getaway, especially when the Christmas market takes over the historic center with lights, food, and festive stalls.
You can shop for handmade ornaments, taste local specialties, and enjoy one of the most atmospheric holiday settings in Tuscany. The best part is how easy it is to reach. You can spend your days touring Florence or Rome, then escape to this small Tuscan gem for a quieter, more intimate take on the Italian Christmas season.
Arezzo blends culture, history, and holiday magic in a way few cities can, making it an ideal winter weekend trip for anyone looking to experience Italy beyond the usual stops.
