Discover the Magical Christmas Markets of Arezzo 2024:
Stay in Our Themed Hotel
Are you looking for the most authentic Christmas magic? The Christmas city of Arezzo, with its Christmas markets, awaits you with an enchanting atmosphere that transforms the historic center into a true Christmas village. The characteristic wooden houses, shimmering decorations, and the scent of mulled wine create a unique experience for both young and old.
Our hotel, fully decorated for Christmas, offers you an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Christmas city just a few steps away from the main attractions. Common areas festively arranged and three themed rooms, from the special Christmas Suite to the brand-new Grinch's lair, allow you to experience the magic of the Arezzo markets at any moment of the day. We will guide you in discovering all the events, from Santa Claus's House in the Medici Fortress to the spectacular light shows illuminating the city.
Christmas City and the Christmas Markets of Arezzo: A Unique Experience
In the heart of Tuscany, Arezzo transforms into the largest Tyrolean Village in Italy, now in its ninth edition for 2024. This extraordinary event brings with it all the charm of alpine Christmas traditions.
History and Tradition of the Markets
The tradition of the Arezzo Christmas markets has its roots in Tyrolean culture, creating a cultural bridge between Tuscany and the Alps. From November 16 to December 29, the historic center comes alive with a unique atmosphere that merges local traditions with alpine ones, transforming Piazza Grande into a piece of Tyrol in the heart of the city.
The Wooden Houses and Typical Products
The characteristic wooden huts, designed according to the authentic Tyrolean tradition, house a rich variety of products and specialties. In the three Taste Huts, you can find:
Gastronomic specialties: filled pretzels, raclette, spätzle, canederli, and the renowned roasted knuckle
Handcrafted products: alpine stars, wool slippers, Tyrolean tablecloths, jewelry
Sweets and drinks: strauben, kaiserschmarrn, hot chocolate, and apple cider
The Chestnut Hut and the Craft Beer Chalet complete the gastronomic offering, allowing you to savor the best Tyrolean beers in a truly authentic atmosphere.
Magical Atmosphere in the Historic Center
As the sun sets, Piazza Grande transforms into an enchanted stage thanks to the captivating Big Lights Show. From 5:00 PM onwards, a spectacular play of colorful lights illuminates the facades of historic buildings, telling the story of the square through breathtaking projections.
The market also extends to other areas of the historic center, with the Cloister of the Library hosting the "Christmas Artisans" market exhibition, while Piazza San Jacopo and Piazza Risorgimento welcome more characteristic wooden houses, creating a Christmas path that winds through the most beautiful streets of the city.
The experience of the Arezzo Christmas markets goes beyond simple shopping: it is a sensory journey that engages all the senses, from the aroma of freshly baked pretzels to the cozy warmth of the wooden huts, from the festive sounds of Christmas music to the sight of sparkling decorations adorning every corner of the historic center.
Our Christmas Themed Hotel: An Unforgettable Stay
From the moment you cross the threshold of our hotel, you will be immersed in a Christmas atmosphere that will leave you breathless. As the first hotel in Italy completely transformed for the holidays, we offer a unique experience that goes far beyond a simple stay.
Festively Decorated Rooms
Every corner of our hotel tells a Christmas story. Our fully renovated rooms are dressed for the occasion with sparkling decorations and details that will capture your imagination. The illuminated Christmas trees, festive garlands, and soft lights create a cozy atmosphere that will make you feel like you are in a Christmas dream.
The Christmas Suite: a Christmas Paradise
The crown jewel of our hotel is the extraordinary Christmas Suite, a 72 square meter space where the magic of Christmas comes to life in every detail. Here’s what makes this suite truly special:
- A majestic Christmas tree at the entrance
- Fully furnished in a Christmas style
- Smart lighting system controlled via Alexa
- Breathtaking panoramic view of the city
- Customizable ambient Christmas music
This year we have also added two new themed suites: the Grinch Suite, featuring green tones and furnishings inspired by the famous character, and the Nutcracker Suite, which celebrates the magic of the Nutcracker.
You can find up-to-date information about Christmas on our dedicated page: Hotel del Natale
Special Services for Guests During the Christmas Season
During your stay, you will enjoy exclusive services designed to make your experience even more magical. Our Christmas Lounge welcomes you with a warm and elegant atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day spent at the Arezzo Christmas markets.
The strategic location of our hotel, just a few steps from the historic center, will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the city, and then return to your personal Christmas retreat, where every detail has been crafted to give you unforgettable moments.
Forget about driving and long lines to get to the event, stay with us and erase the stress; our hotel is within the ancient walls, immersed in the events that unfold in many areas of the city.
Must-See Attractions of the City of Christmas
This year the attractions of the City of Christmas are completely renewed, offering you even more magical and engaging experiences. Get ready to discover the most exciting new features of the Arezzo Christmas 2024!
Santa Claus's House in the Medici Fortress
The big news this year is the relocation of Santa Claus's House to the historic Medici Fortress. This incredible space of over 10,000 square meters transforms into a magical kingdom where history and fantasy merge perfectly. Inside the shelters carved into the rock, you can experience something truly unique with:
- Personal encounters with Santa Claus in his throne
- Creative workshops run by elves
- The Post Office for mailing your wish list
- The miniature Lemax village
- The Planetarium to dream under the stars
- Selfie areas to capture the most beautiful moments
The House is open from November 16th to December 24th, with hours varying from weekdays (2:00 PM - 8:00 PM) to weekends (11:00 AM - 8:00 PM).
The Ferris Wheel and themed villages
In the Meadow of Wonders, the majestic Ferris wheel, 30 meters high, dominates the city skyline. Characterized by an elegant retro style and illuminated by white lights, it offers a breathtaking view of the city dressed for the holidays. It is the perfect attraction to admire Arezzo from a privileged perspective, with affordable prices for all: €8 for adults and reduced rates for children and seniors.
Around the wheel, the park comes to life with an ice skating rink and rides specially designed for little ones. These themed areas create a unique festive atmosphere, where fun and magic blend perfectly.
Light shows and projections
When the sun sets, Piazza Grande transforms into an open-air theater thanks to the enchanting Big Lights Show. Here’s what makes this show absolutely unmissable:
1. Mapped projections that tell the millenary history of Arezzo
2. Light games that transform the facades of historic buildings
3. Special effects synchronized with Christmas music
4. Continuous performances from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
5. Unique performances that blend tradition and innovation
The projections, curated by the Arezzo Intour Foundation, create a magical atmosphere that envelops the entire historic center. The medieval buildings come to life with Christmas subjects, turning the square into a colorful backdrop that perfectly complements the atmosphere of the Tyrolean markets.
This free show, visible every day during the Christmas season, represents the perfect blend of historical heritage and modern technology, creating an experience that enchants visitors of all ages. The projections have been designed to integrate seamlessly with the architecture of the square, respecting the regulations of the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage and ensuring an elegant and evocative display.
Tips for Making the Most of the Christmas Experience in Arezzo
To make your visit to the Arezzo Christmas markets truly unforgettable, here's a practical guide with all the most useful tips for organizing your trip to the magic of Aretine Christmas.
When to Visit the Markets
The Tyrolean Village welcomes you with a calendar full of events. To help you plan your visit, here are the opening hours:
Until December 19 | Thursday - Sunday | 10:00 - 21:00 |
December 23-29 | Every day | 10:00 - 21:00 |
Pro-tip: The best time to visit the markets is on weekdays when there are fewer crowds. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, weekends feature special events like the Christmas Balloons on November 23, when thousands of luminous balloons light up Piazza Sant'Agostino.
Santa's House in the Medicean Fortress remains open until January 6, 2025, allowing you to extend the magic even after the holidays. We recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially on weekends. For always updated information, dates, and hours, visit the Christmas markets website: https://mercatininatalearezzo.it/
All other attractions of the City of Christmas are open until January 6, 2025; you can find all the information on the official event site https://www.arezzocittadelnatale.it/
How to Reach the Historic Center
Reaching our hotel is easy thanks to the city's excellent connections. Here are the main transport options:
By car:
From the A1 take the Arezzo exit
The center is only 10 km from the toll booth
Parking available in areas surrounding the historic center
By train:
Frequent connections on the Florence-Rome line
From the station, our hotel can be reached on foot in 3 minutes
Tourist minibus service with audio guide available
During the Christmas period, a special shuttle service connects the main parking lots to the historic center, allowing you to forget the stress of parking and fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Activities for Families and Children
If you are traveling with little ones, get ready for a magical experience! The Medicean Fortress transforms into a Christmas paradise of over 10,000 square meters where children can:
Write a letter at Santa's Post Office
Participate in the elves' creative workshops
Leave a message in the Cave of Dedications
Take commemorative photos on Santa's Throne
A special initiative is the "One for me, one for you!" project at the elves' library: children can bring a book and receive one in exchange, promoting reading through a magical swap.
To make the experience even more special, we suggest:
1. Start the visit with the Big Lights Show in Piazza Grande (from 17:00 to 21:00)
2. Take a tasty break at the Taste Huts to sample Tyrolean specialties
3. Visit the Wonderland park with its attractions
4. End the day with a ride on the Ferris wheel to admire the city lights
5. Upon returning to the hotel, also visit the traditional Christmas markets in Piazza Risorgimento and San Jacopo and the artisan works in Piazza Guido Monaco.
Valuable Tip: To avoid queues at Santa's House, we recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon. The ticket costs €10 for adults, while it's free for children up to 3 years old.
Don't forget to stop by the LEGO House in the Palazzo di Fraternita, where you can admire the largest illuminated LEGO minifigure in the world and an incredible Christmas village made with over 400,000 bricks. It's an attraction that fascinates both kids and adults!
Conclusion
The magic of Christmas in Arezzo represents a unique experience in the Italian landscape, where Tyrolean traditions perfectly blend with the charm of medieval Tuscany. The historical buildings of the center, illuminated by spectacular light displays, create the perfect backdrop for the largest Tyrolean Village in Italy, while our Christmas-themed hotel allows guests to experience the magic of the holidays at any time of the day.
The City of Christmas in Arezzo offers something special for every visitor: from culinary delights in the characteristic wooden huts to family activities in the new Santa's House at the Medicean Fortress. This Christmas celebration is not just a seasonal event, but a testament to Arezzo's ability to reinvent itself while keeping traditions alive and creating unforgettable memories for all its visitors.
Chi Siamo
Hotel Continentale: located in the heart of Arezzo's historic center, offers a warm and family-friendly atmosphere nurtured over three generations. Modern elegance and luxurious comfort combine to create a unique experience, ideal for business and leisure stays. The iconic sixth-floor panoramic terrace with a view of the ancient city will take your breath away.