The splendid Tuscan city of Siena becomes even more magical during the Christmas holidays. The city has lots of events planned for visitors of all ages! Let’s find out how to experience the magic of Christmas in Siena!
The Lights
Christmas would not be Christmas without twinkling lights and every year the city of Siena creates a whole new experience for its visitors. From December 1st to January 6th throughout the historic center, you will be able to see a hi-tech video mapping show – that is, Christmas-themed projections on some of the most historic and famous buildings in Siena.
Starting from December 1st, the entire historic center will be illuminated with lights as well.

Christmas Village
Siena’s Christmas Village will be open from November 16 to December 24, in the Giardini della Lizza, Piazza Gramsci, and Piazza Matteotti. For the little ones (and adults too!) Santa Claus’ Kingdom will be set up in the Giardini della Lizza where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of lights and colors with Santa Claus and his elves. Events include workshops, face-painting, the world of toys, the Christmas factory, reindeer stables and the home of the Ice Queen!
Also in the Giardini della Lizza, there will be an ice rink (another one is located in Piazza Madre Teresa di Calcutta), rides and games for children through January 6. And if this were not enough, the Christmas train returns with departures from the Giardini della Lizza with a route that winds through the historic center.
Continuing towards Piazza Gramsci and Piazza Matteotti you will find the Christmas market with food and wine and craft products from Italy and the world.
The Weekend of December 7/8
Special events are planned for the weekend of December 7th with the market in Piazza del Campo. From 8 am to 8 pm you can experience the re-enactment of the famous fourteenth-century market that took place at the time of the Republic of Siena. This year the central theme is extra virgin olive oil.
The train arrives at the Siena railway station on December 8th at 12:42 pm. But this is not just any train! The historic steam train from Grosseto with train cars from the 1930s will amaze history buffs and children alike. For the occasion, there will be special opening hours of the Station’s Popular Nativity Scene.

Other Events
You won’t want to miss the Christmas tree lighting in the Cortile del Podestà at 12:30 pm on December 15th. Later in the afternoon, at 5:00 pm you can also attend the “Concert of Wishes” in Piazzo del Campo and finally, the video mapping on the Palazzo Pubblico at 8 pm.
If you are a Harley Davidson fan, then the December 22nd event is made for you! Beginning at 11 am, you can admire Harleys and their drivers dressed as Santa Claus as they wind through the historic center.
Exhibitions and Nativities
From November 23rd to January 26th in the Museum Complex of Santa Maria della Scala there will be the Tex 70 years of a Myth art exhibition. Rare storyboards and comics of the character Tex and other Bonelli protagonists will be on display. Also in the Museum Complex in the Ex Refectory, you can see the exhibition of more than 500 Italian artists entitled Angels and Artists.
From December 14 to January 12, nativity scenes from around the world will be on display with a collection of truly unique pieces.
To think that this is not even the complete list of what you will find in Siena over the holidays. Prepare yourself for a truly magical Christmas in Siena!