I have seen many parts of the world, however, Christmas in Tuscany is for me still one the most beautiful things to see and I would spend it nowhere else than at home: Schools close, people take time off work and families meet up to exchange gifts and enjoy lots of food and wine. The entire period leading up to Christmas Day is full of events and things to do while Christmas feeling is all around. Streets glowing with lights, with small shops full of brightly coloured products. Christmas in Tuscany is a magical affair; In the streets, on the Christmas markets or the countless children’s events.

Under the many events and Christmas markets in the historic tuscan cities and breathtakingly beautiful hill-towns surrounded by rolling countryside, I would like to recommend you the one in Montepulciano: The centre of the famous wine region turns into a Christmas village for the entire month of December. Over sixty wooden houses full of handicrafts, delicatessen products, decorations and gifts. The Castle of Montepulciano is transformed into a special Christmas village for kids featuring a mini ranch with ponies, the ice skating rink and a giant electric track for toy cars - It’s much more than a Christmas market...it is a Christmas adventure! www.nataleamontepulciano.it

Last but not least and for a foodie as I am, visiting Tuscany at Christmas is to enjoy the traditional Christmas cakes! While across Italy people always debate about Pandoro or Panettore as the their favourite christmas cake, I prefer the typical tuscan specialties as Panforte, Cavallucci, and Ricciarelli. You won’t find them anywhere else, they are delicious, unique taste, finger-licking good, and Christmas is the only period of the year where you can buy them at the „Botteghe“ of handmade products.

If not in Tuscany, do come visit us in Singapore’s Cluny Court and Marina Square!

With Christmas greetings from Italy and „alla prossima volta“!

Yours,

Alfie Browns