What is there to do in Pistoia over Christmas?

The Christmas season in Pistoia is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the city from a new perspective. Cultural initiatives, musical events, and activities throughout the historic center create a journey that blends tradition and festive atmosphere.

The holiday celebrations will kick off on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 5.30 PM, with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo. From that moment, the streets of the city center will be illuminated with festive lights, creating a warm atmosphere and setting the scene for exhibitions, concerts, and markets.

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Pistoia, City of Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season with the Pistoia Città del Natale program: from Saturday, November 22, 2025, to Tuesday, January 6, 2026, a rich calendar of events awaits visitors of all ages. Click here to discover the full program.

From Saturday, November 22 to Wednesday, December 24, 2025, explore the Magia di Natale program, filled with shows, children’s activities, music, and more. Click here for the complete schedule.

From Saturday, November 22, 2025, to Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Affreschi Halls of the Palazzo Comunale in Piazza del Duomo will once again host Santa Claus’s House, one of the most beloved spots for children during the festive season, open 10–1 AM and 2.30–7.30 PM.

In Piazza San Francesco (Piazza Mazzini), the ice skating rink returns, open from Saturday, November 22, 2025, to Sunday, January 18, 2026.

New this year, a two-level carousel will be set up in Piazza Giovanni XXIII, in front of the picturesque Ospedale del Ceppo, offering moments of pure fun in the heart of the city. It will also be open from Saturday, November 22, 2025, to Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Christmas Markets

Until December 24, on weekends and public holidays, from 9 AM to 7.30 PM: Christmas Market in Piazza Spirito Santo, featuring handmade gifts and artisan products.

Thursday, December 4 – Tuesday, December 9, all day: ‘900’ Market on Via Roma and the corner of Via Cavour, organized by Consorzio Ambulanti Toscana Scarl.

Sunday, December 7 and Monday, December 8, from 10 AM to 8 PM: Stradelizie at the Toscana Fair greenhouses, a Christmas market offering authentic products, tastings, and gift ideas. More information

Sunday, December 7 and 21, from 8 AM to 7 PM: special market in the Stadio area.

Saturday, December 13, from 10 AM to 12.30 PM and 3 PM to 6.30 PM, at the San Giorgio Library atrium, Di Libro in Libro Market, organized by the Associazione Amici della San Giorgio. The event returns on Monday, December 15 and Tuesday, December 16 from 3 PM to 6.30 PM.

Saturday, December 13, from 3 PM to 6 PM: Fatto con il cuore – Charity Christmas Fair at Parco di GEA. Proceeds will be donated to Raggi di Speranza in Stazione Odv.

Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, all day: Antiques Fair at Centro Fiere La Cattedrale; on Sunday, the Free Market will also take place.

Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21, at 2.30 PM: Christmas Market at Parco di Monteoliveto, organized by Amici di Montuliveto.

Concerts, Music, Presentations, and Shows

The Filarmonica Borgognoni will accompany you throughout the Christmas season with a rich musical program, from brass and wind ensembles to lyrical concerts and street performances. Click here for the full schedule.

Throughout the holidays, Teatri di Pistoia offers numerous events for adults and children alike. Click here to learn more.

Saturday, December 13, Christmas Concert by the International Gospel Choir of Pistoia at 9 PM in the Sala Maggiore of Palazzo Comunale.

Sunday, December 14, at 4.30 PM, in the sacristy of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, enjoy Johann Sebastian Bach – Organ Music for Advent with Matteo Venturini on the Grönlund organ, presented by the Accademia d’Organo e Musica Antica Giuseppe Gherardeschi.

Tuesday, December 16, at 9.30 PM in the Aula Magna of the Seminario Vescovile, for SIMC Festival – XXII Concert, music with Arcadio Baracchi (flute) and Ivano Battiston (accordion), organized by Amici dell’Opera di Pistoia.

Saturday, December 20, at 6 PM, Canto di Natale – Cinema and Tradition, a concert of Christmas movie songs by the Città di Pistoia Choir, directed by Cristina Bani, at the Church of the Cappuccini (via degli Armeni).

Sunday, December 21, at 5.30 PM, MaBerliner…under the tree! concert by the Orchestra MaBerliner, conducted by Riccardo Cirri, in the Sala Maggiore of Palazzo Comunale.

Wednesday, December 24, Irene Fornaciari performs in Piazza del Duomo from 5.30 PM to 7 PM, accompanied by Federico Biagetti, presenting acoustic reinterpretations of pop, soul, R&B, and rock classics.

Sunday, December 28, Auguri a 4 voci e organo concert at the Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola at 5 PM, with the choir directed by Sandra Pinna Pintor and organists Isabella Masini and Manuel Gelli, organized by the Accademia internazionale d’organo e musica antica Giuseppe Gherardeschi.

For New Year’s Eve, Pistoia comes alive with shows, concerts, and parties for all tastes and ages, from classical music to theatrical performances, including a ’90s-themed party in the square. Click here for the New Year’s program.

Tuesday, January 6, at 10 AM: Luci d’Oriente, the Three Kings arrive in Pistoia with a historic parade through the main streets, ending at the Cathedral of San Zeno.

Tuesday, January 6, at 4 PM: La Befana descends from the bell tower of Piazza del Duomo to bring sweets and surprises to children and adults alike. Click here for details.

Civic Museums during the Christmas Holidays

The Civic Museums of Pistoia are open from Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM–2 PM, and on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays (December 8 and 26, January 6), as well as during the holiday bridges on Friday, January 2, and Monday, January 5, with extended hours 10 AM–6 PM. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the museums are open from 4 PM to 7 PM. The museums remain closed on Mondays.

During the festive period, from November 22, 2025, to January 6, 2026, every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday (including December 8, 25, 26, January 1 and 6), the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of the Spedale del Ceppo, and the 20th and Contemporary Century Museum at Palazzo Fabroni will offer free admission.

On Thursday, December 18, at 5 PM, visit the Fernando Melani House-Studio. Reservation is required by 1 PM on Wednesday, December 17, by calling the PistoiaInforma toll-free number 800 012146. Admission and the visit are free. Maximum of eight participants.

Enriching the Civic Museums’ exhibitions is the Contemporary Photography Section – Mario Carnicelli Archive, hosted in the Giardino d’Autore space at the 20th and Contemporary Century Museum of Palazzo Fabroni (Via Santa 5). The exhibition is open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays (December 8 and 26, January 6), as well as during the holiday bridges on Friday, January 2, and Monday, January 5, from 10 AM to 6 PM; on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day from 4 PM to 7 PM. Free admission.

The festive program of the Civic Museums also includes the opening of San Jacopo in Castellare church, which can be visited on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (December 8 and 26, January 6), during the holiday bridges (Friday, January 2, and Monday, January 5), from 10:00 AM to 6 PM, and on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day from 4 PM to 7 PM. Admission is free but limited capacity.