When the historic centre sparkles with lights and golden reflections, Arezzo turns into a glistening jewel where the spirit of Christmas is found everywhere. The city wears its most scenic garb: stately palaces transformed into brightly-lit stage sets, squares enlivened by art installations and an atmosphere steeped in festivity and tradition.

At the heart of the magic is Piazza Grande, illuminated with light shows and spectacular effects that turn the Renaissance facades into visual stories.

Higher up, the Prato park becomes a romantic winter wonderland: thousands of lights in the trees, artisan market stalls and the now-traditional skating rink and ferris wheel overlooking the city.

From here, a short walk brings us to the Medici Fortress, where children will find elves and Christmas surprises in one of Tuscany’s most stunning settings.

Between activities, there’s an invitation to check out the wooden huts of the Christmas market in Piazza San Jacopo and Piazza Risorgimento, the perfect place to find a special gift of handcrafts, spices or decorations. And perhaps take a delicious break at Pasticceria Stefano, famed for its artisan panettoni and cakes, or the retro-style institution of storied Pasticceria Fratelli Bruschi, founded in 1937.

For lunch or dinner, there’s authentic Tuscan ambience at Arezzo’s ancient trattoria L’Agania, or try La Lancia d’Oro in Piazza Grande for local tradition overlooking the festivities and Christmas lights.