WEIHNACHTSMARKT – FLORENCE
(30 minutes from The Mall Firenze)
Until 17 December, the traditional Tyrolean-style Weihnachtsmarkt returns to Piazza Santa Croce. Over 50 stalls in typical wooden huts offer artisan gifts, traditional festive foods from all over Europe, mulled wine and other delicious hot drinks to warm the hands and the spirits

AREZZO
(45 minutes from The Mall Firenze)
Every weekend until 7 January, Tuscany’s quintessential Christmas city becomes a jubilation of sparkling lights. The large park of the Medici Fortress turns into a real Wonderland, with a packed programme of Christmas events, an elf village, traditional markets, a planetarium and a big wheel. In the city centre there are light shows on facades, and the return of the Christmas markets, until 1 January in Piazza Grande, Piazza San Jacopo and Piazza Risorgimento.

EMPOLI
(an hour from The Mall Firenze)
Light installations, projections on buildings in the town centre, costume parades, an ice-rink, a big wheel, markets and a Christmas village with Santa’s cottage, children’s characters and a donkey mascot. All the magic of Christmas in Empoli, until 7 January.

NATALIA – FUCECCHIO
(an hour from The Mall Firenze)
An interactive experience featuring elves, fairies, Disney characters, workshops and musical shows to delight adults and children alike. Alongside Father Christmas, there’s the Grinch and his house, the Disney Princesses show, Willy Wonka and his lab, Pinocchio’s workshop, the Wishing Well and the Elf Club House. 8, 9, 10 and 17 December and 6 January.

SANTA’S CASTLE – MONTEPULCIANO
(an hour from The Mall Firenze)
Once again this year, Montepulciano’s medieval fortress becomes Santa’s Castle. It’s magnificent, with festive decorations and plenty of surprises. In the garden there are little ponies and a huge array of street food for sweet and savoury treats. Open every day until 7 January, 14:30 to 19:00.