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It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged, but I’m back in the saddle to share something a little bit exciting. You might not know this about me, but I am a massive Christmas kind of girl. I always go completely over the top. I buy too many decorations, too much food and too many presents. My hubby, Giulio, constantly rolls his eyes because as the typical Italian, he doesn’t get excited about ANY holiday!

While he is decidedly low key, his hometown Manciano is not. This year, they’re planning the most extravagant Christmas village. Seriously, guys, they are going all out with the bells and the whistles, which is so nice because we’ve had Christmas lights all decked out throughout the town for a least a month now and we are most definitely in the festive spirit.

Celebrating Christmas in Italy is truly unforgettable. As a girl who has had her fair share of summer and winter Christmases, I can tell you that the weather in Southern Tuscany is mild enough that you can spend plenty of time outside without losing your nose from frost bite. But at the same time, it’s the perfect temperature for sipping mulled wine and eating freshly roasted chestnuts as you marvel at all the sights.

From December 8-11 and 17-18, Manciano will be completely transformed into a Christmas village. Below is a map of all the attractions.

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There are tons of things to see and do, but here’s what I’m most looking forward to:

  • Santa’s house
  • a Christmas-themed 3D projection on the town’s Cassero
  • letter to Santa writing workshop
  • Christmas mini railway
  • ice sculpture nativity scene
  • a traditional nativity scene display
  • a jumping castle
  • an enchanted forest
  • face painting and balloons for all the kids
  • food stalls selling Christmas pancakes, roasted chestnuts, fried pizzas, mulled wine and hamburgers
  • Christmas market stalls
  • Sand art shows
  • Magic shows
  • Christmas parades and concerts

And the list goes on…

So if you’re looking for something to do over the December holidays in Tuscany, I would definitely give this one a go. I’m not biased at all! Tickets are €10 and the village opens each day at 11am and closes at 6:30pm. Happy Holidays! xx

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