Christmas is coming, and Val D’Orcia is all dressed up for a party. Coloured lights, shows, music and above all, craft markets and gastronomy. The markets are now an indellible tradition, ideal for shopping and buying gifts for relatives and friends.
We begin our journey from the capital, Siena, where on the 5th and 6th of December the Mercato del Campo takes place, a splendid market in fourteenth century style, with the stalls still arranged as they would have been back then. It will be a buzz of typical Sienese flavours, mixed with the traditional aromas and colours of Christmas.
The calendar of events for Christmas time is full in Pienza. From Saturday 22nd December until Sunday 6th January, the splendid “Giardini in Val d’Orcia” exhibition will be open, to admire the beauty of our landscape. A large Nativity scene will be set up in the Church of San Francesco, while in Piazza Pio II, an exchange of collective gifts will be held along with the lighting of the Christmas bonfire. This year, the game of panforte is back, this traditional winter amusement consists in throwing the typical dessert of the area onto a wooden surface, competing with those who are on the opposite side. If this is not enough, on December 16th and January 4th in the Town Library, there will be readings held for younger children.
Among the aroma of chestnuts and traditional music, the Christmas markets in Castiglione d’Orcia nwill take place the week before Christmas. Here, as you can tell, you are spoiled for choice.
It will be the children’s Christmas – who else? – even in San Quirico d’Orcia, thanks to the Palazzo delle fiabe. The historic Palazzo Chigi, set up for children, with a wide variety of sensory activities, listening, games and fun, will show young ones how to rediscover the great pleasure of traditional fairy tales.
In Montepulciano, on the border with Val d’Orcia, the Christmas Village will enliven the entire city centre from the 21st of November until the 6th of January, ideal for those who love the Christmas holidays, and wish they would last longer. In traditional wooden houses, the delicious food will merge with local products with great creative inspiration, while shows for adullts and children will take place inside the Medieval Fortress.
It is definitely time to pack your bags and come to Val d’Orcia, to discover the beauty of a warm, fun, loving, Christmas, also packed with the tradition and nature which only a UNESCO territory can offer. The Capitano Hotel Collection is waiting to celebrate Christmas with you, with many novelties.

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