Christmas Events in Lucca, Italy
Over the holiday season, the city of Lucca bustles even more than usual with events, concerts, and many other initiatives for adults and children. On this Christmas 2022, after two years under the shadow of the pandemic and restrictions, the local administration has designed a calendar full of unmissable events covering the entire municipality.
Lucca, between nativity scenes and markets
Kicking off this series of events was the lighting of Christmas decorations and the big Christmas tree in St. Piazza San Michele last November 26. The ceremony was accompanied by a themed concert by the Freedom Singers Gospel Choir, and then everyone toasted together with hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Another typical Christmas tradition in Italy is nativity scenes, such as the one located under the Loggiato Pretorio in St. Michael’s Square. Also not to be missed are the nativity scenes set up in the numerous churches of Lucca and its provinces. Visiting them is also an opportunity to understand more about the art and history behind religious building construction in Lucca. Among all nativities, the Living Nativity in Ruota stands out. Ruota is a quaint hillside village surrounding Lucca, which becomes literally Bethlehem every December 26 thanks to the representation of the Nativity by local people.
The traditional Christmas markets are also worth seeing and can be visited until the early days of January. In addition to the ones in the city center, it is worth mentioning some organized in the surrounding hamlets. If you’re in the area during the holiday season, remember to also go and see the markets in Verciano, at the Petrognano Farm, and the ones in Capannori.
If you’re looking for second-hand objects to decorate your place or vintage gifts to bring back home to family and friends, we suggest you also visit the flea markets in Capannori and Colle di Compito, both on December 8.
Christmas concerts
Many concerts are among the various events scheduled in Lucca for this Christmas 2022. The city of Puccini will come alive with choirs intoning sacred and festive music inside the multiple churches
The Alice Benvenuti Foundation’s Christmas Concert is worth mentioning in this context. A new edition of Always Smile at Life! featuring the Giacomo Puccini Philharmonic of Lucca conducted by maestro Nicola D’Arrigo. An entire evening of music in memory of Alice, who passed away at only 18 years old from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Proceeds from the event will be donated to charity and earmarked for projects at Meyer Children’s Hospital to benefit the many families with cancer children.
Another Christmas and music-related event to attend is Christmas in Capannori on December 17 and 18. An entire weekend of get-togethers with markets, shows, and musical events for the whole family
Events for Epiphany 2023
The events related to the Epiphany are closing the holiday season on a high note. Every year, the city of Lucca celebrates the day of the Epiphany with songs and the delivery of gifts.
Scheduled events include La befana per le vie del paese, which will take place on January 5 in various hamlets of Lucca, the Befana festival at Artèmisia on January 6, and the Passeggiata tra i presepi, also on January 6, from Tofori to San Pietro a Marcigliano.
Enjoy Lucca and its surroundings during the holiday season, and let yourself be fascinated by all the events planned for this Christmas 2022.
