Christmastime in Lucca is nothing short of magical, blending centuries-old traditions with the warmth and charm of this Tuscan town. As a family that divides our time between Lucca and Northern Virginia, we’ve dreamed of spending the holidays in Italy, soaking in the festive charm of twinkling piazzas, bustling outdoor markets, and the scent of roasted chestnuts filling the air. This year, we thought it might finally happen—our first Christmas in Lucca. But, as sometimes happens, plans don’t always go as expected, and it didn’t work out.
For a variety of reasons, we decided to stay home in Virginia this year. Our sons love tradition, and Christmas in our house is steeped in it—tree decorating, gingerbread house building, homemade pizzelle, linguine alle vongole on Christmas eve and and a cozy fireplace. It’s just as well, since my broken foot would have made traveling near impossible. Besides, Christmas is the one time of year our oldest, who is studying in The Netherlands, comes back to Virginia. We see him at other times during the year when we’re visiting him in Delft or Italy, but having the whole family together at home for the holidays makes it all the more special.
Traditions: Be Careful What You Wish For
We worked hard to establish traditions for our family, and they’ve stuck—sometimes more firmly than we anticipated! Several years ago, we decided to eat out for Thanksgiving. It seemed like a great idea—no cooking, no dishes—but it wasn’t well-received by our sons. (Let’s just say we haven’t done it again!) That experience made us realize how much we all treasure the rituals that make holidays feel like home, even if they come with a bit of extra effort.
At home in Virginia, Christmas is all about those traditions. Normally, we bundle up and head to a nearby tree farm to cut down our own tree, but that wasn’t possible this year (again, darn foot!). Instead, we picked up a freshly cut tree from the local fire station fundraiser, which still fills the house with the scent of pine and the satisfaction of supporting our community.
During the pandemic, we even added a new tradition: making pizzelle, those delicate, waffle-like Italian cookies. What started as a way to pass the time turned into a family favorite, so much so that we bought a second pizzelle maker! Now, everyone has a role in the process, from mixing the batter to perfecting the timing. It’s become one of those small but meaningful rituals that reminds us how traditions can evolve and grow with us. Check out our pizelle recipe, here.
And while we’ll miss the twinkling lights of Lucca’s piazzas, there’s something comforting about the familiar warmth of home here in Virginia. Ultimately, though, we’ve learned that home is more about family than the physical space. Over time, we hope our Lucca home provides our family with those same feelings—the sense of togetherness, love, and tradition that make a place truly feel like home.
Christmas in Lucca
If we had made it to Lucca, I imagine we’d have spent our days strolling through the Christmas markets and festivals, ice skating on the walls, and tasting seasonal dishes. Every piazza is sparkling this season, and shop windows dazzle with their elegant displays. Instead of eggnog, we’d indulge in slices of panettone. Thankfully, we brought one home in our suitcase on our last trip from Taddeucci, and it's waiting in our freezer! Slightly misshapen from the journey, this decadent treat is infused with rum-soaked fruits and rich chocolate—a perfect taste of the holidays in Lucca. It's honestly the best we've ever had!
Lucca shines brightly during the holiday season, offering a mix of festive events and cultural experiences. One of the highlights is Lucca Magico Natale, which transforms Piazza Napoleone into a picturesque Christmas village from late November through early January. The square is adorned with twinkling lights, charming market stalls, and seasonal treats. It’s the perfect spot to sip hot chocolate, pick up artisan crafts, and soak in the holiday spirit.
For families, Villa Reale di Marlia offers Magical Christmas weekends in mid and late December. This event features handmade nativity scenes crafted by the iconic Fontanini company, holiday workshops for children, and visits with Santa Claus. The festive ambiance is enhanced by mulled wine, Christmas lights, and the villa's stunning park setting.
There's so much happening in Lucca throughout the year, but especially over the holidays! For a complete calendar of events, check out this site.
Want to Celebrate in Lucca?
While we’ll be celebrating Christmas in Virginia this year, our apartment in Lucca is unexpectedly available for a few weeks, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It feels bittersweet. On one hand, we’ll miss seeing Lucca in all its holiday splendor. On the other, it feels right to embrace our Virginia traditions this year.
For those lucky enough to be in Lucca this holiday season, enjoy it for us. Wander through the markets, take in the glow of the lights, and savor the simple pleasures of Christmas, Italian-style. What are some of your favorite holiday traditions, whether in Italy or elsewhere? Do you have a cherished recipe, a festive activity, or a special way of celebrating that brings your family together during this magical time of year? I’d love to hear about the customs that make your holidays meaningful.
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