This year, I can feel the Christmas spirit pulsing through the air. Every single small light and lit candle puts me in a good mood and draws a smile upon my face. I am dreaming of spending a Christmas chatting and tasting delicious dishes with family and friends. The holidays are almost here and you're likely already wondering: what will I do for New Year's?
You don't necessarily have to go too far from where you are in Tuscany to have a great time. Being in Italy, you might already be hundreds or thousands of miles or kilometers from home, so you don't need to go much further. If you're staying near Pistoia and its surroundings, you'll find the right atmosphere to have a fun New Year's Eve to crown your holidays in Tuscany.
I'll suggest some nice events to pass New Year's and Epiphany in Pistoia below. You'll find the right company to enjoy the warm atmosphere of light that vibrates in the historic center.
What is going on the the evening in Pistoia? Once you finish dinner, whether you're at a restaurant or at a friend's house, everyone head out onto the streets! The evening will include entertainment including music and fireworks! Starting at 10:30pm, in fact, the historical center will come alive with the sounds and lights of the festive last night of the year. Lots of events and music in the streets and squares are planned, the main event is a live music concert in Piazza del Duomo starting at 11pm, followed with a toast to the new year and a DJ set.
Hate the cold and the chaos of being outdoors on New Year's? For those that want to stay away from the large crowd in Piazza del Duomo, there are also free concerts elsewhere earlier in the evening. Starting at 9pm, there is a homage to Duke Ellington at the Piccolo Teatro Mauro Bolognini, while Palazzo Fabbroni will host a brass quartet playing a mix of holiday and popular tunes and the Antico Refettorio of the Convento di San Domenico will host a Chamber Music Concert.
You can also enjoy an evening on pampering. Montecatini Terme or Monsummano Terme both offer moments of pampering as you wait the new year at the spa. A day to devote to you and to share with friends or loved ones. The thermal spas at Montecatini offer very inviting packages and the same thing applies to the Grotta Giusti Monsummano which include dinner on New Year's Eve and beauty treatments as well.
I would say that Pistoia and surroundings have something to offer for all tastes. You'll be able to pass an evening as you like, enjoy your city and wait for the new year with serenity.
Who starts well is already halfway to winning the battle, therefore the surprises do not end there!
As tradition will have it, on January 1 at 3pm, kids can enjoy the new year in Piazza del Duomo with activities organized by the firemen.
If you're around on January 6, at 4pm, everyone will be heading to Piazza del Duomo to see the Befana, the Italian witch which climbs down from the bell tower. The event is organized by the Provincial command of the Fire Department and the National Association of the Fire Department in partnership with the City Council of Pistoia. Sweets (or coal for those that have not behaved well) for all!
Another Epiphany festival you should not miss if you're here is the one taking place on January 5 in Cutigliano, in the province of Pistoia, where Befana arrives with gifts for the kids starting at 5:30pm. Also on the 5th, head to Pian degli Ontani for the Song of the Epiphany at 9:00pm and the Descent of the Comet at 9.30pm, while at nearby Melo (starting at 5:30pm) the Befana arrives a day early with mulled wine for everyone. On January 6 head back to Pian degli Ontani for the traditional meeting of the Befana witch with Santa Claus where children receive the last gifts of the season (at 5.30pm)!
So how about you spending New Year's and Epiphany in Pistoia? A hug, a smile, a warm atmosphere are worth more when traveling far from home.
I hope you enjoy a great holiday season in Tuscany and wish you a new year full of beautiful things and unforgettable moments wherever you are.
Happy Holidays!
Main photo credit: chripell
