CHRISTMAS IN THE PIANA DI LUCCA REGION
In the streets and squares of small villages, in the theatres, churches and parish churches in the countryside and on the hills, for Christmas there are great celebrations in the Piana di Lucca.
Markets, concerts, theatrical performances, nativity scenes, workshops for children, Santa Claus and the Epiphany. Many events under the sign of tradition, in the magical atmosphere of the end of the year celebrations.
Also Villa Reale in Marlia, a few kilometers from the historic center of Lucca, celebrates Magical Christmas.
A show of art, beauty, emotions and fun for young and old.
An evening walk in the park and in the evocative lemon garden, surrounded by glittering light installations and the scent of mulled wine and burning wood in the Nordic braziers in the air.
In the stables there will be a corner dedicated to children, with Christmas-themed workshops and in the clock building the awaited meeting with Santa Claus, ready to read all the letters in view of the deliveries to be made on the night of 24 December. Last event on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm, the last opening weekend of the Villa before the long winter break.
info and presale on villarealedimarlia.it
Ruota, an ancient village of medieval origin on the slopes of Mount Pisano, along the road that leads to the top of Mount Serra. Every year, as per tradition, the Living Nativity scene comes to life here, a historic event in the Piana di Lucca, now in its XXXII edition.
The small town comes alive with shops and ancient crafts, processions and Christmas songs, waiting for the exciting Nativity scene.
on Monday 26 December, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm; in case of bad weather the event will take place on Friday 6 January; a shuttle service is provided from the church of Colle di Compito and from the Frantoio Sociale of Pieve di Compito (adults € 5.00 - children 6/10 years € 2.00).
for info tel. +39 0583 995838
On the opposite side of the Piana di Lucca, another characteristic Living Nativity scene enlivens the streets of Villa Basilica, the small village on the slopes of the Pizzorne plateau.
On the day of Epiphany the Medieval Living Crib is staged
with the evocative Nativity, the ancient crafts and the delicious food specialties to taste, among the colors and scents of the time.
Friday 6 January, from 12:00 pm
A lot of good music cannot be missing to cheer up the Christmas holidays, with concerts for adults and children in theatres, churches and palaces; an opportunity to stay together and share moments of joy and serenity, exchanging Christmas and Happy New Year wishes.
Here are three concerts, all with free admission, to put at the top of your personal Christmas list of things to do, see and listen to.
Christmas Time in Montecarlo, the concert by the Vocal Blue Trains, a talented multifaceted group that loves experimentation, between gospel, traditional polyphonic and modern electronic and house sounds.
An exceptional location is the Teatro dei Rassicurati in Montecarlo, founded at the end of the 1700s, one of the smallest theaters in the world with a capacity of 300 seats.
Saturday 17 December, 9:15 pm - Teatro dei Rassicurati (Montecarlo)
for info tel. +39 0583 22517
In Porcari the Crib of San Francesco. The Song of the Nativity is the traditional singing appointment of the Arcobaleno Choir, to relive Christmas through the eyes of the one who created the first Living Nativity Scene, with music, songs and characters.
Sunday 18 December, 5:00 pm - Auditorium "Da Massa Carrara" (Porcari)
for info coroarcobalenolucca.it
In Altopascio Welcome concert to the New Year by the Music group Giuliano Zei of Altopascio, the historic city band that boasts over a century of activity.
Wednesday 4 January, 9:15 pm - Teatro Giacomo Puccini (Altopascio)
for info tel. +39 0583 216701