In Italy, Christmas is one of the most eagerly awaited holidays. Every region, from north to south, boasts a rich tradition of celebrations and cuisine, marked by events and traditional dishes that perfectly encapsulate the festive atmosphere. Families gather around the table to share authentic, wholesome dishes that tell the story of our land.
Tuscany is no exception. Christmas in Tuscany is a special time, filled with culinary traditions passed down through generations and magical atmospheres that envelop both bustling cities and ancient villages. The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to dive into the culture of this region and savor its authentic dishes. Let’s explore the unique flavors of Tuscan Christmas, the recipes that define the season, and the attractions not to miss during the holidays.
Christmas Eve in Tuscany: a feast of fish
The traditional Tuscan holiday menu starts not on Christmas Day but on the Christmas Eve of December 24. According to Catholic tradition, Christmas Eve is a day of abstinence from meat, so Tuscan families opt for a fish-based menu. Popular dishes include:
- Spaghetti with arselle: A simple yet flavorful seafood pasta featuring arselle (small clams), a delightful alternative to the classic spaghetti with clams.
- Baccalà alla livornese: Salted cod cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and parsley, a timeless Tuscan classic perfect as a main course or a hearty appetizer.
Christmas Day Feast: an explosion of flavors
In Tuscany, Christmas lunch is a true banquet celebrating abundance and togetherness, with dishes that vary across provinces but feature timeless staples:
- Mixed Appetizers: Start with Tuscan crostini topped with chicken liver pâté, paired with local cured meats like finocchiona and Tuscan ham, pecorino cheese with honey, and bruschetta drizzled with fine Tuscan olive oil.
- First Courses: Tuscan cuisine offers a wide variety of first courses for the holiday table. Highlights include:
- Cappelletti in broth: A classic made with rich capon broth, typically prepared using the boiled meats from the previous day.
- Tortelli mugellani with ragù: Pasta stuffed with potatoes, served with a savory meat sauce.
- Pappardelle with wild boar: A hearty dish celebrating game, a cornerstone of Tuscan cuisine.
- Other options include ricotta and spinach ravioli or lasagna with ragù, both crowd-pleasers.
- Main Courses: Equally rich and varied, with options like:
- Mixed roasts featuring duck, guinea fowl, pork, or lamb, seasoned with local aromatic herbs.
- Wild boar stew and rosticciana (spiced pork ribs).
- Peposo all’Impruneta: A robust beef stew slow-cooked with red wine, black pepper, and spices.
- Sides like cacciucco di ceci (a chickpea stew enriched with herbs and pecorino) or fagioli all’uccelletto (beans with sausage) perfectly complement these dishes.
- Desserts: Finish with a sweet touch from Tuscan Christmas desserts, including:
- Ricciarelli from Siena: Soft almond marzipan cookies, perfect with a glass of Vin Santo.
- Panforte: A spiced dessert made with nuts, honey, and candied fruits.
- Cavallucci: Rustic cookies flavored with anise and walnuts.
These dishes highlight the simplicity of ingredients that, when skillfully prepared, become masterpieces.
St. Stephen’s Day Traditions
On December 26, Tuscany continues the celebration, albeit more relaxed than the day before. It’s a time to enjoy leftovers or prepare dishes that suit the holiday spirit, such as:
- Ribollita: A hearty bread and vegetable soup featuring black kale, beans, and stale bread, perfect for the season.
- Pappa al pomodoro: A simple yet flavorful soup made with stale bread, peeled tomatoes, garlic, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Bollito: Leftover boiled meat from Christmas Day broth, often served with warm vegetable sides and homemade sauces.
Visiting Florence at Christmas: beyond food
Christmas is magical not just for the food. Tuscany offers special attractions during the holidays, especially in Florence. At Braciere Malatesta, we cherish our connection to this city, where our restaurant was born in 1954, and we continue to be a culinary landmark. Florence transforms during the festive season with lights and decorations, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Don’t miss:
- Piazza del Duomo: The heart of Florence’s Christmas festivities, featuring a large illuminated tree and a life-sized nativity scene.
- Christmas Markets: The most famous is in Piazza Santa Croce, inspired by German markets. Find handmade Christmas-themed crafts, wool, ceramics, leather goods, local sweets, and artisanal products.
- F-Light Festival: An annual light show that illuminates Florence’s most famous landmarks, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Celebrate the Holidays at Braciere Malatesta
During the Christmas season, Braciere Malatesta is the perfect place to experience authentic Tuscan traditions. We celebrate these traditions with passion, bringing the best of Tuscan cuisine to the table to make the holidays special.
On Christmas Day (December 25), we will be closed to celebrate with our families, but we’ll be back the following day, ready to delight you with our dishes. For an even more personalized experience, we’ve prepared a fixed menu for New Year’s Eve, designed to welcome the new year with style and flavor. You can book your table for December 31 and enjoy a menu crafted with our principles of freshness and quality, ensuring a festive and welcoming environment.
Whether you’re a Florentine or a visitor to the city, we look forward to celebrating the holidays with you in the spirit of taste and conviviality.
