Art and fun from Christmas to Epiphany
Would you like to spend the holidays in a magical and inspiring atmosphere? Come to Siena! This year, there will be events for young and old from Christmas to Epiphany
Unique and atmospheric spaces host contemporary art and photography exhibitions. Concerts for all tastes from classical music to rock bands will provide endless entertainment. Big names from the national scene will perform on the stages of the city’s theatres. A light show runs through the streets of the old town until it reaches Piazza del Campo with a video mapping installation of the frescoes.
The ever-present Father Christmas ready to collect letters with his elves, the Christmas train and the ice rink will keep all children happy. For the most adventurous, there will be an opportunity to book guided tours to explore the city. Finally, indulge in some shopping at the quaint markets in Piazza Matteotti square. What are you waiting for? Christmas in Siena is magical and ready to surprise you!
EXHIBITIONS
Vivian Maier – The self-portrait and it‘s Doubl 
Until 16 March 2023 – Santa Maria della Scala
The Santa Maria della Scala Museum Complex is hosting an exhibition by the famous American photographer consisting of 93 self-portraits spanning the artist’s mysterious life.
Dame, cavalieri e nobili destrieri (Ladies, knights and noble steeds) by Marco Lodola
Until 9 March 2023 – Santa Maria della Scala
His light installations have toured the world and can now be admired in Siena!
Marco Lodola’s characters are waiting for you at Santa Maria della Scala!
Arte Senese
Until 9 March 2023 – Santa Maria della Scala
An exhibition that tells the story of Siena, its artists and its masterpieces.
Come to discover the exhibition Sienese Art: from the Late Middle Ages to the 20th Century, the collections of the bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena on display in Santa Maria della Scala!
CHILDREN
There is a secret place in Siena where Father Christmas along with his elves welcomes children and their letters every day! What’s more, little ones can also make Christmas decorations in the workshops and have their faces painted with a Christmas theme!
Santa’s Alley is in Via del Poggio no. 22!
Check out the full program of Santa’s Alley!
But there’s more! Every day in Siena, the Christmas train passes through the old town. Departing from…
MUSIC AND SHOWS
Video mapping
Let yourself be enchanted by the show that is projected on the facade of Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo every night!
Schedule
Weekdays 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday and holidays 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Bastione Sound Filippo
From 16 December to 7 January 2023, the San Filippo Bastion of Siena’s Medici Fortress will come alive with a series of musical events in collaboration with the region of Tuscany, the municipality of Siena, the Propositivi Association and MCM Service. The first edition of this new format will feature five evenings of live music accompanied by cocktail bars starting at 11:00 pm with free admission.
Theatre
Check out all the performances of the 2022-2023 Theatre Season
Epiphany
On the afternoon of the Epiphany, the notes of the Bandãoorchestra will fill the streets of the city’s old town.
A travelling concert that will start from the Lizza and walk along Via del Sasso di San Bernardino and then along Via dei Montanini to Piazza Salimbeni. From there, it goes from Banchi di Sopra, along Via di Città and into Piazza del Campo. And again along Via Pantaneto to end in Piazza Tolomei.
GUIDED TOURS
Discover the ancient Bottini
Don’t miss the chance to descend into the tunnels under Siena!
A labyrinth of underground aqueduct tunnels over 25 km long. It’s from these ancient aqueducts that Siena’s historic springs are still fed today.
Book your guided tour of the Bottini online or send your request to ticket@comune.siena.it
Take a closer look at the Good and Bad Government frescoes
Only until 31 January 2023, you will be able to take a closer look at Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s famous frescoes!
Because of restoration work taking place, it will be possible to climb up to the construction site 3 metres high and look into the eyes of its protagonists accompanied by an expert guide.
The Allegories and Effects of Good and Bad Government are located inside the Civic Museum (Palazzo Pubblico) and were made between 1338 and 1339 by the Sienese painter Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The frescoes represent the two forms of government of Democracy and Tyranny and their opposing effects on the city, the countryside and the daily lives of the people.
Book your guided tour of the Good Government online
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Siena is ready for the longest night of the year with lots of free concerts in the squares of the old town!
Starting on the afternoon of 31 December, the city streets will be alive with entertainment for young and old, performances, street food and local markets.
The program includes itineraries throughout the city and all night from 7:30 pm.
Find out the full program at www.propositivi.it!
