This year, Christmas takes us on a thrilling journey into the heart of Tuscany. Una Gita Fuoriporta, the TV series that explores destinations of extraordinary charm, leads us to discover two gems of central Italy: Sesto Fiorentino, just a stone's throw from Florence, and Poggibonsi, in the heart of the Val d'Elsa. Here, Advent traditions transform the towns into true treasure chests of lights, flavours and stories to experience.
Sesto Fiorentino
With its charming nineteenth-century historic centre, Sesto Fiorentino welcomes visitors into a warm atmosphere. Piazza Vittorio Veneto, known as "Piazza del Comune", becomes the beating heart of a transformation that will last until 12 January 2025. Sparkling lights, Christmas markets and decorations carry everyone into an enchanted world.
Among the unmissable moments, the lighting of the imposing Christmas tree, beneath a starry sky, will be accompanied by artistic projections that will cloak the Palazzo Comunale and surrounding streets in magic. Rounding off the festivities are artisan markets, local culinary specialities and a spacious ice-skating rink that will delight young and old alike.
Poggibonsi
Leaving Sesto Fiorentino, the journey continues towards Poggibonsi, a town set within the splendid surroundings of the Val d'Elsa. Famed for its strategic position and historic heritage, Poggibonsi surprises visitors with its Fortezza Medicea di Poggio Imperiale, built on the orders of Lorenzo the Magnificent.
Here you'll also find the Archeodromo, a faithful reconstruction of a medieval village, where visitors can immerse themselves in life from the past. At this time of year, Poggibonsi also becomes the "town of Christmas": with numerous attractions, traditional Christmas markets, the "Magical World of Father Christmas" on Via della Repubblica, and the eagerly awaited tree-lighting ceremony, a symbolic moment that unites the community beneath a sky lit up with stars and decorations.
As David Romano, the programme's presenter and journalist, explains:
"We got an early taste of the joyful, festive atmosphere in two towns where the gift of hospitality runs deep. In Sesto Fiorentino and Poggibonsi, Christmas isn't just a celebration, but an experience to be lived and shared. It's a journey that speaks of traditions, but also of communities coming together to bring back the magic of the festive season for the many visitors."
Taking part in the episode were: Eros Condelli, Artistic Director of "Christmas in Tuscany"; Sabrina Piermarini, President of the "Sesto Sotto Casa" Natural Shopping Centre; Claudia Pecchioli, Deputy Mayor of Sesto Fiorentino; Susanna Cenni, Mayor of Poggibonsi; Laura Martelli, President of Via Maestra Natural Shopping Centre, Poggibonsi.
The appointment is set for Tuesday 3 December at around 10.00pm (the episode's start time may vary by a few minutes), on all available platforms, bringing together linear and on-demand TV with the digital world: Sky channel 222, Channel 60 Digital Terrestrial Sport Italia (red button on smart TV remote), Channel 259 new digital terrestrial HbbTV, live streaming on bikechannel.it (Tiscali's portal) and on demand on the unagitafuoriporta.it website.
The episode was produced in collaboration with EVA Events & Management.
Una Gita Fuoriporta continues to stand out as one of the leading TV programmes dedicated to travel and lifestyle, with an increasingly cross-cutting approach offering tips and ideas for creating the best travel experience, whether it's a weekend of emotion, relaxation, adventure or discovery.