Christmas is so close, you can be forgiven for acting ridiculously festive all the time.

But I think sometimes this season passes us by so fast, we barely get a chance to appreciate it, which is why I’ve put together a list Christmas events I think you cannot miss.

Going out and enjoying the Yuletide atmosphere, even if it’s just to take the kids to the see Santa, is a fantastic way to get just that little bit more out of the holidays.

In the Tuscan Maremma, Christmas always means plenty of colour, frivolity and noise, usually all at once and for weekends at a time! To the Maremmani, a Christmas event is more than just an appearance from Santa. It’s a mix of the best culinary, musical and folkloric traditions that make this region so beautiful.

And this region has some of the most charming Christmas traditions and customs. To be part of them is to experience the spirit of provincial Italy before the tourists and the souvenir stands. And that’s not even taking into consideration the glorious, glorious seasonal food!

So here they are, the top 10 Christmas events in the Tuscan Maremma this year:

1. Natale al Museo- La Musica Perduta degli Etruschi
Where: Polveria Guzman, Orbetello
When: December 21, 5.30pm
What: A much anticipated cultural event recreating the lost music of the Etruscans. There’s also a guided tour of Orbetello’s archaeological museum and light refreshments.

2. Festa di Natale nelle cantine
Where: Roccalbegna
When: December 23, from 6pm
What: Live shows, hot homemade treats, plenty of mulled wine and, if the atmosphere wasn’t already festive enough, cocktails.

3. Spettacolo di Natale
Where: Fonderia Leopoldo, Follonica
When: December 23, 9.00pm
What: A beautiful charity event with candlelight carols and performances from local bands and tenors.

4. Sister and Brother choir performance
Where: Teatro degli Unanimi, Arcidosso
When: December 23, 9.15pm
What: Christmas carols from one of the region’s best choir bands.

5. Un pomeriggio con Babbo Natale
Where: Massa Marittima
When: December 24, from 4pm
What: An afternoon of children’s games, music and free gifts, handed out by Santa himself.

6. Concerto di Natale al Duomo
Where: Duomo, Massa Marittima
When: December 24, midnight
What: No one does Christmas concerts as elegantly and evocatively as Massa Marittima and this event promises to be a heartwarming affair.

7. Natale in Piazza
Where: Piazzale dei Rioni, Porto Santo Stefano
When: December 25, 9pm-1am
What: Italian celebrity DJ Luca transforms Porto Santo Stefano into an open air, family-friendly nightclub. Dancing on Christmas day does sound pretty good, doesn’t it?

8. Il Presepe Vivente
Where: Centro Storico, Castel del Piano
When: December 28, 9pm
What: My absolute favourite Maremman Christmas tradition. A magnificent live Nativity Scene acted out by locals from Castel del Piano. This tradition has been held here for 30 years now and is a must-see.

9. Torneo di Tombola e Panfortata
Where: Palazzo Comunale, Castel del Piano
When: December 29, 9pm
What: Win a bunch of prizes in the bingo competition and then watch the best local panforte get thrown across the tabletop in a bizarre contest where whoever can throw the cake closest to the edge of the table without it falling off wins. Yep, I don’t get why they’d what to chuck such a lovely dessert either…

10. Arriva la Befana
Where: Orbetello
When: January 6, from 5pm
What: Italian children get gifts from both Santa Claus and La Befana, lucky buggers. I love La Befana, she’s so kitsch and sweet for a witch, and she’ll be handing out sweets and treats, before the winner of the annual Christmas window competition is announced at 6pm.