This is the magical introduction on the official website of Santa’s House, the most important Christmas event in the spa town of Montecatini Terme. Every holiday season, families flock here to cross Italy’s most famous festive threshold.
The grand carved Gate holds the secrets and dreams of children from all over the world, guarding the precious gifts that Santa will deliver on Christmas Eve. The 2016 edition brings many new events at Santa’s House in Montecatini and throughout the city.
Outside Santa’s House
The whole city comes alive for Santa’s arrival! The ever-joyful Gift Wrapping Elves set up a variety of Special Parties in the city center, where kids and parents can celebrate late into the night. This year’s can’t-miss event is the Gift Wrapping Elves Party, running from 6:00 to 10:00 pm: the Big Green Hat Elf will show you how they celebrate at the North Pole, with lots of baby dance, creative workshops, and delicious treats. You heard that right—those sweet-toothed elves have also planned a tasty dinner featuring local delicacies and regional dishes.
Christmas Markets
Still outside Santa’s House, you’ll find the Christmas Markets, a favorite with visitors. Here you can browse traditional gifts, local crafts, gourmet food, and thoughtful little presents for the youngest members of the family—perfect to put under the Christmas tree for loved ones.
Inside Santa’s House in Montecatini
Step through the entrance of the Castello delle Terme Tamerici—the first part of Santa’s House—and you’ll instantly feel the magical atmosphere.
The enchanting trail, called the “Fairytale Path,” greets you with elves and towering Christmas trees serving as a delightful backdrop. Take a moment to spot the many whimsical characters hidden in the forest—gnomes, owls, and other friendly faces ready to welcome you.
Turn the corner to discover Santa’s House in all its glory. The huge Desk is stacked with children’s letters waiting to be read, and nearby you’ll find the Naughty and Nice Book along with many wishes about to come true. Just ahead is Santa’s Bed—a burst of color and charm that will dazzle your children (and tempt you to try it out yourself!). But the surprises don’t end there.
Santa’s grand Sleigh—arrived straight from the North Pole and lit up by a breathtaking aurora—awaits you. Continue on to the Terme Tettuccio (about 300m away) to experience more of Santa’s House. The white marble columns frame a spectacular scene. Here you’ll find: Letter Point: a marvelous machine operated by Elf postal workers.
The Elves’ Village: an outdoor section with oversized wooden houses where the elves sleep. “Hands-on Corn” Workshop: get creative using colorful cornstarch bricks—just a bit of water and you’ll craft ornaments to hang on your own tree. Stecco Creo (by SAMMONTANA): a wildly popular workshop where children craft unique decorations using the wooden stick from the world-famous ice cream. A sprinkle of imagination transforms these sticks into special Christmas gifts for friends and family. Storytelling Elf: settle onto soft cushions and listen: stories of elves, wizards, knights, princes, and princesses—unmissable magic.
Wooden Toy Factory: with help from Master Elf Craftsmen and parents, little ones can use nails, hammers, and wooden parts to build a real gift to take home. Ready to become apprentice carpenters?
Tips for a Perfect Visit
Lunch with Santa Claus (outside Santa’s House). During the Santa event in Montecatini Terme, the influx of visitors can put restaurants, bars, and pizzerias in the city center under pressure—long waits aren’t uncommon. To solve this and offer a stress-free experience to families, this year sees the launch of SANTA’S TAVERN: a family-friendly dining area where you can book your slot ahead of time and be seated in under five minutes.
The ideal solution for tasting local specialties, with a kid-friendly approach and quick, excellent service—no lines, no stress.
How to Get to Santa’s House
The town is served by the A11 highway (Montecatini Terme exit) and, as mentioned, is only 39 km from Florence, 34 km from Pisa, 21 km from Lucca, and 12 km from Pistoia—a strategic location. The main exit is Montecatini Terme (A11), and those arriving by train have two stations to choose from: Montecatini Terme Succursale and Montecatini Terme Centrale. For the city center, get off at Montecatini Centrale. Santa’s House – Castello delle Terme Tamerici is in Viale delle Tamerici (pedestrian zone) – Montecatini Terme, Pistoia. Santa’s House – Terme Tettuccio is at the end of Viale Verdi (pedestrian zone) – Montecatini Terme, Pistoia.
Spa Experiences in Town
Montecatini Terme is one of Tuscany’s most renowned tourist destinations, nestled in the heart of the region and close to Florence and Pisa and their main airports. It is world-famous for the therapeutic properties of its thermal waters. For centuries, Montecatini’s spas have been destinations for wellness and beauty seekers. Tettuccio, Regina, Excelsior, Leopoldine, Salute, Redi, and Torretta are its historic spa sites, each surrounded by lush parks for visitors to enjoy. For the Santa’s House event, Terme Tettuccio and Terme Tamerici will be open.
HOURS
Santa’s House is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (last entry at 6:00 pm) HOTEL + DINNER + TICKET PROMO
TICKET PRICES
ADULT ENTRY:
€13.00
REDUCED CHILDREN’S TICKET: €12.00 (0-11 years) ELVES’ VILLAGE: €5.00 per person STORYTIME ELF: €4.00 per person CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP: €12.00 per person
CHOCOTASTING: €5.00
Visitors with disabilities pay the reduced ticket and can bring one companion free of charge!
