Barga in Cioccolato
The artisanal chocolate festival in the historic center of Barga
About Barga in Cioccolato
Barga in Cioccolato: the sweet heart of Christmas in Garfagnana
Barga in Cioccolato is the event that, every year at the beginning of December, dedicates an entire weekend to artisanal chocolate in the historic center of Barga, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, perched in the Media Valle del Serchio in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. For three days, the medieval alleys, squares, and shops fill with the scent of cocoa, turning the town into an unmissable stop for food lovers and those seeking the atmosphere of a Tuscan Christmas.
The Chocolate Makers' Workshops
The heart of the event is the Chocolate Makers' Workshops: master chocolatiers from Tuscany and other regions set up their stalls along the streets of the center, where it is possible to taste and purchase pralines, chocolate bars, sculptures, and artisanal specialties. Local bars, pastry shops, and restaurants join the festivities by offering traditional hot chocolate and themed desserts. The stands remain open all day, generally from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Christmas markets and atmosphere
Alongside the chocolate, Barga in Cioccolato features a Christmas market with local products and handicrafts, roving musical entertainment, and performances that accompany visitors along the route. The natural scenery of the medieval village, with its Cathedral and narrow stone streets, provides a unique backdrop for walks among the festive lights and decorations.
Plenty of activities for children
The event has a strong family-oriented spirit. For children, there is the classic meeting with the Befana, chocolate workshops to learn how to create sweets with their own hands, and the enchanting Willy Wonka's house, a setting inspired by the famous chocolate factory. There is no shortage of Christmas storytelling, theatrical performances, and musical moments spread across the various locations in the historic center.
An event that grows year by year
Born in the mid-2000s, Barga in Cioccolato has become one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of the Lucca autumn-winter season, organized by We Planner together with the Municipality of Barga and in collaboration with the Pro Loco. Each edition attracts thousands of visitors from all over Tuscany, helping to promote the village and the Garfagnana territory even outside the summer season.
Barga in Cioccolato — edition 2026
For 2026, Barga in Cioccolato reaches the milestone of its 20th edition, confirming its place among the most anticipated gastronomic events of the Tuscan Christmas. The scheduled dates are Monday, December 7, and Tuesday, December 8, 2026, in the historic center of Barga (Lucca).
For this edition as well, the village will welcome the traditional Chocolate Makers' Workshops, the Christmas market with artisanal products, chocolate workshops for children, Willy Wonka's house, and musical entertainment spread throughout the alleys and squares. The stands will be open all day, according to the event's usual schedule.
The detailed program with times, shows, and side events will be published by the organizers close to the event, approximately in November 2026, on the official Barga in Cioccolato channels.
Programme Barga in Cioccolato 2026
The detailed program for the 20th edition will be announced by the organizers close to the event, approximately in November 2026. Based on previous editions, the following are expected:
- The Chocolate Makers' Workshops with master chocolatiers in the historic center, generally from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- The Christmas market with local products and handicrafts
- Chocolate workshops and activities for children
- Willy Wonka's house and the meeting with the Befana
- Musical entertainment, Christmas storytelling, and performances in the village squares
Information will be updated on the official channels ([email protected]).
Highlights Barga in Cioccolato 2026
- 20th edition of the Barga chocolate festival
- Chocolate Makers' Workshops with master artisans in the historic center
- Christmas market, children's workshops, and Willy Wonka's house
Prices Barga in Cioccolato 2026
Practical information — Barga in Cioccolato
How to get there
Barga is located in the Media Valle del Serchio, in the province of Lucca. By car, it can be reached via the SS12 del Brennero and the SR445 of Garfagnana. By train, the Barga-Gallicano station is on the Lucca-Aulla line, with connections to Lucca and Pisa. During the event, the historic center is pedestrianized: it is advisable to use the parking lots in the lower part of the town.
Hours and admission
The Chocolate Makers' Workshops and stands are generally open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission to the event and the markets is free; some workshops and shows may require a reservation or a separate ticket.
Contacts
For information and program updates: [email protected], tel. +39 331 3526137, as well as the event's official social media channels.
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Where does it take place — Barga in Cioccolato
Centro storico di Barga