Avg highs 11 °C / 52 °F; nights dip to 3 °C / 37 °F, often rainy.
Accademia Gallery Priority Entry Tickets
€26.90
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December transforms Florence into a warm, candlelit city of Renaissance treasures and Christmas spirit. Early December sees low crowds and good hotel deals, while the holiday weeks sparkle with markets, concerts, and nativity scenes. Dress for cold, damp days with early sunsets by 5 pm. Book holiday dinners and museum slots ahead for late month visits.
Avg highs 11 °C / 52 °F; nights dip to 3 °C / 37 °F, often rainy.
~9 h; sunrise ~7:35 am, sunset ~4:40 pm.
Christmas markets, F-Light Festival, Immaculate Conception.
Low early month, medium-high Christmas–New Year’s.
Warm coat, scarf, gloves, waterproof boots.
Panforte, vin brulé, rich Tuscan stews.
Recommended experiences:
Recommended experiences:
Hidden light shows on lesser-known facades add magic to quiet streets. Catch F-Light installations at Oltrarno’s smaller piazzas for fewer crowds and unique visuals reflecting local art themes.
📍Where: Various Oltrarno locations
See goldsmiths, bookbinders, and leatherworkers at work. December is ideal for browsing artisans crafting holiday orders. Book walking tours of Oltrarno botteghe for an intimate view of Florentine craftsmanship.
📍Where: Via Santo Spirito, Via Maggio
Warm up with Tuscan street food. Mercato Centrale’s upper level serves lampredotto sandwiches, pasta, and wines in a bustling indoor setting – perfect for chilly December days.
📍Where: Mercato Centrale, Piazza del Mercato Centrale
Peaceful Renaissance architecture away from festive crowds. Few visitors venture into the cloisters behind Santa Croce’s basilica, offering quiet arcades and tombs of artisans and scholars.
📍Where: Piazza Santa Croce
Sample prized white truffles. December is prime truffle season. Local food tours include tastings of truffle-infused dishes and oils sourced from nearby Tuscan forests.
📍Where: Departure from Florence city center
🚄 Travel time: ~1.5 h by bus/train combo
Charming medieval towers and quiet lanes with festive lights. Taste local Vernaccia wines in cozy enotecas. Early sunsets make evening returns ideal.
🚄 Travel time: ~1.5 h by bus
Visit Siena’s illuminated medieval streets and impressive cathedral. December is peaceful, with locals enjoying pre-Christmas shopping.
🚄 Travel time: ~1 h by train
Climb the Leaning Tower in crisp winter air, then explore festive lights along the Arno. Less crowded than summer.
Dress in warm layers with waterproof boots; cold rain is common and streets can get slick.
Many restaurants offer special Christmas and New Year’s menus – book well ahead for Dec 24–25 and Dec 31 dinners.
Museums close early in winter; check last entry times (often ~4:30 pm).
Visit Christmas markets midweek mornings to browse without crowds.
Carry some cash for market stalls – many don’t take cards.
If climbing the Duomo, mornings are clearer for views before clouds build.
Shops close on Dec 25; Dec 26 has limited openings – plan indoor activities accordingly.
Watch out for early sunsets around 4:40 pm; plan sightseeing accordingly.
Local buses and trams run holiday schedules on Dec 25–26; check ATAF app for timings.
Attend church concerts for a unique festive experience; tickets sell out fast for popular performances.
Early December is quiet with low tourist numbers, but crowds rise from Christmas week through New Year’s Eve due to holiday travelers.
Most museums and shops are closed on December 25. Some reopen on December 26 with limited hours; check individual sites in advance.
Expect cold, damp days with highs around 11 °C / 52 °F and nights dipping near 3 °C / 37 °F. Rain is common.
Yes. Many restaurants have special holiday menus and limited tables. Book well ahead for dinners on December 24, 25, and 31.
Yes, weather permitting. It can close in rain or high winds, so check forecasts and book early morning slots for clearer views.
No. The Santa Croce market usually ends by December 22–24. Markets shut down before Christmas Day.
Bring a warm coat, scarves, gloves, and waterproof boots. Streets are damp and evenings are near freezing.
Early December offers good deals on hotels. Prices rise from Christmas to New Year’s due to holiday demand.
Yes, but on a holiday schedule with reduced frequency on December 25–26. Check the ATAF app for exact times.
Yes. Many major churches hold midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Arrive early for seating and dress warmly.
