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Celebrate Christmas in Florence – Markets, lights & Tuscan charm

December flips Florence into holiday mode. The Duomo square sparkles with its towering tree, stalls brim with craft gifts beneath stone arches, choirs lift carols through echoing basilicas, and cafés warm hands with vin brulé. Cross the Ponte Vecchio, then skate at Piazzale Michelangelo. At Christmas, the city is pure Renaissance magic.

Why spend Christmas in Florence?

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
  • Renaissance beauty in festive light: See Florence’s famous monuments — the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio decorated in golden Christmas lights.
  • Charming Christmas markets: Wander through Piazza Santa Croce’s German-style market for mulled wine, crafts, and ornaments straight from the Alps.
  • Season of music and art: Attend classical concerts in cathedrals and festive performances at the Teatro Verdi or the Opera di Firenze.
  • Tuscan holiday flavors: Feast on panforte, ribollita, and roasted chestnuts sold on nearly every street corner.
  • Day trips: Make quick festive escapes to Siena, San Gimignano, or the Christmas markets in Montepulciano.
Florence in December

Things to do in Florence during the Christmas season

Shop at seasonal Christmas markets

Shop at seasonal Christmas markets

Drop by the magical Florence's Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza di Santa Croce from November 23 to December 22, 2025. This German-style market boasts wooden stalls with festive delights: Christmas decor, clothing, and gifts. Scents of warm pretzels, wurst, mulled wine, and strudel waft through the air. With 50 huts featuring crafts and European specialties, it's a festive haven. Kids can enjoy games at Santa Claus House and send letters to Santa.

Visit the Christmas markets at:

Florence’s sweet treats

Feast on Florence’s sweet treats

What even is Christmas without Florence's drool-worthy Christmas confections? Try Caffè Lietta's famed "Pirulo," enjoy Masha Innocenti's festive cake designs, and savor Pistocchi's unique chocolates. Indulge in Pasticceria Nencioni Falai's timeless classics and relish the artisanal delights at Caffè Gilli and "Dolci e Dolcezze" for a sweet taste of the city's holiday spirit.

Find the best Christmas treats at:

Christmas in Florence - Christmas food

Shop Italian brands

Discover Florence's unique blend of cultural heritage and Italian style during the festive season. Explore Christmas sales at iconic spots like Via dei Serragli, known for local artisans. Indulge in luxury shopping on Via de’ Tornabuoni, featuring designer labels like Gucci and Prada, and find high-end brands such as Miu Miu and Armani on Via Roma.

Find the best Italian brands at:

Christmas in Florence - Ponte Vecchio Bridge

Stroll the Ponte Vecchio bridge

Set off on a magical stroll along the iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge, connecting Por Santa Maria and Via de' Bardi. Admire breathtaking views of the Arno River enhanced by the festive glow of Christmas lights. Submit to the holiday spirit as you leisurely shop amid the charming ambiance created by the bridge's historic shops.

Family ice skating together at an outdoor rink.

Go ice skating

Glide into Christmas with style at Cascine Christmas Village with Italy's largest ice skating rink, spanning over 1300 square meters. Set beside a grand Christmas tree, the rink invites visitors to indulge in the Christmas market, savor delectable treats and hot chocolate, meet Santa Claus, and ride his sleigh next to Santa's House. Feel the community come together at the rink.

Red cabins on the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel, Austria, with blue sky and green leaves.

Ride a ferris wheel

Literally elevate your Christmas experience in Florence with a ride on the 55-meter-high Ferris Wheel at Cascine Park's Christmas Village. Then explore other Christmas-themed attractions, entertainment, and activities surrounding the Ferris Wheel.

Visitors enjoying a Florence food tour with skip-the-line access at All’Antico Vinaio, sampling local delicacies.

Go on a food tour

Join a Christmas food tour in Florence to discover hidden markets and alleys with a local guide,savoring Christmas-inspired delights like Lampredotto. Indulge in Tuscan traditions with dishes such as Ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, and be a part of the festive spirit and rich culinary history influenced by Florence's luminaries.

Your perfect Christmas itinerary

Attend Christmas Mass at the Florence Duomo.

Day 1: Christmas Eve – Lights, art, and holiday cheer

Morning: Begin your day at Piazza Santa Croce’s Christmas market. Warm up with vin brulé and browse local crafts. Stop by the Uffizi Gallery for Renaissance masterpieces surrounded by festive décor.

Afternoon: Lunch at Trattoria Zà Zà for hearty Tuscan soup (ribollita). Walk to Piazza del Duomo to see the grand Christmas tree and nativity.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Osteria All’Antico Vinaio or Il Latini. End your evening at the midnight mass in the Duomo, one of Italy’s most moving Christmas Eve traditions, filled with choral hymns and candlelight.

Attend the Christmas Tree lighting

Day 2: Christmas Day – Faith, food, and scenic walks

Morning: Start with a leisurely breakfast at Caffè Rivoire, overlooking Piazza della Signoria. Take a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio for early-morning serenity.

Afternoon: Climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of Florence under winter light. Enjoy lunch at La Loggia, which offers a special Christmas menu with Tuscan classics and fine wine.

Evening: Take an after-dinner walk through Via Tornabuoni’s designer-lit streets, or join a Florence night tour to see the city’s festive sparkle one last time.

Know before you go

  • Weather: Average highs of 10–12°C and lows around 4°C; expect crisp, clear winter skies.
  • Getting around: Florence is best explored on foot; trams and taxis are reliable for night travel.
  • Dress code: Bring warm layers, scarves, and a good coat.
  • Crowds: The city is quieter than summer; expect locals and a relaxed pace.
  • Budget: December is moderately priced, plan €25–40 per meal and book tours early.
Extend your visit till New Year’s Eve

Stay for Florence’s unforgettable Capodanno celebrations! The city rings in the New Year with open-air concerts, fireworks along the Arno River, and live music in Piazza della Signoria. For a quieter evening, book a riverside dinner cruise or a rooftop toast at La Terrazza at Hotel Continentale.

Frequently asked questions about celebrating Christmas in Florence

Is Christmas a good time to visit Florence?

Christmas in Florence is a beautiful experience. The public squares are filled with markets, bakeries sell the best treats and sweets, the city is lit with lights and carousels, and the cold weather adds to the festive cheer.

What are some things to do on Christmas in Florence?

You can shop from the local markets set up at the public squares, eat good Italian food from some of the best restaurants, go ice-skating on Lake Arno, visit small towns around Florence or watch displays at Ponte Vecchio.

What's open in Florence on Christmas?

Local Christmas markets are open during Christmas in Florence. Churches also have masses and are open on Christmas day.

What is the most popular Christmas market in Florence?

The Christmas market at Piazza Santa Croce, right outside the Basilica of Santa Croce, is Florence's most famous Christmas market.

Are restaurants open on Christmas in Florence?

Restaurants are closed on Christmas, like everything else in Florence. It is a national holiday, but you can enjoy good food on other days around Christmas.

What are the best places to stay in Florence on Christmas?

If you want to experience Christmas in Florence the best way, you must stay near the City Centre, in the neighborhood of Santa Croce and Santo Spirito, and other places like San Marco, San Lorenzo, and San Frediano.

What should I eat in Florence at Christmas?

You should try traditional Italian delicacies like Florentine Beefsteak, Ribollita, and Tagliatelle and desserts like Panforte, Panpepato, and Copate.

What are the best restaurants for Christmas in Florence?

If you're celebrating Christmas in Florence, you should definitely visit La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant, Restaurant II Vezzo, Ristorante Brandolino and La Giostra. You should also try bakeries like Ginos Bakery, Leonardo, Forno Becagli and Vecchio Forno.

Where can I see the Christmas lights in Florence?

Piazza della Repubblica is lit up with carousels while there are displays at the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The Florence Duomo is also decorated with Christmas lights.