Christmas in Florence - Ideas and calendar

A calendar of cultural, original and traditional events for an emotional Christmas in Florence.

Undoubtedly, the cherished elements of Christmas are food, family, gifts, fun, leisure and drinks, and nothing will ever change that. Keeping that in mind, we have created a Florentine Christmas calendar that will bring you through the whole of December until the end of the year.

Attention! For the grumpy grinches on duty, there’s even hope of finding something pleasant for you

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - December 8

On the day of the Immaculate Conception, trees are put up in Florence as per Italian tradition! On December 8, the large Christmas tree is lit in the historic centre of Florence, and many lights illuminate the city. For several years, it has been hosted in the spectacular setting of Piazza del Duomo. The fir tree lighting event is an official ceremony that’s chaired by the mayor with many taking part in the occasion. Also in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a large nativity scene with life-size terracotta statues.

F-Lights Festival starts from the first week of December: it illuminates the mainly monuments of Florence during Christmas and until the first week of January.

Florence Ice Village and Ferris Wheel

From 8 December to 15 January 2024, the most magical and exciting place of this period returns by popular demand to the Cascine Park in Florence: the ice skating rink! The Ice Village, in fact, boasts the longest ice skating rink in Europe and a huge Ferris wheel from which to observe the whole city!

Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce - from November 18 to December 17 2023

Until December 17 you can enjoy the unmissable Weihnachtsmarkt of Florence. The traditional German Christmas market features culinary specialties such as wurstel, sauerkraut, stinchi di maiale, pretzels and strudel, as well as bringing gifts and typical German products to the city. The much-loved market by all Florentines can be found in the magical Piazza Santa Croce. Discover all the Christmas markets.

Christmas Eve - December 24

Christmas Eve is the perfect opportunity to go and see the best exhibitions in the city: art nouveau, contemporary art and baroque painting.

Monuments

The Florentine Reinassance - Walking Tour

90 minutes walking tour. Unforgettable guided walking tour in the center of Florence.

Starting from 35,00 €

Christmas in Florence - December 25

Christmas day is spent with whoever and however you want. We hope that Florence will pamper you properly with its red rooftops and Renaissance atmosphere illuminated by warm Christmas lights.

Post-Christmas in Florence - December 26/30

On these days of the Florentine holiday period, it’s the perfect time to explore the city and give both yourself and your loved one’s new experiences. Destination Florence has many ideas for you.

Tour of the Uffizi Gallery with priority entrance: you will meet all the masterpieces of the most important Renaissance artists. What more magical moment to see Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and Spring?
Tuscan cooking lesson with dinner in the heart of Florence: you will learn, together with the help of an expert chef, notions about the Tuscan food and wine tradition and you will cook a whole meal! The course will end with the tasting of the dishes cooked in a dinner with a Tuscan flavour, accompanied by a tasting of an excellent wine.
Workshops with Florentine artisans - 1. "Painting with flowers" - Experience Florentine craftsmanship first hand, following the work of the Master with your hands, directly in her workshop. You will take home a beautiful memory created with her.
Wine and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting in the Chianti Colli Fiorentini @Villa La Querce visit the vineyards and olive groves of the La Querce farm, explanation of the organic production methods in the cellars and tasting of 4 wines and the extra virgin olive oil 'olive accompanied by a plate with various bruschetta and cheese.