There are plenty of ways to experience the city’s jubilant Christmas atmosphere. Besides enjoying age-old traditions that still today color Florence’s urban fabric, be sure to find shelter from the winter cold or pass time in bustling centers of holiday fun.  

Of course, even a stroll around the city is enough to delight in the holiday air. You’ll be sure to feel the inviting atmosphere of the narrow streets as you browse the decked-out shop windows. Wandering through Florence during this time of year is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Florence’s main Christmas tradition takes place in Piazza del Duomo, where a nativity scene and Christmas tree are set up for all to see. If you’re coming to Florence for the holidays, the tree lighting ceremony is a must-see on your holiday list. Set up facing the Florence Cathedral, the nativity scene is found inside a terracotta hut featuring life-size statues of the Holy Family (made by Luigi Mariani); flanking this scene, you’ll find a massive Christmas tree towering over the piazza.

The lighting ceremony takes place on December 8 following the historic parade of the Republic of Florence, which makes its way around the city’s historic center.

In the piazza, right before the lighting (around 6pm), you can also enjoy the Uffizi’s flag throwing festival. 

In this time of year, many of Florence’s piazzas are transformed into bustling holiday markets, the most famous located in piazza Santa Croce.

The Santa Croce holiday market is a German-style Weihnachtmarkt, featuring charming wooden stands, red and white tents and typical German, Austrian and South Tyrolean food products.

This long anticipated event offers visitors a chance to munch on würstel and sausage dishes, a slice of lip-smacking strudel, or if you’re really looking to indulge, a glass of warm mulled wine.

You’ll also find a large selection of delicious cookies and other specialties and souvenirs.

There’s another way to keep warm during the holiday season, though it might not be specific to Christmastime. There’s no better time than now to indulge in a warm cup of hot chocolate.

Florence is filled to the brim with tasty pastry shops offering delicious hot cocoa, not to mention shops specialized in the winter drink: head to Hemingway in the San Frediano neighborhood (piazza Piattellina 9/r), a vintage and intimate environment specialized in creating different versions of the classic drink.

You’ll also find Coccole Cioccolato in the San Lorenzo area (via de’ Ginori 55/r), a warm and inviting spot offering a quiet and peaceful environment for sipping your steaming cocoa.

Don’t miss Vestri (borgo degli Albizi 11/r), a tiny hub that maintains the feel of another era and offers new and unique chocolate recipes.

Last but not least, don’t miss Rivoire, (piazza della Signoria 5/r), an elegant and historic space vaunting a “belle époque” feel; this sophisticated café offers high-quality hot chocolate with a price tag that mirrors the delicious taste. 

There’s no time like Christmastime to indulge in some light-hearted fun. Need to clear your mind of life’s everyday worries? Head to Winter Park, where you can ice-skate and immerse yourself in the joyous holiday spirit.

The rink is located in the Teatro Obihall garden, along the Lungarno Aldo Moro, and features a large ice rink flanked by a smaller one (both located indoors): a holiday spot perfect for adults and children alike.

In the park, you’ll also find the restaurant, “Rifugio del Ghiottone,” a faithful reconstruction of a mountain chalet, not to mention the array of high-quality food stands dotting the area: the perfect stop after a day on the ice.