Florence and Christmas. What a combination! One of the many, many reasons to visit Florence at Christmas, are Florence Christmas Markets that give the city an extra dose of festive feel. From the popular (and biggest) Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce (from 15th November to 21st December 2025), to ChristmART in Piazza S.M. Novella dedicated to local traditional arts and crafts, you’re sure to find a perfect spot to enjoy Christmas in Florence.
With lights twinkling everywhere, narrow streets buzzing with Yuletide atmosphere and glittering decorations adorning its famous piazze, Florence really is a magical place to be at Christmas. Take a turn on the rink in the Ice Village , stock up on handcrafted gifts from Piazza Santa Maria Novella, or just pop into a pasticceria and spoil yourself with traditional Christmas sweet like ricciarelli. It’s all waiting for you in Florence this Christmas. Buon Natale!
* See the Best of Florence this Christmas
Christmas Markets in Florence 2025
Santa Croce Square Christmas Market – Weihnachtsmarkt
The ‘German Market‘ in Santa Croce Square has become a Florentine tradition already (having being around for 20 years). Local people and visitors flock to the famous Florence Christmas Market to find little gifts, artisanal creations, and all sorts of eye-catching Christmas decorations.
The 50 wooden huts of the Weihnachtsmarkt convert this beautiful Florentine square in a feast of delights, with stalls from every corner of Europe that bring here their creations, and some treats like brezel, strudel e vin brulé (spiced wine).
On weekends there’s Christmas-inspired live music to liven up the atmosphere, and Father Christmas is around to collect the children’s letters. See more details on their FB page.
WHERE: Santa Croce Square- Free Entrance.
WHEN: from 15th November to 21st December 2025 – Monday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm, Friday to Sunday is open until 11pm.
Artisanal Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Maria Novella
A few steps from Florence’s train station, in the historic square of Santa Maria Novella, you find an inviting smaller Christmas Market, totally dedicated to local arts and crafts. ‘ChristmART 2025’ aims to showcase the excellence of Tuscan artisanal creations, with jewellery makers, leather, tessuti, ceramic pottery and wood. It’s the perfect opportunity to find a Florentine gift, created by the experienced hands of a local artisan.
WHERE: Santa Maria Novella Square – Free Entrance
WHEN: From 19th December 2025 to 6th January 2026 – Every day from 10am to 8pm.
Panoramic Wheel ‘FLORENCE EYE’ and ICE VILLAGE at Fortezza da Basso
If you choose to ride the Florence Panoramic Wheel, this year is open from 28th November 2025 until 31st March 2026 – you find it in Piazzale Oriana Fallaci, near the Fortezza da Basso (there’s a tramvia stop T1 nearby, 15 minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station). See the official site for more info.
Fortezza da Basso also hosts the Ice Village, with a great skating ring (from 28th November 2025 to 31st January 2026). Open every day from 10am to Midnight.
WHERE: piazzale Oriana Fallaci, gardens of Fortezza da Basso – Tram stops: T1 Strozzi Fallaci, T2 Lavagnini Fortezza (more info on their Instagram page).
Florence Panoramic Wheel is 55 meters-high giant that offers incredible views over Florence. After sunset it’s illuminated by hundreds of coloured lights. Florence Ice Village has got Tuscany’s largest skating ring.
READ ALSO:
* Best Christmas Markets in Tuscany
* December in Florence: Top Events and Things to Do
* Most Beautiful Squares to See in Florence
* Food in Florence: 15 Traditional Dishes You Must Try!
Insider’s Tip – Near Florence, the small town of Empoli, which is not at all touristy but has a pretty historic centre, turns magical during December, with a lovely Christmas Market in Piazza della Vittoria, and amazing decorations throughout the centre. If you’ve got time for a small detour, you can get a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella Station, it takes half an hour to reach Empoli. You can have a look at some pictures on the official site (in Italian) ‘Città del Natale‘.
Author: Sabrina Nesi, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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