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, to ChristmART 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
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 23rd November to 22nd December 2024 – 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. ‘ChristmARS 2024’ 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 7th December to 22nd December 2024 – Every day from 10am to8pm.
Christmas Market at the Panoramic Wheel
If you choose to ride the Florence Panoramic Wheel, open from 1st December 2024 until the end of March 2025, and visit the Ice Village, with a great skating ring (from 1st December 2024 to 19th January 2025), you find another small Christmas-themed market, with stalls selling food and small gifts.
WHERE: Piazza Vittorio Veneto – on the outskirts of Florence’s historic centre, at the entrance of the Cascine Park. Nearest Tramvia stop: Cascine. Alternatively, it’s a 25 minute-walk from the Ponte Vecchio along the river Arno.
WHEN: from 8th December 2024 to 6h January 2025
Florence Panoramic Wheel is 55 meters-high giant that offers unusual views over Florence, the river Arno and the Cascine Park. 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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