How to Spend the Perfect Christmas in Florence
As winter descends, Florence - or Firenze, as the locals call it - transforms into an idyllic Christmas wonderland, its mediaeval streets and squares lit up with twinkling lights, and a palpable sense of anticipation and joy fills the air. Spending Christmas in this elegant Tuscan city is an enriching experience steeped in unique traditions, sumptuous food, and the warm hospitality of the Florentines.
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Things to do on Christmas in Florence
Enjoy the Feast of the Immacolata
The Immaculate Conception is commemorated on December 8 as a national holiday in Italy. Although the custom is fading away, many families historically use this day to erect and decorate their Christmas trees and Nativity scenes in their homes, which serves as the unofficial start of the Christmas countdown.
You can head to the stunning Piazza del Duomo to see the Christmas tree being lit. The Nativity scene is also set up in Piazza del Duomo in front of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.
Up until January 6, the day of the Epiphany, both the Christmas tree and the Nativity scene are displayed.
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Enjoy the Adoration of the Green Line with Lights
The Green Line is a celebration of the four elements of life - Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. Florence celebrates Christmas with a lot of brightness, and so here, it is deemed to be the Festival of Lights! From December 7 to January 8, you can watch the Christmas trees light up the city, including the Duomo, Piazza Grande, Piazza Michelangelo, Piazza Sant'Egretio, and more. Then, for a month, the monuments and squares are lit up with video mapping, projections, and other "light games'' as part of the festival, which has become a major event across Europe. Every day from 5:30 p.m. until midnight, you can see the city lit up with a variety of artistic light projects, like the video-mapping of Ponte Vecchio.
In total, more than 200 trees are adorned with more than 60,000 km of LED Christmas lights throughout the city, including the Viali di Circonvallazione, as well as the streets!
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Visit the Boboli Gardens
A 45-acre historical park known as the Boboli Gardens was created between the 15th and the 19th centuries. It is now Florence's largest outdoor museum, filled with beautiful sculptures, gorgeous-looking fountains, and picturesque grottoes. When you stroll through the Upper Botanical Garden and the Viale dei Cipressi in December, make sure to bring your umbrella since it could be a rainy day.
During December, the daily hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the final admittance at 3:30 p.m.
December 5th, 25th, and 26th are all holidays.
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Tour through the Medici Chapel
The Medici Chapel collectively refers to the family's museum and the final resting place of the Renaissance age patrons. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, Michelangelo and Buontalenti constructed them near the Basilica of San Lorenzo. This served as an official church to the Medici Family. The Sagrestia Nuova (New Sacristy), one of the attraction's two primary centrepieces, and the Chapel of the Princes are both less busy in December. The top attraction of the Chapel is the Tomb Museum.
During December, you can visit the Chapels from Wednesday to Friday, from 1:15 p.m. - 6:50 p.m. and from Saturday to Monday, from 8:15 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.
Be inspired by The Uffizi Gallery.
Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance, and its rich artistic heritage is a marvel to explore. The largest collection of Italian Renaissance art in the world may be seen in Florence's Uffizi Gallery, together with sculptures and works of art from the 12th to the 17th century. Michaelangelo, Caravaggio, Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and many other artists are among those on display at the exhibition. This is one of the best ways to explore Florence in December since the gallery is less crowded.
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Have fun at the Florence Ice Village.
Held in the Fortezza da Basso gardens from December 4 through January 16, Florence's ice rink is a sight to see, and for the first time, you can ride a Ferris wheel there!
The Florence Ice Village transforms the Fortezza's gardens, adding Santa Claus, a big Christmas tree, and a variety of family-friendly games and performances. You can also visit the Christmas market, food vendors, and several events, including the official lighting of the tree on December 11 and performances on December 19 and December 23, which will be held in Santa Claus Village (from December 4 to 24). Like the ice rink, the 55-metre-tall Ferris wheel will be accessible from December 3 through January 16.
Enjoy a midnight Mass at the Duomo.
An excellent way to enjoy and honour the Christmas holiday and its religious significance is to attend Midnight Mass in Florence's Duomo. The melodious choir and enchanting architecture create a touching and memorable experience. On Christmas Day, a holy mass is held in the Duomo that features beautiful Gregorian chants.
You can also choose St. Mark's or St. James if you'd prefer to experience it in English; both churches offer midnight masses at 11 p.m.
You can also visit the Duomo whenever you wish to. The Timings of the Duomo for December are Tuesday through Sunday, 8:15 a.m. to 6:50 p.m. (exit at 6:30 p.m.).
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Mesmerise yourself with the Opera.
If you're a fan of Opera or classical music, check the schedules of the city's opera houses and concert halls. Florence is renowned for its vibrant music scene, and attending a performance in the intimate setting of a historic theatre is an unforgettable experience.
Christmas Shopping and Markets
The Florence Christmas Market is the largest of its kind in the Italian city, taking place from the second half of November to the few days before Christmas. Drawing upon the German tradition of Christmas markets, the market features small wooden houses as stands, selling a variety of items, including crafts, food, furniture, and Christmas decorations.
If you're looking to check out some of the classic markets of the time, you should definitely check out the little fair of the immaculate that takes place on December 8 at the Piazza Sannunziata.
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Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market
One of the highlights of the pre-Christmas period is the 'Weihnachtsmarkt,' a German-style Christmas market held in Piazza Santa Croce. The market has the appearance of a little Christmas hamlet with the traditional wooden buildings found in German and northern Italian Christmas markets. Here, you can find everything from handcrafted decorations to German beer and food. For a more local market experience, visit the 'Fierucola dell'Immacolata' in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where you can find organic Tuscan products, traditional toys, and handcrafted holiday ornaments.
Charity Market "Nataleperfile"
The Foundation of Italian Leni Therapy hosts a Christmas market inside the opulent Palazzo Corsini in the heart of Florence as part of the fundraiser NataleperFILE. Here, you can find clothing, jewellery, and a wide variety of gifts available at the market stalls, many of which have been donated by well-known companies who support the association. You can come and be a part of this charity event, and even if you don't buy anything, you can still enjoy the festivities here. You can come to this place from December 9 to December 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On the afternoon of December 12, the Santa Claus Company will once again be singing holiday tunes inside the Grotta del Ninfeo. It's an amazing sight to behold with music, making you sway in the Christmas spirit!
How to spend Christmas Day in Florence
On Christmas Day, most Florentines spend time at home with their families. However, the city still has plenty to offer. Many restaurants provide special Christmas Day menus, and the streets, though quieter, retain their festive charm. Consider a leisurely walk along the Arno River or visit Piazzale Michelangelo for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
If you're seeking a cultural experience, explore the city's renowned museums and galleries. The Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo's iconic statue of David and is a must-visit. The Bargello Museum, with its impressive collection of Renaissance sculptures, and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, housing treasures from Florence Cathedral, are also worth exploring.
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Alternatively, take a stroll through the city's picturesque neighbourhoods, such as Oltrarno. This bohemian district is known for its artisan workshops, charming cafes, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Museums in Florence on the 25th
The only days that Florence's museums are typically closed are December 25 and January 1; however, this year, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Santa Maria Novella Basilica, and the Museo degli Innocenti will all be open on Christmas Day. The Olafur Eliasson exhibition, now on display at Palazzo Strozzi, is available every day.
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What to eat in Florence for Christmas?
Christmas in Florence is a foodie's delight. Traditional festive meals include 'tortellini in brodo' (pasta in broth), 'arrosto di maiale' (roast pork), and 'panforte', a dense, chewy cake filled with honey, nuts, and dried fruit. For a special treat, savour a slice of 'pandoro' or 'panettone', sweet bread loaves that are a staple of Italian Christmas feasts.
Likewise, you can also warm yourself with a hearty Tuscan soup like 'ribollita' or 'pappa al pomodoro' and treat yourself to a wine-tasting experience in the nearby Chianti region. Florentines love their winter drinks, so you can also join the locals in a 'vin brulé' (mulled wine) or a warming 'cioccolata calda' (hot chocolate). These are especially inviting when enjoyed in a cosy café overlooking the Arno River or the Ponte Vecchio!
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