Christmas in Italy is one of the most magical things you’ll ever experience! The nativity scenes, strung-up lights, cool crisp weather, and amazing food and wine put it at the top of the list. That said, you need to book in advance because you won’t be the only person considering Florence for Christmas. We’ll explain all you need to know for an amazing Christmas in Florence.
Pro Tip: Planning a holiday trip to Florence? Bookmark this post in a “Florence Christmas” folder so you can easily find it. See our comprehensive guide to Florence for more planning resources and our curated Florence Christmas tours for a memorable trip. We also have a great post about spending Christmas in Rome if you’re heading there too.
Guide To Spending Christmas in Florence
Christmas in Italy is a magical experience. You may, however, be wondering what there is to do at Christmas in Florence and how best to enjoy it. In this guide, find out everything you need to know about how to spend a wonderful festive season in Florence. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Planning ahead for Christmas in Florence
- Christmas market and holiday shopping
- Religious rituals
- Holiday displays
- Ice skating
- Museums and tours
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Florence Guide for more info.
Planning Ahead for Christmas in Florence
If you’re planning on spending Christmas in Florence, book everything in advance! Christmas through New Year’s is the high season. Everything is open and everything books up in advance. From December 24th until January 5th, you’re looking at the same number of visitors as the summer so be prepared for high season rates and book ahead.
Restaurants
If you’re heading to Florence for Christmas, you’ll likely want to eat out at special places or enjoy authentic Florentine cuisine in the top places to eat. Check out our list of the best restaurants in Florence by attraction and reserve in advance!
Hotels and Accommodation
Expect to pay the same rates as the high summer season in Florence and definitely book in advance. If you’re shopping for a particular room type or adjoining rooms, consider booking three or so months out. For more information on the best hotels and where to stay, take a look at our articles on Florence accommodation:
- Where to stay in Florence by neighborhood
- Best hotels in Florence
- Best family-friendly hotels in Florence
- Florence hotels with rooftop terraces and bars
Tours and Activities
As with hotels and restaurants, the best tours sell out quickly at Christmas! You’re going to want to visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, and the Duomo at the very least. A guided tour is the best way to go to remove the guesswork, elevate your experience, and make it much more memorable. Have a look at our Uffizi tours, Accademia tours, and other tours of Florence and Tuscany!
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Florence Guide for more info.
Christmas Market and Holiday Shopping
The largest Christmas market in Florence is in Piazza di Santa Croce, the beautiful square outside of Basilica di Santa Croce. Here, you can find a traditional German-inspired Christmas market with wooden kiosks and pinstriped awnings. The market will close on December 20, so make sure you get your shopping done soon.
For other Florence shopping, there are tons of options. Check out the San Lorenzo Market and surrounding stores for budget-friendly leather goods. If designer brands and posh fashion is more your scene, you’ll find high-end shopping surrounding Piazza della Repubblica.
For department stores, check out La Rinascente in Piazza della Repubblica. In the same area, you can even find two Zaras across the street from one another. Florence shopping is pretty sweet.
Religious Rituals
The most iconic building in Florence is without a doubt the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore, popularly known as “the Duomo.” It would be a shame to celebrate Christmas in Florence without fully taking advantage of this religious spectacle.
Celebrate Christmas Eve Mass at the Duomo at midnight. Arrive at 11 pm if you’d like to take part in prayer vigils. At this holy religious tradition, you’ll be able to join thousands of other Florentines, travelers, and even the Cardinal of Florence.
Holiday Displays
Piazza della Repubblica
As someone who lived in Florence during the holiday season, I can say wholeheartedly that my favorite holiday display was in Piazza Repubblica. You may recognize this piazza from pictures of its alluring golden archway or colorful carousel.
During the holidays, though, this area is even more majestic. On a chilly December or January evening, grab a cioccolata calda and stroll through the bright piazza covered in elegant Christmas lights.
Piazza del Duomo
Next to the Baptistery of St. John, you can find a beautiful Christmas tree. During the holiday season, this piazza can get quite crowded. Meander the less crowded alleyways and corridors to get a sense of the local community. If you want to experience the magic of the Duomo’s interior, consider our Florence Walking Tour.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best Florence tours to take and why.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Observe the wonder of Christmas in Florence on top of it all, overlooking the entire city. Here, you can get a glimpse of the city’s skyline, looking down upon all of the holiday splendor. If you’re lucky, you may be able to experience the beautiful viewpoint in the snow. There’s nothing like a white Christmas, especially in Florence.
Ice Skating
Looking to go ice skating in Florence? Unfortunately, there aren’t too many options within the city. Since Florence is more like a town and less like a metropolitan city, there isn’t too much open space for a rink.
The best place to go if you’re really itching for a skate is Firenze Winter Park in eastern Florence. To get there, we recommend taking a taxi. Public transportation in Florence is pretty lacking, unfortunately.
Museums and Tours
So, are the museums in Florence open on Christmas? Unfortunately, no. Luckily, the city of Florence is basically an open-air museum. If you’re in Florence for more than just Christmas Day, check out our selection of Florence tours. It would be a shame to miss out on the David, Uffizi Gallery, and Florentine cuisine because of the holiday.
Our excellent guided Florence tours will show you the best parts of the city led by a local. See Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Gallery, and maybe even consider an outing to the Tuscan countryside.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best Florence tours to take and why.
Where To Stay in Florence
Florence has a small historical center packed with iconic landmarks to explore. Plan where to stay in the best neighborhoods in this beautiful city.
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