Christmas in Florence - What to do?

A Season of Lights, Tradition and Italian Magic

There is something special about Florence at Christmas. In December, the Renaissance city takes on a different atmosphere: historic streets glow under warm lights, Christmas markets fill the squares, cafés become even more inviting, and Florence’s centuries-old traditions meet the festive season.

Whether you are planning a winter weekend in Tuscany or spending the holidays in the city, here are some of the best things to do in Florence at Christmas, from festive markets and light displays to Florentine craftsmanship and Italian leather.

1. See the Christmas Lights on Via Tornabuoni

Start your Christmas walk along Via Tornabuoni, one of Florence’s most elegant streets.

During the holiday season, its Renaissance palaces and boutiques are surrounded by festive lights and decorations, creating one of the most beautiful evening walks in the historic centre.

Go around sunset, when the last daylight disappears and the Christmas lights begin to take over the city. From here, you can easily continue towards Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio.

2. Explore the Christmas Market in Santa Croce

One of the best-known Christmas markets in Florence takes place in Piazza Santa Croce.

The square fills with wooden stalls inspired by traditional Northern European Christmas markets, offering decorations, food, sweets, handmade objects and plenty of ideas for Christmas gifts.

With the Basilica of Santa Croce as its backdrop, it is also one of the most atmospheric places to experience Florence during the festive season.

3. Discover Florence’s Leather Craftsmanship

Florence is not only the birthplace of Renaissance art. The city also has a centuries-old tradition of leather craftsmanship, and visiting a leather workshop is one of the best ways to discover another side of Florentine culture.

Step inside an artisan workshop and you may see leather being selected, cut, shaped and assembled by hand using techniques passed down through generations.

Florentine leather goods are still closely connected to this tradition, with local artisans producing everything from belts and small accessories to Italian leather bags.

For anyone interested in fashion, design or craftsmanship, visiting a leather workshop in Florence offers a glimpse behind the finished product and shows just how much work goes into an authentic Made in Italy piece.

→ Discover our Italian leather bags, handcrafted in Florence.

4. Step Into Renaissance Florence at Palazzo Vecchio

Christmas is also the perfect excuse to spend a few hours inside one of Florence’s extraordinary historic buildings.

Standing in Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio has been at the heart of Florentine life for centuries. During winter, its grand rooms and Renaissance interiors feel particularly atmospheric, especially when the colder weather makes an indoor cultural stop very welcome.

After your visit, step back into Piazza della Signoria and continue towards the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio.

5. Warm Up With Hot Chocolate at Rivoire or Caffè Gilli

A winter day in Florence requires at least one proper Italian coffee break.

For something particularly indulgent, order a cioccolata calda and enjoy a slower moment in the historic centre.

Rivoire, overlooking Piazza della Signoria, and Caffè Gilli, in Piazza della Repubblica, are two historic addresses where you can escape the cold and experience a more elegant side of Florentine café culture.

6. Discover Florence’s Nativity Scenes

The Italian presepe, or Nativity scene, remains an important part of the Christmas tradition.

Churches throughout Florence display their own interpretations during the festive period, often combining religious tradition with remarkable craftsmanship.

Keep an eye out as you visit the city’s churches: each Nativity scene has its own details, materials and character, making them another way to experience local Christmas traditions.

7. Experience Florence’s Christmas Light Shows

After dark, explore Florence on foot to see how the historic centre changes for the festive season.

During seasonal light initiatives, some of the city’s best-known buildings, squares and monuments are illuminated with installations and projections.

Walking from Piazza Santa Maria Novella through Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria towards Ponte Vecchio is an easy way to experience Florence illuminated at night.

The combination of Renaissance architecture and contemporary lights makes an evening walk one of the simplest — and most beautiful — things to do in Florence at Christmas.

8. Enjoy a Winter Escape at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

For a more luxurious Christmas experience, head to the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze.

During the festive period, its historic interiors and gardens take on a seasonal atmosphere with Christmas decorations, lights and floral displays.

Stop for afternoon tea, a cocktail or dinner and take some time away from the busiest streets of the historic centre.

It is a very different side of Florence: quieter, more indulgent and surrounded by the grandeur of a historic Florentine palazzo.

Christmas in Florence

Christmas in Florence is ultimately about the little things: walking through illuminated Renaissance streets, warming your hands around a cup of hot chocolate, discovering an artisan at work, finding something handmade to take home and seeing familiar monuments transformed by winter light.

Whether it is your first visit or a return to a city you already love, Florence in December offers a beautiful combination of Christmas traditions, Italian craftsmanship, art and everyday Florentine life.

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