CHRISTMAS IN FLORENCE

Lots of markets during the Christmas season make them the ideal place to seek out gifts for yourself, friends and family! Wherever you may be, it is likely you’ll find a market nearby on the weekends (and early holidays) starting in November and throughout the month of December. Many will occur on the same days, so you’ll have to choose where to head to. 

WEIHNACHTSMARKT CHRISTMAS MARKET – PIAZZA SANTA CROCE November 28 to December 20, 2018 from 10 am to 10 pm

Every December the fabulous Santa Croce square hosts a lively Christmas Market, with stalls selling various art crafts, candles, sweets and Christmas themed decorations from Italy and abroad. This year it starts on the 23rd of November and lasts until 22nd December 2019 (10am-10pm). The Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas market is Florence’s “traditional” market held in Piazza Santa Croce. The market appears as a small Christmas village with typical wooden houses popular in Christmas markets in Germany and in the north of Italy. Here, you will find Italian and international products that make perfect gifts, including Christmas decorations, candles, tableware, clothing and much more, as well as food and wine specialties to be enjoyed on the spot or taken home. Admission is free.

FIERUCOLA DI NATALE

The 8th of December in Florence is Immaculate Conception day and the Christmas countdown officially begins. Traditionally, today is spent decorating the house with christmas trinkets and adorning the tree.The 8th is particularly special in Florence because there is an official public ceremony where the biggest tree in the city finally lights up! Wear something warm, wait for the tree to light up and admire the beautiful terracotta life statues made by a local artisan in front of Santa Maria del Fiore. This is a more traditional event, inspired by country values. Hosting a traditional market, it will be held in Piazza S.S. Annunziata on the 7th, 8th of December 2019 for the occasion of the Immacolata feast known as “Fierucola”. Among other things there promises to be delicious organic food and handmade art-crafts.