Florence’s holiday season is on and here is all you need to know!
Chilly wind, people with scarves and gloves, hot chocolate cravings and beautiful lights decorating the city can only mean one thing… The Christmas season has officially arrived in Florence! And we are going to tell you all about how to enjoy it.
Green Light Festival
This year, light will not only serve as decoration, but it will also transform some of the main sites of Florence. Different projections and video mapping with narratives focused on sustainability and climate change will come alive in the facades of Palazzo Vecchio, Museo Novecento, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Medici Riccardi’s Michelozzo courtyard, the Chamber of Commerce and the city gates, every day from 5:30pm to 10pm until January 8th. Along with music and sound effects, it all comes together in these spectacular shows that no one should miss!
Florence Christmas trees
Following the same conservational theme as the Festival, and donated by Euroambiente, the other things that will be lighting up the Tuscan capital will be its Christmas Trees. From their annual tree lighting on December 7th, you will be able to admire them throughout the city, in Piazza del Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Piazza San Firenze, Piazza Sant’Ambrogio and Piazzale Michelangelo.
Florence Ice Village & Florence Eye
Last but not least, it’s official! The Ice Skating Rink and Ferris Wheel are both back in the city this winter from the 2nd of December to the 1st of January. Giardino della Fortezza is transformed into a cheerful Christmas Village, full of jolly market stands, open to anyone who wants to have fun skating or watching the city from above in the company of their family and loved ones.
Festive lights
If there is one thing that creates the magical atmosphere in the city, it’s got to be the Christmas lights. They are hung-up all-over Florence, in different shapes, sizes and colors, but to spot the most dazzling ones, you should go to the light show at the Rinascente store in Piazza della Repubblica, on Via Roma where you will feel as if you were under a meteor shower and on Via Tornabuoni, where a walk in between all the shiny Christmas trees and luxury stores is also a must.
Christmas markets
A must in the holidays is to go search for the perfect present or to have the most delicious treat at the incredible Christmas Markets. With wooden cottages that serve as stands offering a great variety of delicacies, baked goods, ornaments, and clothing from all over, you cannot miss out on this activity. Held all throughout Florence in December, and with a permanent one in Santa Croce staying until the 18th, you can learn more about them here.
Religious celebrations
For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the city churches will offer mass on both occasions, even the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral will have its own ones celebrated by the Cardinal of Florence.
