Florence’s holiday season is on. 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 Line Festival
This year, light will not only serve as decoration, but it will also transform some of the main sites of Florence. Various projections and video mappings will bring to life the facades of iconic buildings, including Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio, from December 8th until January 7th. Along with music and sound effects, it all comes together in these spectacular shows that no one should miss!
Florence Christmas trees
The Christmas Trees will be among the enchanting illuminations in the Tuscan capital. Following their ceremonial lighting on December 8th, you can enjoy their festive glow throughout the city. The main tree will be in Piazza del Duomo, and others traditionally illuminate locations such as Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Piazza San Firenze, Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, and Piazzale Michelangelo.
Florence Eye
After 2 years at the giardini della Fortezza, the photo-worthy Ferris wheel – the Florence Eye – will move to Piazza Vittorio Veneto at Cascine, where it will stay from December 8th to June 10th, 2024. It will be just a few meters from the tram stop, making it easily accessible. The Florence Eye will be part of a true Christmas village with numerous activities for families and children–there will be an ice skating rink spanning over 1300 square meters, the largest in Italy, along with a grand Christmas tree. The aim of the project is also to redevelop the Cascine area.
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. To open and close the lighted promenade between Santa Trinita and Piazza Antinori, two large luminous installations shaped like gift packages have been set up. These installations are open and accessible, already attracting crowds eager to take a photo or shoot a video memory immersed in the Christmas atmosphere. The same type of festive lights will also shine on Via degli Strozzi and Via dei Pescioni, ensuring the same sparkle in the golden area of luxury shopping in Florence.
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 January 17th, 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.
Christmas plays and Concerts
Experience the magic of Christmas at the theater! This year, on December 23rd, Florence’s Teatro della Pergola will come alive with the enchanting atmosphere of the holiday season as the ballerinas from the Romanian National Opera take the stage to perform Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this magical winter wonderland with a performance that promises to be truly extraordinary.
On December 22nd, Teatro Verdi will resonate with the soul-stirring melodies of the Harlem Gospel Choir. Then, on the 24th, prepare to be captivated by a delightful Christmas concert by ORT, the Orchestra Regionale Toscana, filling the air with festive joy.
At the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, from December 13th to 16th, you can immerse yourself in Mozart’s enchanting The Magic Flute. Then, on December 19th, indulge in the festive spirit with a Christmas concert featuring the White Voices Choir of the Accademia del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
