Christmas atmospheres in Florence

During this festivity period Christmas 2025 Florence presents itself at its best, with special atmospheres, events and attractions for everyone, citizens and visitors alike.

The first event on the calendar is the unmissable Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas market, held in Piazza Santa Croce from 15 November to 21 December.
This is a true tradition for the city, with exhibitors, mainly from Northern Europe, displaying delicacies, Christmas decorations, winter clothing and handicrafts at their stands.

On 6 December, Florence Lights Up will illuminate the city with video mapping on Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and the church of San Paolino. The light shows will also be on display at the church of Santa Maria Novella, the Chamber of Commerce, the courtyard of Palazzo Medici Riccardi and Piazza San Lorenzo.

On 6 December, the city's Christmas trees have been lit, and other events related to Florence Lights Up will begin, such as concerts in many of the city's museums, guided tours, activities for children and special workshops.
Lights everywhere, in many other iconic locations: Via Tornabuoni, Ponte Vecchio, La Rinascente in piazza Repubblica, two Markests ("Centrale" in San Lorenzo and il Porcellino). 

There are also great attractions at the Fortezza da Basso, with the 55-meter-high Panoramic Ferris wheel (until March 30) and the longest ice skating rink in Europe around the central pool (until January 31) for a complete winter atmosphere. And for the little ones, the unmissable Santa Claus Village is back.

And all around Florence there are many smaller towns where you can find nice Christmas atmosphere: let's try for instance Fiesole with its lights, Impruneta with a huge Xmas tree on the main square, Pontassieve (better Santa Brigida) where you will enjoy a Living nativity  or Sesto Fiorentino.

The wait has begun... for Christmas but also for New Year's Eve: once again this year, it will be possible to celebrate New Year's Eve in a series of squares, each with different programs: Gospel music will be performed at Santissima Annunziata, an event with special light shows will take place in Piazza Signoria, and Jazz music will be played at Carmine. The highlight of the events - details of which will be revealed shortly - will be in Piazza Santa Croce.