Florence transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season with spectacular events, markets, and activities for all ages. Here’s your ultimate guide to Christmas in Florence 2024, featuring the best festive highlights and attractions.
1. Florence Lights Up – From December 7 to January 7, 2025
Starting December 7, Florence illuminates its iconic landmarks with mesmerizing video projections as part of the Florence Lights Up Festival. These artistic displays promote the values of the #EnjoyRespectFlorence campaign, creating a festive ambiance throughout the city.
📍 Details:
- Projections run daily from 17:30 to 24:00 until January 7, 2025.
- Classic Christmas tree lighting ceremonies:
- Piazza Duomo: December 8 at 18:00
- Piazza della Repubblica: December 8 at 18:30
- Piazzale Michelangelo: December 8 at 19:30
2. Florence Ice Village & Panoramic Wheel – From December 1, 2024, to January 19, 2025
Experience winter magic at the Florence Ice Village, home to Italy’s longest ice skating rink and a 55-meter-high panoramic wheel offering breathtaking views of the city.
📍 Location: Fortezza da Basso
📅 Dates: December 1, 2024, to January 19, 2025
Perfect for families, friends, and couples, this enchanting attraction is a must-visit for anyone looking to make unforgettable holiday memories.
3. Weihnachtsmarkt – German Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce
Explore the festive Weihnachtsmarkt, Florence’s beloved German Christmas market, open until December 22, 2024. Delight in traditional German treats like frankfurters, sauerkraut, Bretzel, and Strudel, alongside unique handcrafted gifts and decorations.
📍 Location: Piazza Santa Croce
📅 Dates: November 23 to December 22, 2024
4. Christmas Eve Highlights – December 24, 2024
Celebrate Christmas Eve with art and music:
- Visit world-class exhibitions featuring Helen Frankenthaler, Michelangelo, Monet, and Renoir. Most exhibitions are included with the FirenzeCard (except those at the Innocenti Museum).
- Enjoy the Christmas Concert at Teatro Verdi, where Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll will be performed, a masterpiece gifted by Wagner to his wife Cosima on Christmas Day in 1870.
📅 Concert Date: December 24, 2024
