Christmas holidays in Florence: traditions, markets and the Tuscan atmosphere
There you will also find the beautiful Nativity scene, just in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its spectacular, life-size terracotta statues.
Christmas time in Florence, Italy, is wonderfully refreshing. December 8 is a National holiday – Immaculate Conception Day – and most families use this day of festivity to set up their Christmas trees.
Shop windows are filled with Christmas themed decorations and beautiful lights start to adorn the city streets, marking the beginning of Christmas holidays in Florence, Italy.
This is also the day that the large Christmas tree is set up in the Piazza del Duomo – Florence’s historic center. There you will also find the beautiful Nativity scene, just in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its spectacular, life-size terracotta statues. There is also Mass on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day in most churches of Florence.
Christmas holidays in Florence: the markets and traditions
Christmas time in Florence is a wonderful chance to experience Christmas markets and shopping like nowhere else in the world. Shops are open every day until Christmas, and in the weeks leading up to Christmas, there is a flurry of Christmas markets that take place in the region of Tuscany and the surrounding areas, including Fierucola dell’Immacolata, Mugello, Chianti, and Fiesole. This is a great place to find unique and exquisite gifts for your loved ones – from food and wine, to furnishings and the latest fashion.
Christmas in Florence: winter sports
Spending your Christmas holidays in Florence, Tuscany, means that you have a variety of winter sports activities in the city to choose from. There is an ice rink at the Parterre, near Piazza della Libertà, where you can rent ice skates and enjoy a wonderful evening of skating in a beautiful setting. There is also snow tubing and a downhill ski at Obihall in eastern Florence, for the more adventurous souls. They provide all the gear you’ll need.
Enjoy your stay in Firenze
Make your holidays unforgettable by staying at The St. Regis Florence or The Westin Excelsior Florence, where you can spend your festive days surrounded by luxury in this exclusive, breath-taking renaissance palace which boasts contemporary interiors that are flawlessly merged with unique renaissance features.