December in Florence: Christmas special — Markets, Kids’ Workshops and Festive Spirit
From the German-style Christmas market in Santa Croce to ice-skating and family workshops — discover what to do in Florence at Christmas and how the city dresses up for December.
When the lights go up and the air cools in Florence, December and Christmas mean more than sightseeing. The city invites families, kids, creatives and slow-minded visitors to enjoy festive craft, Christmas markets and joyful workshops. Discover what’s on in Florence at Christmas — and take a detour to Florence Factory for a handcrafted gift made locally.
Christmas market Piazza Santa Croce Florence December
Christmas markets & city lights in Florence
If you’re wondering what to do in Florence at Christmas, start with the annual German-style Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce. It brings seasonal ambience to the historic centre: stalls selling candle-holders, tree decorations, cosy scarves and hot chocolates — perfect if you’re looking for Christmas souvenirs in Florence.
The city centre lights up too: Christmas light projections, music, and festive evenings from about 9 pm in plazas including the one in front of Palazzo Vecchio. It’s one of the best free things to see in Florence in December as you wander through the streets.
Nativity scenes (presepi) in Florence
If you’re visiting at Christmas and wondering what to see in Florence besides the tree and markets, look out for the city’s traditional nativity scenes (presepi). The Italian presepe tradition is centuries old and in Florence it often appears in terracotta, set against Renaissance churches and piazzas. duomo.firenze.it
One of the most beautiful and iconic nativity scenes in Florence is the terracotta presepe on the square of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Every year from around 8 December (Immacolata) until Epiphany, life-size terracotta statues by artisan workshops in Impruneta are displayed on the cathedral parvis; a second nativity scene is usually set up inside the Duomo and can be seen during normal visiting hours.
Another must-see is the nativity scene in the Basilica of Santo Spirito, in the Oltrarno district. Here you’ll often find a large, artistic presepe created by Tuscan masters, set inside the basilica and visitable from early December to early February, during regular opening times (entrance is usually free; tourist visits are not allowed during Mass). Basilica di Santo Spirito
For a more “itinerary-style” experience of presepi in Florence, head to Santa Croce, where a special nativity exhibition is typically hosted in the monumental complex from 8 December to 6 January, and check if Palazzo Medici Riccardi is displaying its glazed terracotta Nativity by the Della Robbia workshop during Advent and Christmas. Dates and hours change slightly every year, so it’s best to check the official websites before you go.
Finally, keep your eyes on shop windows and neighborhood churches: local initiatives such as city-wide presepe contests and “presepi in vetrina” mean that each December dozens of nativity scenes pop up all over Florence, including in the San Lorenzo and Sant’Ambrogio markets — a very local way to experience Christmas in the city.
Family-friendly workshops & kids’ activities in Florence
Florence hosts a number of workshops and museum-events for children during the Christmas season: at the Museo Galileo, at the Stibbert Museum and via the educational group Mus.e – they run special tours, workshops and seasonal programmes. These are great ideas if you’re searching for what to do in Florence with kids at Christmas.
An example: ice-skating, puppet-shows and festive workshops in Villa Bardini. Seasonal rinks, creative labs and performances turn a regular museum visit into a Christmas experience for families visiting Florence.
Gift-shopping with artisan flair in Florence
Instead of standard tourist souvenirs, December and Christmas are the ideal time to choose something hand-crafted and truly made in Florence: vegetable-tanned leather goods, 3D-printed accessories, small-batch jewellery.
Our Florence Factory atelier in Via dei Neri, a short walk from the Santa Croce Christmas market and Piazza della Signoria, is a perfect stop if you’re wondering what to buy in Florence at Christmas — pop by after browsing the stalls to find artisan gifts and contemporary pieces by local designers.
Evening festive music & Christmas ambience
After a day of Christmas markets or family workshops, gear up for an evening of jazz or light projections in the city’s plazas. The mellow winter light and fewer crowds make a hot chocolate on a terrace feel like a small luxury and one of the simplest things to do in Florence at night in December.
Between illuminated streets, music and Christmas decorations, Florence at night in December is as much about atmosphere as it is about specific events.
Visit & shop module
While you breathe in the festive Florence air and explore what to do in the city at Christmas, drop by our atelier:
Florence Factory, Via dei Neri 6/8R, near Santa Croce – Florence.
Open most days; hours may vary seasonally. For same-day pickup in Florence, message or call us first: availability depends on the item and batch. This makes it easy to plan a quick stop between a Christmas market visit and an evening walk.
Shop the Story: Christmas gift ideas from Florence
Wrap-up & CTA
Florence in December and at Christmas isn’t just scenic — it’s sensory. The sights, lights, warm drinks, craft-shopping and kid-friendly workshops combine into a gentle but vibrant festive experience in the city.
Visit the Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce, attend a workshop, go ice-skating, shop something unique — and complement your day with a visit to Florence Factory for artisan gifts made in Florence.
Browse our Christmas gift-collection online, message us for special December custom-options or plan a store visit between markets and evening walks in Florence.
Trust us
Worldwide shipping via FedEx — tracked & insured.
In-store pickup in Florence by arrangement — message or call us; availability varies by item.
Custom & on-request options — colours, sizing, gemstones (on select pieces).
Small-batch, artisan-made in Florence and Tuscany — durability, repair-friendly, fair pricing.
FAQ
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The exact dates can vary each year; search online in late November or early December to confirm the current schedule for the Florence Santa Croce Christmas market.
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Often paid or bookable in advance; check individual museum homepages (Museo Galileo, Stibbert Museum, Mus.e) for the December and Christmas schedule.
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Yes — contact us soon; pick-up by arrangement depends on stock and batch timelines. We can often organise December or Christmas-time pickup at our Florence atelier.
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Yes — seasonal rinks are set up in outdoor spaces; dress warmly and check hours and age-limits in advance for your visit to Florence at Christmas
