What to do in Florence in December: Contemporary Art, Photography and Music

Dive into Florence this December with exhibitions, photo-shows and immersive cultural nights — perfect ideas if you’re wondering what to do in Florence in winter.

via dei Neri Christmas light

When the crowds thin and the light softens in Florence, December opens a window to lesser-seen art, contemporary photography and stimulating music evenings. Discover what’s on this month in Florence — what to see, where to go, and why a visit to Florence Factory is the perfect shopping interlude near Santa Croce.

Why December is perfect for culture in Florence

As tourist pace eases and the city takes on a quieter rhythm, art spaces feel more intimate — ideal if you prefer visiting Florence in low season. The shift from baroque grandeur to contemporary minimalism feels especially striking in Florence’s historic fabric, and December is a great moment to mix classic sightseeing with galleries, exhibitions and artisan shopping.

If you’re searching “cosa fare a Firenze a dicembre” or “things to do in Florence in December when it’s cold or rainy”, this month’s cultural calendar is full of warm, indoor ideas.

Must-see exhibitions in Florence this December

• The exhibition “Toulouse-Lautrec, a journey through the Paris of the Belle Époque” at Museo degli Innocenti, Florence (running through Feb 2026) offers 170+ works by the French master — a must-see if you love classic art and want an indoor activity in the city centre.

• The site-specific installation “The Rose That Grew From Concrete” at Sant’Orsola Museum in Florence explores contemporary voices in the city until 4 Jan 2026 — perfect if you’re curious about new cultural spaces beyond the usual museums.

• Street Levels Gallery brings urban art into focus with two public art interventions in Florence this month: "Gli Ultrafiori" on Dec 4 and "Che Festa andare a scuola!" on Dec 18, adding street art to your “what to see in Florence” list.

These stops are easy to combine with a walk through the historic centre — so you can turn a museum day into a full “cultural itinerary” in Florence.

Photography & contemporary visual culture in Florence

Florence may be famed for its Renaissance art, but December offers chances to explore modern lenses: from gallery pop-ups to curated photo shows in off-beat venues. If you’re into photography, this is a great time to look for photo exhibitions in Florence beyond the big museums.

Don't miss the Alinari Foundation's collaboration with MAD Florence, where historic archives meet contemporary perspectives. The ambience of the city in low season makes for exceptional photographic moments — both in the streets (misty mornings, quieter piazzas) and in dedicated exhibitions. The MAD Murate Art District hosts "Nuova Generazione. Sguardi contemporanei sugli Archivi Alinari" (Nov 21, 2024 – Jan 25, 2025) — a contemporary lens on the historical Alinari archives, ideal if you’re looking for photography exhibitions in Florence this December.

Evening culture & music in Florence in December

Wondering what to do in Florence at night in December? Evenings are lighter and more focused: fewer crowds, more space to listen, reflect, attend a concert.

• Head to the jazz sets in Piazza Santissima Annunziata after dark — especially the special New Year's Eve concert starting around 9:30pm — for live music in a historic piazza.

• Seek out a contemporary music event in a smaller club-gallery if you like intimate venues.

• At Teatro del Maggio, December brings Puccini's "La Bohème" (Dec 20–31) and a major concert with Riccardo Muti and the Maggio Orchestra (Dec 19) — perfect if you’re planning a cultural night out in Florence.

These are ideal “where to go in Florence in the evening” options if you want something beyond the usual aperitivo and dinner.

Visit us as part of your cultural day in Florence

While you’re in Florence for these cultural treats and exhibitions, drop by our artisan concept store — a perfect answer to “cosa comprare a Firenze” if you want something truly local:

Florence Factory, Via dei Neri 6/8R, near Santa Croce – Florence.

We’re a short walk from Piazza della Signoria, Santa Croce and the river — easy to add between a museum visit and dinner. 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.

Here you’ll find contemporary jewellery, leather bags, accessories and objects all made in Florence or Tuscany — not generic souvenirs.

Shop the Story: what to buy in Florence this December

Here are three pieces that complement your cultural-in-Florence vibe — and work as meaningful souvenirs or gifts:

• Moon – easy to wear while exploring museums and exhibitions, ready to ship.

• Astrale – lightweight, contemporary and handmade in Florence.

• Candles: hand-poured, exclusive, sustainable – ideal if you’re looking for a long-lasting “made in Florence” cultural souvenir.

Trust strip

• 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.

Wrap-up & CTA

December in Florence is not just about the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. It’s a moment when the city slows and opens its quieter cultural portals. If you’re planning what to do in Florence in December, think beyond the usual checklist:

Visit an exhibition, wander in a gallery, hear jazz in an ancient piazza — and paus at our atelier for something crafted just for you, made locally and designed to travel home with you.

Browse our collection online or message us for in-store pickup in Florence — make your December visit memorable, inside and out.

FAQ

• Do I need to book exhibitions in Florence in advance in December?

  Yes — popular shows like Toulouse-Lautrec at Museo degli Innocenti often require timed tickets, especially on weekends and around Christmas/New Year’s.

• Are there free events in Florence in December?

  Yes — public light-shows, outdoor Christmas markets and some music in the plazas are free, though indoor gallery access may require a ticket.

• Can I bring my children to these exhibitions and concerts?

  Many exhibitions in Florence welcome younger visitors, but check age-suitability ahead (some contemporary work may be abstract or intense). For concerts, look at venue guidelines.

• Is December a good time to visit Florence?

  Definitely — there are fewer tourists, shorter lines and plenty of cultural events. It’s a great time if you prefer museums, indoor activities and evening concerts over high summer heat.

• Will your store be open in Florence in December?

  Yes — we are open most days, but seasonal hours and pickup availability vary, so message or call before you visit for the latest information.