Christmas in Florence turns the city into an enchanted place, with a wealth of events and attractions. Here are the initiatives that come back every year. The dates change from season to season: the ones given here are from the 2024 edition and serve as a guide, so it is always worth checking before you travel.
The Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce
From late November until the days before Christmas, Florence hosts one of the most awaited Christmas events: the “Weihnachtsmarkt” Christmas market in the historic Piazza Santa Croce. With over fifty wooden chalets inspired by German tradition, this market offers a unique experience to fully embrace the Christmas spirit.
Among the offerings are handcrafted products, unique Christmas decorations, and gastronomic specialties from all over Europe. It’s the perfect opportunity to find original gifts and savor delicacies like pretzels, sausages, and the unmissable mulled wine (vin brulé), perfect for warming up on chilly winter evenings.
The magical atmosphere of the Weihnachtsmarkt, combined with the stunning backdrop of Santa Croce, makes this event a must for anyone spending Christmas in Florence.
Green Light Festival, lights on the monuments
From early December until Epiphany, Florence becomes a stage of light with the Green Light Festival, the event that took on the legacy of the previous F-Light.
This festival celebrates light art with spectacular installations that decorate the city’s most iconic monuments and squares. The recurring theme is ecology, sustainability and energy conservation. Through creative light displays and breathtaking scenography, the event invites visitors to reflect on these fundamental values for the future.
Walking through the illuminated streets of Florence during the Green Light Festival is not only an unforgettable visual experience but also an opportunity to discover the city’s most innovative and mindful side.
The Ferris wheel
The grand Ferris wheel, 55 meters high, returns to enchant Florence during Christmas 2024 with a new location Piazzale Vittorio Veneto, at the entrance to the beautiful Parco delle Cascine, instead of near Fortezza da Basso as in previous years. This choice provides a larger, greener setting and enhances the visual experience, offering visitors a stunning view of the city surrounded by festive lights.
The Ferris wheel is a must-see attraction, perfect for creating magical moments during the holidays. Its spacious and comfortable cabins welcome families, couples, and groups of friends, delivering unforgettable emotions while admiring Florence’s rooftops and monuments from a unique perspective.
To complement the experience, an ice-skating rink has been set up near the Ferris wheel, making the area a true Christmas hub, perfect for a day of fun and entertainment.
The ice skating rinks
During the Christmas season, Florence offers several ice-skating rinks, ideal for having fun and immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere. Here are the main rinks available in the city:
- Parco delle Cascine Skating Rink: Located in Piazzale Vittorio Veneto, next to the 55-meter-high Ferris wheel, this rink spans over 1,300 square meters, making it one of the largest in Italy. Surrounded by Christmas decorations and featuring a large central tree, it provides a magical experience for skaters of all ages.
- Opening period: from early December to mid-January
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased on-site
- Palaghiaccio Giglio Bianco: Situated in the garden of Tuscany Hall on Lungarno Aldo Moro 7, the Palaghiaccio Giglio Bianco is Tuscany’s largest indoor rink, measuring 18×36 meters. It offers lessons for beginners and advanced skaters, making it a key destination for skating enthusiasts.
- Opening period: throughout the winter season
- Tickets: Reservations are recommended for skating sessions and lessons. Official website: Giglio Bianco ASD
- Parco di San Donato Skating Rink: Located in the Novoli district at Parco di San Donato, this rink is easily accessible and perfect for families and groups of friends.
- Opening period: until Epiphany
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased on-site
Christmas in Florence: why come now
Christmas in Florence is the perfect moment to visit. With fewer tourists than other times of the year, you can visit the main museums and monuments stress-free, fully enjoying the city’s unique charm. Markets, lights and attractions await you for an unforgettable experience.
To make your Christmas in Florence truly special, choose B&B Marbò Florence, a cozy structure located just steps from Santa Maria Novella Station and close to the city’s vibrant heart. Modern rooms, high-quality comfort, and a family atmosphere will make your Christmas even more magical.
If you’re planning your itinerary, check out our article on Visit Florence in Three Days: Essential Tourist Guide and our guide to the museums in Florence, easy to visit at this time of year.
The exact dates of markets, lights and rinks are published each autumn by the City of Florence and the organisers: a quick check before you travel avoids surprises.
