With its Renaissance squares lit up, wooden market stalls and the smell of roasted chestnuts, Florence is one of the most charming cities in Italy at Christmas. Here's how to enjoy Christmas 2026 in Florence, with dates, tips and the best things to do.
The Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce 2026
Florence's best-known Christmas market, inspired by the German Weihnachtsmarkt, returns to Piazza Santa Croce from 14 November to 20 December 2026. More than fifty wooden stalls sell handicrafts, decorations and food from across Europe, in front of the basilica where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00 to 22:00, Friday to Sunday 10:00 to 23:00. Entry is free.
Before the market, on 7 and 8 November, Piazza Santa Croce also hosts the Fierucola, a fair of local artisans and farmers.
The tree in Piazza del Duomo and the Christmas lights
The great Christmas tree is set up in Piazza del Duomo, beside the cathedral and the Baptistery. It's usually lit in a public ceremony in early December (on 6 December last year, 8 December the year before), when the city's Christmas lights also come on.
In recent years Florence has also projected light installations onto its monuments from early December to early January, with Palazzo Vecchio, the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica and Piazzale Michelangelo among the highlights. Programmes change each year: check the city's events calendar for the 2026 edition.
Christmas concerts and Mass
Florence's churches host Advent and Christmas concerts throughout December, and Christmas Eve Mass in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most moving ways to spend Christmas Eve. Arrive early: seats fill up fast.
Taste Florence at Christmas
Christmas is the season of Tuscan sweets: panforte and ricciarelli from Siena, cantucci with Vin Santo, and of course panettone in every pastry shop. In the markets you'll find roasted chestnuts and vin brulé, Italian mulled wine. For a Christmas dinner, book a traditional trattoria well in advance.
What's open in Florence at Christmas?
Uffizi Gallery: closed on 25 December and 1 January (and, as every week, on Mondays). Book your Florence museum tickets for the days in between.
Duomo: opening times for the cathedral, dome and bell tower change around the holidays: check before you go.
Shops and restaurants: most close on the afternoon of 24 December and on 25 December.
Is Florence worth visiting at Christmas?
Absolutely. December is one of the quietest months for the big museums (apart from the Christmas and New Year days), the city is beautifully decorated and the atmosphere is cosy. Expect cool days around 10–12°C and cold evenings close to 2–4°C.
Plan your Christmas in Florence
Morning: the Uffizi or the Accademia and Michelangelo's David.
Afternoon: a walk across the Ponte Vecchio and up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the sunset view.
Evening: the Santa Croce market (until 20 December), the Duomo tree and dinner with Tuscan wine.
Explore our Florence tours or ask us about a private guide for your dates.
FAQ
When is the Florence Christmas market 2026?
In Piazza Santa Croce from 14 November to 20 December 2026, Monday to Thursday 10:00 to 22:00, Friday to Sunday 10:00 to 23:00.
When is the Christmas tree lit in Florence?
Usually in early December in Piazza del Duomo; the 2026 date will be announced by the city.
Is the Uffizi open at Christmas?
It's closed on 25 December and 1 January, and open most other days of the holidays (except Mondays).
