Christmas Markets in Florence

How about feeling all the Christmas magic by strolling through the Christmas markets in Florence, Tuscany? A city where artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello and many others lived, Florence is already a true masterpiece in itself. And during the Christmas season it becomes even more beautiful, giving us an incredible Christmas atmosphere! Stay with us and make the most of the boot country! Here at Italy’s Dream Tourism you can make the trip of your dreams come true!!! Also check out our Accommodation in Italy Section – Tips for your Vacation!

FOTO

Our Introduction

When we think of Florence, what immediately comes to mind is strolling through its main tourist attractions and admiring works of art such as Michelangelo’s David or climbing the dome of the Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore. Now imagine these places, which naturally already move us, decorated and prepared for one of the most beautiful celebrations of the year, Christmas. The Christmas markets in Florence will allow us to immerse ourselves in the Christmas spirit and experience very special moments amidst its streets and squares. Read also: How is Christmas in Italy? 

Attention:

• Be aware of the opening hours of the fairs and other attractions! Before your visit, check the official websites (if available), the tourist information centers or even the hotel itself for the official opening and closing times of the attractions. This is because some places change their opening hours depending on weather conditions (especially those with outdoor attractions)!

1) Christmas Markets in Florence: VISIT THE PIAZZA SANTA CROCE FAIR!

You’re in Florence, but how about strolling through a Christmas Market with a German market touch? Well, the Piazza Santa Croce Market is inspired by traditional German markets.

It’s the largest and most famous Christmas market in Florence and there you’ll find handcrafted items, Christmas decorations, candles, ceramics and gastronomic specialties from various parts of Europe. There are many treats that will make your mouth water, for example, Dutch waffles and Austrian sweets! All the little chalets are made of wood, a real charm! 

Useful Information:

• When: November 20 to December 24;
• Where: Piazza Santa Croce;
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm and on December 24th: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm;
• Entry fee: Free.

Fun fact!

December is a month when it gets really cold in some Italian cities like Rome, Milan and Florence. Even if you wear warm clothes, you can still feel a little chilly while walking around the streets. But there is one drink that is always available at the markets at this time of year to help keep everyone warm: Vin Brulé.

A hot drink made with red wine, cinnamon, star anise, cloves and other spices. Don’t forget to try it!

2) Christmas Markets in Florence: BE CHARMED BY THE PIAZZA DEL DUOMO FAIR!

How can you be in Florence and not think of the magnificent dome of one of the most famous cathedrals in Tuscany? At this magical time of year, the Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo, becomes even more dazzling.

If you want to find original and unique gifts and souvenirs, with all the charm of typical Florentine products, this market is perfect, as several artisans from the city exhibit their pieces there. A Christmas tree and a nativity scene, with life-size pieces, will be set up in front of the cathedral, making the environment an enchanting scene! Read also: Let’s visit the Florence cathedral?

Useful Information:

• When: November 20 to December 24;
• Where: Piazza Duomo;
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm and on December 24th: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm;
• Entry fee: Free.

3) Christmas markets in Florence: GO TO THE FLORENCE CHRISTMAS FAIR AT FORTEZZA DA BASSO!

This fair is a slightly larger version compared to the small markets in the squares, it has stalls with different types of food, Santa Claus’s house, but the big difference is its skating rink, which is the longest in Europe, with 300m of rink for you to enjoy very relaxed moments with friends and family.

The place where this little fair takes place draws attention, as it is a historical building, La Fortezza di San Giovanni Battista or Fortezza da Basso, a work built between 1534 and 1537. Today it is a place suitable for holding various types of events, congresses and exhibitions at national and international level. It’s worth a visit!

Useful information:

• When: December 1st to January 6th;
• Where: Fortezza da Basso – Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1;
• Opening hours: Fair: Every day, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm; Skating rink: Every day, 10:00 am – 12:00 am;
• Admission fee: Fair – Free; Skating rink – 12.00 euros (full price) + 2.00 euros to reserve skates, 7.00 euros (children up to 10 years old) + 2.00 euros to reserve skates.

4) Christmas Markets in Florence: EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF A NORDIC CHRISTMAS!

Want to find unique items to give your loved ones this Christmas? Christmas decorations, chocolates, books, vintage products, toys, and homewares, you’ll find all of this at this market, which pays homage to and reinforces the cultural exchange between Italy and Northern European countries, such as Finland and Sweden.

The market lasts two days, so you can be enchanted and learn a little more about the culture of Scandinavian countries. I’m sure you’ll be enchanted by the market! Read also: What to do at Christmas in the main Italian cities?

Useful Information:

• When: November 30 and December 1;
• Where: Sala dei Marmi del Parterre (Piazza della Libertà);
• Time: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm;
• Admission Fee: Free.

5) Christmas Markets in Florence: COLLABORATE BY SHOPPING AT MERCATO DI NATALE DELL’ATT!

Christmas is a time of joy and happiness in our hearts, but we cannot forget that while we are happily organizing the decorations, the gifts and thinking about what we are going to eat for dinner, there are people who are in hospitals, facing challenging times during cancer treatment.

The Associazione Tumori Toscana (A.T.T) is holding a Christmas market to raise funds to help people who are going through this difficult time. At this market you will find jewelry, artisanal products and products from big brands, as well as a wine and food space. It is worth helping if you can, because there is no better feeling than when we do good for others!

Useful Information:

• When: November 30 and December 1;
• Where: Palazzo degli Affari di Firenze, piazza Adua 1;
• Time: 9:30 am – 7:00 pm;
• Entry Fee: Free.

6) Christmas Markets in Florence: ADMIRE THE BEAUTY OF THE CRAFTS IN PIAZZA SANTA MARIA NOVELLA!

Think of a Christmas Market with a beautiful name, “Ars Manualis – L’eredità dei saperi” (Manual Arts – Heritage of Knowledge, in free translation), at least I found it beautiful!

And this name does justice to the quality of the products sold there. Because if you want to find refined and high-quality crafts, visit this market that takes place in the square of the Basilica Santa Maria Novella. It is famous for offering high-quality products created by highly talented artists. Tradition and excellence in craftsmanship is the motto of this market! Read also: Discover the Basilica of Santa Novella in Florence.

Useful Information:

• When: December 8 to 21;
• Where: Piazza Santa Maria Novella;
• Time: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm;
• Admission Fee: Free.

7) Christmas Markets in Florence: DISCOVER NATALEPERFILE!

We all need love and affection, and this market is geared towards that end! How wonderful it is to help and also buy cool things for Christmas. Natalperfile is an exhibition in favor of the Fondazione Italiana di Leniterapia, which provides free assistance to people with serious or terminal illnesses, as well as support for their families. The proceeds are used to help cover the costs of the activities carried out by the organization.

It has been held for over 20 years, and there are 35 exhibitors selling clothes, household goods, decorative items, jewelry and much more. Do you want to try the famous Pandoro, a cake that Italians usually eat after Christmas dinner? Well, at this market they sell both Pandoro and Panettone Solidario! So don’t miss the opportunity to taste these delicacies and also help people!

Useful Information:

• When: December 6th and 8th;
• Where: Palazzo Corsini, lungarno Corsini 8;
• Time: 10am – 7pm;
• Entry Price: Free.

8) Christmas markets in Florence: SHOP AND CONTRIBUTE AT NATALE DE EMERGENCY FIRENZE!

Still in the spirit of solidarity, this market also allows you to do good when you buy something there. Organized by volunteers from humanitarian associations, the stalls display products made in small towns where the associations collaborate.

Jewelry, eco-friendly cosmetics, clothes, accessories and stationery are some of the products you will find to buy, give as gifts and even help a noble cause!

Useful information:

• When: November 23 to December 24;
• Where: Nove Botteghe, via Gioberti 61;
• Time: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm;
• Admission fee: Free.

9) Christmas markets in Florence: DISCOVER THE FAIR IN SAN DONATO DI NOVOLI SHOPPING SQUARE!

Who said that a good Christmas market is only in the center of Florence? In the western part of the city, there is one of the most anticipated and visited fairs in the city. It takes place in the square of the San Donato Shopping Mall, in the Novoli neighborhood. It starts on November 16, well before the madness of the eve of the 25th.

Among the items you will find at the fair are: handicrafts, typical products from all over Italy, jewelry and decorative items. There will be plenty of options for you to choose souvenirs and gifts to put under the Christmas tree on December 24! Read also: What to do in Florence at Christmas?

Useful Information:

• When: November 16 to January 6;
• Where: Nove Botteghe, via Gioberti 61;
• Time: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm;
• Admission Fee: Free.

10) Christmas markets in Florence: TAKE A TOUR OF THE RED CROSS FAIR!

Since we’re talking so much about being charitable, how about taking a stroll through the fair of one of the best-known organizations in the world, the Red Cross? In Florence alone, the organization helps more than 2,000 people, including the homeless and the sick.

This fair has been a confirmed presence at Florentine Christmas for more than 20 years. And at the stalls, you’ll find clothes, accessories, cosmetics, wooden crafts and much more.

Do you like big brands? At the exhibition, you can also buy pieces by Italian brands, as several companies donate products to be sold and thus help the cause!

Useful Information:

• When: December 6, 7 and 8;
• Where: Borgo San Frediano 12;
• Time: Friday, 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm;
• Entry fee: Free.

11) Christmas markets in Florence: EXPERIENCE BUYING “KM 0” PRODUCTS!

Italians have a very cool culture that values ​​items that are produced in the region itself. They love to buy the famous “KM 0” goods, that is, those purchased directly from the producer.

And the association “La Fierucola” will organize 3 markets in December that value and highlight products made and prepared by family farmers and local artisans, namely: Fiera dell’Immacolata, Fierucolina and Fierucola di Natale.

Cheeses, breads, jams, sauces, ceramics, soaps, herbal products, all this and much more, negotiated and discussed directly with the producers. Without a doubt, it is a unique and memorable experience, as it will allow you to truly immerse yourself in Italian culture and also buy original and different gifts!

Useful Information:

• When: Fiera dell’Immacolata, December 7th and 8th; Fierucolina, December 8th and Fierucola di Natale, December 15th;
• Where: Fiera dell’Immacolata – Piazza Santissima Annunziata; Fierucolina – Piazza del Carmine and Fierucola di Natale – Piazza Ognissanti;
• Time: Fiera dell’Immacolata and Fierucola di Natale, 9:30 am – 6:30 pm and Fierucola, 9:30 am – 2:00 pm;
• Admission Fee: Free.
• Official Website: La Fierucola | Mercato contadino e artigiano Firenze;

12) Christmas Markets in Florence: CREATIVE FACTORY, A SMALL FAIR THAT TAKES PLACE IN TWO LOCATIONS IN THE CITY!

We can’t forget that we are in Florence, the city of arts, right? And Creative Factory, organized by Associazione Heyart, is a project that aims to promote and publicize the work of young Italian artisans and artists.

During the Christmas period, two fairs linked to the project are held to help further promote the artists and their creations. One takes place in the city center and the other in a very special place, the Manifattura Tabacchi, an old cigarette factory that has been completely revitalized, a very pleasant and interesting place to visit.

The products that you will find at the stalls range from clothes and accessories to paintings, decorative objects, jewelry and crafts in general. Pieces made with great care, love, inspiration and limited quantities, which will allow you to acquire exclusive items for yourself or for whoever you want to give as a gift.

Useful Information:

• When: Feirinha do Centro, December 12-15; Feirinha at Manifattura Tabacchi, December 7-8 / 21-22;
• Where: Feirinha do Centro, Piazza dei Ciompi; Feirinha at Manifattura Tabacchi, Via delle Cascine,33-35 – Building B9;
• Time: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm;
• Admission Fee: Free;
• Official Project Website: CREATIVE FACTORY URBAN MARKET;
• Official Website of the Manifattura Tabacchi Market: Natale in Manifattura – Manifattura Tabacchi.

13) Christmas Markets in Florence: GREEN LINE FESTIVAL!

This festival is not a small market, but due to its beauty, I couldn’t help but give you this tip! The Green Line Festival is a project that lights up the main points of Florence during the end-of-year festivities. Beautiful lighting will add a touch of glamour to the city’s main works of art, museums and tourist attractions.

Messages about ecology, climate change and sustainability will be projected onto the façades of the main buildings in the historic center, aiming to raise awareness about these issues that are so important to our survival.

In fact, the choice of lighting only in the main areas of the city was made precisely to reduce energy consumption and thus demonstrate that we should all be concerned and do our part in taking care of our beloved planet.

Useful Information:

• When: December to the first week of January;
• Time: Every day, 5:30 pm – 12 am;
• Admission Fee: Free.

---

Watch this video and find out: Where To Sleep In Florence? Central Hotel With Excellent Cost-Benefit

Subscribe to our channel and receive more video tips about Italy. Don’t forget to give this video a thumbs-up!

---

---

Conclusion

Christmas markets in Florence. I believe that the lack of options for markets will not be a problem for you if you are going to Florence during the Christmas period. Enjoy yourself, stroll around, observe, and deeply experience the enchanting Christmas atmosphere that Florence has to offer!

Do you feel insecure traveling?

If you need help organizing your trip, do not hesitate to contact me! I would love to help you make your dream trip to Italy.

Did my post help you, or do you still have questions? Leave your comment below, and I’ll get back to you!

---

---

---