Wandering down the streets, savouring the scents of the season and the twinkling lights that accompany your stroll, there’s no shortage of festive events that add to the magic. Here’s our round up of markets, concerts, workshops and more.
Dining and wining in Florence Christmas 2025
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Make sure to come back as we continue to update this article, with our new year’s events soon to be published!
Markets
The British Institute of Florence Christmas Fair
The British Institute of Florence (lungarno Guicciardini 9) fills with festive spirit from 3-6pm on December 5 with its annual Christmas Fair. With free entry, visit the selection of second-hand books, handmade gifts, homemade goodies and more, making sure to take your chance in the Christmas raffle and enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake while you browse.
AILO Christmas Bazaar
The American International League of Florence’s Christmas Bazaar takes to a new venue this year, held at the Ippodromo del Visarno with free entry from 1-6pm on November 21 and from 10am-6pm on November 22-23. Every year, the proceeds from the event are donated to local charities, with everything from good quality clothes, accessories, house items, toys and books available.
Natale per File
The 22nd edition of the Christmas market at Palazzo Corsini raises funds for the seriously ill and their families. Organized by Fondazione Italiana di Leniterapia, entry is from 10am to 7pm, December 12-14.
Joulutori-Nordic Christmas Market
The Joulutori–Nordic Christmas Market returns to Florence for its third edition, taking place at The Social Hub Lavagnini on November 29+30 from 10am to 7pm. Organized by the Firenzen Suomi-Seura (Italian-Finnish Cultural Association in Florence), this festive two-day market brings the magic of Nordic holidays to life. Stroll among stalls filled with hand-poured candles, ceramics, wooden toys, textiles, stationery and minimalist décor. Savour seasonal treats like spiced baked goods, berry preserves, chocolate and other specialties from the north. Across both days, a program of workshops and events for adults and children will explore Nordic crafts, folklore and festive inspirations Christmas is a celebration of children (of all ages and spirits), and Joulutori will have plenty of ideas for them. LìLà Toys will be on site to share their sustainable, gender-neutral games, giving plenty of inspiration for gifts. To complete the experience, The Social Hub’s restaurant serve a Nordic-themed brunch on both days. Admission is free.
The22 Christmas Souk
Hosted in the cozy space on via dei Ginori on December 13, the Souk attracts The22 members, their families and friends, as well as many non-members, creating a lively and international atmosphere. Music, good energy, and a sense of discovery make the afternoon memorable for everyone who joins. The curated selection of vendors includes: matcha by Sayuri, perfumes and incenses by Extra Virgo, personal growth tools by Intelligent Change, natural supplements by Avash, accessories for our furry friends by Emma Firenze, herbal teas by Mila Body Health, bespoke home collections, textiles, and clothing by Totum Project, crystals by Barbara EaTutBa, nail and hand care products by The Parlour, accessories by Think Different Studio, pleasure toys by La Clit, and more to discover!
Busajo Christmas Market
From 10am to 7pm on December 13+14, at the Sala delle Ex Leopoldine, piazza Tasso 7, a Christmas market raises funds for children living on the streets of Soddo, Ethiopia.
Smile Market
From December 5 to 8, the 14th Smile Market led by former top model Elsa Michael raises funds to support projects in Eritrea with clothing and accessories, including donations from Guess, Liu Jo, Blumarine, Steve Madden, Dixie, Ottodame and more with free entry from 9am to 7.30pm at Stazione Leopolda. While there, visit Alessandro Moggi’s photographic exhibition titled Light and Dust.
Weihnachtsmarkt
Weihnachtsmarkt sets up in piazza Santa Croce from November 15 to December 21 for the anticipated annual moment of traditional German-style festivities with pretzels, mulled wine and crafts as far as the eye can see.
Le Curandaie Market
Le Curandaie holds a Christmas market with funds going towards its community-oriented projects. Held at the cuREMAKE vintage space on via G. Pepe 47/8, open Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm and 4-7pm, and 10am-1pm on Saturdays.
Empoli Città del Natale
Empoli Città del Natale gives you the chance to experience the magic of Christmas from November 15 to January 11. The enchanted village sees wooden stalls and typical products, all wrapped up in sparkling lights.
Mani Tese Winter Market
On December 13, select something to surprise someone you love this Christmas, with workshops, games and music adding to the atmosphere. Funds raised go towards Mani Tese’s sustainability-centred initiatives.
La Fierucola
La Fierucola are behind a series of biodiverse and brilliant markets, starting with the Christmas edition of the International Ceramics Fair that brings perfectly painted porcelain and more to piazza Ognissanti from 10am-7pm on December 6+7. Pick up gifts or take part in the workshops and activities organized for all ages. The Fierucola dell’immacolata takes place from 10am-6pm on December 7+8, an event dedicated to sustainable craftsmanship and volunteer associations, all while underlying respect for the environment. The Fierucolina del Carmine is held on December 14, showcasing small-scale organic and natural farming products, crafts, and local life, while the Fierucola di Natale in piazza Ognissanti on December 21 (9.30am-6.30pm) avail of the chance to pick-up last-minute Christmas presents that respect the environment and local traditions.
Arezzo Città del Natale
Arezzo Città del Natale returns to piazza Grande from November 15, with Christmas huts warming the square with lights, craftsmanship, and German and Austrian flavours until January 6.
Lady Ripple Christmas Market
Enjoy the open house format at via dei Conti 9 from noon until 8pm on November 25, with food including Wild Buns baked goods and beverages such as coffees and green teas from the Japanese ambassador of Green Tea Signora Junko. A wreath making workshop with Il Calicanto is held all day (at an extra cost), with Christmas carol singing and live music from 4pm onwards. The market includes Lady Ripple Bee jewellery, Bella Bag purses, honey, bees wax candles, potpourri and more, with a percentage going towards the Bee the Ripple Charity.
Concerts
Orchestra della Toscana Christmas concert
What better way to spend Christmas Eve than a top-calibre classical concert? Orchestra della Toscana treats audiences at Teatro Verdi to a warm and inviting classical programme. Conducted by Nicolò Jacopo Suppa and with solo cellist Ettore Pagano, the evening promises memorable performances of the overture to Rossini’s Il signor Bruschino, followed by Tchaikovsky’s Andante cantabile, Stravinsky’s Suite italienne, and the grand finale of Mozart’s monumental Symphony No. 41, Jupiter. Tickets from 5-24 euro.
Festive shopping + more
Florence Lights Up
From December 6 to January 6, the city gets a festive makeover with immersive displays adorning facades and sites in the city centre and surroundings. Video mapping appears on Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and San Paolino, while the locations in the centre receiving a special festive light display are Palazzo Medici Riccardi, piazza San Lorenzo, piazza Santa Maria Novella, Camera di Commercio and Rinascente. The joy extends even further outside the centre with piazza delle Cure (Q2), piazza Acciaiuoli, piazza Elia Dalla Costa (Q3), piazza dell’Isolotto, piazza Pier Vettori (Q4), piazza Dalmazia and San Donato Park (Q5) all getting a luminous installation to bring the festive spirit all around Florence. F-Lights Up has been inspired by the Renaissance masters who shaped the city with hands and tools, with today’s digital artists creating luminous visions that showcase the city’s creative genius. Firenze Smart will be responsible for illuminating the city’s gates and towers. There will also be a programme of festive events to bring both locals and visitors to enjoy the magic of the Renaissance city, including a Christmas train through the Cascine park.
Christmas at Manifattura
Manifattura Tabacchi celebrates the season with festive shopping, dining, and a wide array of events for all ages throughout December. Visitors can explore the boutiques, ateliers, and food venues while enjoying a varied schedule that includes the Creative Mani Factory artisan market, appearances by La Compagnia dei Babbo Natale, and the Motel A Miio ceramics pop-up. Additional highlights include MACA District’s Christmas market, a plant and flower fair with family workshops, a Christmas recital by Accademia San Felice, and a series of seasonal pop-up stores such as the Artcraft and Kitagi Luxury shops, with events every weekend from November 29.
Children’s Lending Library
Located in the undercroft of St. James’ Church on via Rucellai 9, the Children’s Lending Library host their annual Christmas party. Expect crafts, games, a bake sale, Christmas carols, a book and toy sale, and even a visit from Santa! Taking place from 4-6pm on December 13, members have free entry with 5 euro per family for non-members.
Collegio on Ice – A Winter Wonderland
Every weekend, the Winter Village comes to life, a quintessential Christmas market that celebrates craftsmanship and conviviality, open to guests and visitors. The artisans present include Profumoir, an experiential atelier that offers a personalized approach to perfumery, and Il Borgo Cashmere, an Italian maison that combines Tuscan artisanal tradition with the refinement of cashmere. Additionally, every Sunday a featured artisan will take centre stage, with experiential moments such as Make and Take Home workshops and live demonstrations. The magic of the holidays fill every corner of Collegio alla Querce, from DJ sets at the skating rink every Friday and Saturday (5-8pm) to jazz in the theatre on Saturday (7-8.30pm) and gospel choirs singing in the theatre every Sunday at 6.30pm.
Christmas carols and readings
Readings (in Italian) of excerpts from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol are accompanied by traditional carols, organized by Domea-Donne nei mestieri delle Arti and the LaAV Association – Letture ad Alta Voce. Free admission, taking place at 6pm on December 14 in the garden at the entrance of the Oblate Library.
La Fattoria delle Feste
The picturesque farm of Vignamaggio lights up with magic from December 5 with events including a puppet performance of Pinocchio by Pupi di Stac, wooden games, activities and workshops for all ages with organic decorations, garlands and Christmas cards. Write your letter to Santa or enjoy the Revelation Gospel Choir concert and Christmas readings. Check out the busy calendar that sees seasonal treats throughout December and beyond.
Dancing Christmas 70/80
From 8.30-11pm on December 21, The Social Hub Belfiore brings back iconic looks and lights up the dancefloor together with Max Ballet Academy for an evening of ‘70s and ‘80s style.
Florence on Ice
Florence On Ice Village returns from November 28 to January 31, bringing back 320 meters of pure ice around the fountain in piazzale Oriana Fallaci at the Fortezza da Basso. The rink is open daily from 10am to midnight, with skating allowed until 1am.
Christmas workshops at Jardin La Ménagère
Celebrate the magic of Christmas on Sunday, December 7, with a special workshop that leads you to create your own mini Christmas tree. Live illustrator Studio Sheean captures the moment with a unique keepsake to take home, adding an extra touch of artistry to the experience. Designed for couples but also welcoming families with children, the event offers a warm, poetic way to share the joy of the season, held at La Ménagère at 4pm with information and reservations available at jardin@lamenagere.it.
Creative People in Florence at Ditta Artigianale
The cultural association Creative People in Florence announces an exciting new collaboration with Ditta Artigianale, the much-loved café chain renowned for its specialty coffee, delicious all-day treats and top-notch aperitivi. Artigiani in Ditta is a unique event series designed to forge a meaningful connection between the city’s rich craft heritage and its contemporary community. This series welcomes local artisans into the Ditta Artigianale café in Sant’Ambrogio (via Giosuè Carducci, 2/4r,) to share and demonstrate their work. The collaboration kicks off on December 18 from 5 to 8pm with Crafts and Cocktails, an invitation to take a break from the holiday rush and slow down for a festive evening of creative fun. Local artisans will demonstrate their techniques and offer guests free crafting activities including pottery, paper marbling, needle felting, knitting, collage and punch needle embroidery. Expect cozy vibes, hands-on art activities and tasty aperitivo treats. The artisans will also have a selection of handmade items available for those last-minute gifts.
Religious services
St. James Episcopal Church (via Bernardo Rucellai 9) celebrates Christmas with a festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 11am on December 14. On December 24, the First Mass of Christmas with choir, organ and brass accompaniment will be at 6pm, with Midnight Mass with hymns at 11pm. On Christmas Day, Mass with hymns will be at 10am.
St. Mark’s English Church (via Maggio 16) holds a carol service at 6.30pm on December 14, with a special service of lessons and carols, followed by mince pies and mulled wine. Midnight Mass and the first Eucharist of Christmas are at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve, with Christmas Eucharist at 10.30am on Christmas Day.
The Santi Apostoli Roman Catholic Church has the Christmas Night Mass on December 24 at 5pm in English and 6pm in Italian, and the Christmas Vigil Mass will be in both Italian and English at 11pm. Christmas Day Mass in English will be at 10.15am and in Italian at 11.45am and 7pm.
Get in touch with Florence’s Jewish community for their calendar and information on guided tours of the Synagogue and museum.
