December is one of the best months to visit Florence: lights over the old streets, a Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce and fewer crowds than in summer. Here is what to expect in 2026.
Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce
Florence’s main Christmas market is the German-style Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce, with over fifty wooden stalls selling decorations, handicrafts and seasonal food.
- Dates: 14 November to 20 December 2026
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00 to 22:00, Friday to Sunday 10:00 to 23:00
Source: Feel Florence, the city’s official tourism site.
Christmas trees and lights
The Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo is usually lit in early December, around the 8 December holiday. The tree and the nativity scene next to the cathedral stay up until 6 January.
During the Florence Lights Up festival, which usually runs from early December to early January, light projections appear on landmarks across the historic center. It is free and best seen after dark.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year
- 24 December: midnight Mass in the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
- 25 December and 1 January: most museums are closed, and many restaurants need a booking.
- 31 December: concerts and celebrations in the main squares.
Epiphany, 6 January
Epiphany is a public holiday in Italy. In Florence it marks the end of the Christmas season, with celebrations for La Befana in the city center.
Where to stay for Christmas in Florence
Three of our apartments are a short walk from the Santa Croce market (read our Santa Croce neighborhood guide):
- Florence Palace, Santa Croce: 4 bedrooms, up to 9 guests, 2 minutes from Piazza Santa Croce
- Historic 2-Bedroom, Via dei Benci: up to 5 guests
- 2-Bedroom, Borgo dei Greci: up to 5 guests, between Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza della Signoria
December dates fill early. Book direct and save 10% with code DIRECT10.
Planning your stay? Our apartments in the historic center: Florence Palace, Santa Croce (4 bedrooms), Via della Pergola (3 bedrooms), Via di Melegnano (3 bedrooms), Via dei Benci (2 bedrooms) and Borgo dei Greci (2 bedrooms). Book direct and save 10% with code DIRECT10.