Christmas in Florence: The Best Activities for Kids and Families
Planning a festive trip to Tuscany? These Christmas activities for kids in Florence are perfect for families looking to experience the magic of the season. From sparkling lights to special holiday events, here are four family-friendly ways to make unforgettable Christmas memories in Florence.
Spending the holidays elsewhere in Italy? If you’re also planning time in the capital, don’t miss our guides to Christmas in Rome:
Christmas in Rome with Kids: Part 1
Christmas in Rome with Kids: Part 2
Christmas tree and nativity scene in Piazza Duomo
The Cathedral Square, the religious heart of Florence, welcomes the festivities with the two symbols of Natale, a traditional presepe – or nativity scene – in terracotta and the huge Christmas tree that is switched on on the 8th of December. The nativity scene is an ancient Italian tradition that commemorates the birth of Christ – Saint Francis is credited with creat the very first one in 1223. Presepi appear in every church and many Italian homes. The one in Piazza Duomo in Florence is handmade by a local potter, using the famous terracotta from Impruneta.
See the Ponte Vecchio in a different light
In Florence, the Christmas holidays bring the dazzling L-Festivals (from 8th December 2022 to 8th January 2023- see official site) that literally illuminate the city. This is a video mapping show made of multicoloured light projected on famous landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Santo Spirito Church. In this way, the famous ancient monuments are given a contemporary new look, as the city fills with the festive feel of Christmas. Let there be light!
Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce
Italy isn’t known for the Christmas Markets, and Florence has ‘imported’ its version from northern Europe. The annual Weihnachtsmarkt (19th November – 18th December 2022) brings to town 50 wooden stalls selling decorations, candles and some food specialities from Germany. You won’t find traditional Tuscan artefacts, but the setting itself is spectacular: Piazza Santa Croce, with the background of the beautiful Santa Croce church.
Holiday Ferris Wheel & Florence Ice Village
It will remain until January 2023. The 55-meter (180 ft.) Ferris wheel is located at the Florence Ice Village at the Fortezza da Basso. The ride on the Ferris wheel lasts around 4-5 minutes with panoramic views of Florence and ticket prices range from €12 – €7. €12 for a full ticket, €10 for residents, €7 for children.
In addition, the Florence Ice Village hosts an unmissable ice-skating rink, in fact it is the longest in Europe!! It’s an ice ring 300 meters long and it’s placed around the Poggi Tank called the “Swan Lake” in the Fortezza da Basso gardens Alongside the Wheel and Ice rink you can find a lot of food stalls and a Christmas markets as well as other attractions for families and children. The whole event will run until January. Piazza Oriana Fallaci Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy
Want to enjoy the romance of it all without the kids tagging along for just one evening? Hire your babysitter for Florence here!
