Florence
Florence Christmas Market: Where It Is, Dates, Lights and Where to Stay
Quick answer: Florence’s Christmas market is in Piazza Santa Croce, in 2026 from 14 November to 20 December, daily from 10am (until 10pm Monday to Thursday, until 11pm Friday to Sunday), with free entry. Traditionally the tree in Piazza del Duomo is lit on 8 December. For a festive weekend, stay outside the busiest streets but within walking distance of the Arno: Hotel Firenze 2000 is in the Oltrarno, about 20 minutes on foot from Ponte Vecchio, with rooms for 1 to 5 guests.
Florence in December feels different: monuments are washed in light, squares smell of mulled wine and shopping streets fill up from early afternoon. This guide covers what you actually need: where, when, what to see in the evening and where to sleep.
The Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce
It is the best-known market in the city, modelled on German Christmas markets (its name is Weihnachtsmarkt). In front of the Basilica of Santa Croce you will find more than fifty wooden stalls with:
- crafts and Christmas decorations;
- sweets and specialities from several European countries;
- hot street food and warm drinks;
- a programme of events with plenty for children, including a little house where they can post their letters to Santa.
| Santa Croce Christmas Market 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Dates | 14 November to 20 December 2026 |
| Hours Mon–Thu | 10am–10pm |
| Hours Fri–Sun | 10am–11pm |
| Entry | free |
2026 dates and hours from Feel Florence, the City of Florence’s official tourism portal (checked on 27 October 2026). Hours can change for weather or events, so always check before you travel.
Best time to go
Saturday evening is the most atmospheric and also the most crowded. With children, or if you want to shop calmly, go on a weekday afternoon or Sunday morning, then enjoy the city lights after sunset.
Christmas lights: the Duomo tree and F-Light
Beyond the market, Christmas in Florence is best experienced in the evening, on foot.
- 8 December, tree lighting. The most photographed tree stands in Piazza del Duomo, next to the cathedral. In recent years trees in Piazza della Repubblica and at Piazzale Michelangelo have been lit on the same day.
- F-Light – Firenze Light Festival. In recent years, between December and early January, the city has projected light shows and installations onto monuments, gates and towers. No ticket needed: just take an evening stroll between the Arno and the centre. The 2026 programme is announced by the city shortly before the holidays.
A tip from the Oltrarno: a sunset walk along the river, crossing Ponte Vecchio into the centre, is the easiest way to see the illuminated city without queues.
A Christmas weekend in Florence: 2-day plan
Saturday
- Arrive by train at Santa Maria Novella, take tram T1 towards Villa Costanza to Paolo Uccello (about ten minutes), then a short walk to the hotel to drop your bags.
- Light lunch in the Oltrarno and a walk to Ponte Vecchio (about 20 minutes).
- Afternoon at the Santa Croce Christmas market.
- At dusk, the lights of the centre: Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Repubblica.
Sunday
- Breakfast at the hotel and a morning in Santo Spirito and San Frediano, whose artisan workshops are perfect for unusual gifts.
- Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the view over the city.
- Back to the hotel for your bags and the tram to the station.
With more time, see our complete weekend in Florence itinerary.
Weather, the 8 December long weekend, museum closures at Christmas and tips for the whole month: read our guide to Florence in December.
Where to stay for the Christmas market
In the festive season, rooms in the historic centre cost more and sell out early, especially for the 8 December holiday weekend and December weekends. You have two options:
| Hotel in the heart of the centre | Hotel Firenze 2000, Oltrarno | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to the markets | A few steps | Walk along the Arno or tram + bus |
| Evening noise | Crowds until late | Residential street, quieter |
| Arriving by train | Walking with luggage through busy streets | T1 from Santa Maria Novella to Paolo Uccello |
| Arriving by car | ZTL and expensive parking | Outside the ZTL, partner garage €30/24h |
| Family rooms | Often doubles only | Triple, quadruple and 5-guest rooms |
With us you get:
- rooms for 1 to 5 guests, all with private bathroom, air conditioning and heating: the Double Room for a couple’s escape, the Triple and Quadruple for families and friends;
- a homemade sweet and savoury breakfast buffet before a long day out;
- a cot on request (€10 per night, ages 0–2) if you travel with a baby;
- a reception you can reach in the evening for directions and tips.
Driving? All the ZTL and garage details are in our guide to a Florence hotel with parking outside the ZTL. Travelling with children? Read where to stay in Florence with kids.
After Christmas: New Year’s Eve in Florence
If your trip stretches towards the end of the year, remember that from 26 December the city changes pace and prices rise again for the 31st. Practical tips are in our guide to New Year’s Eve in Florence: where to stay.
Before you book
- Check the updated dates of the market and tree lighting on the official channels.
- Choose your room by the number of guests, not the price of a double: family rooms in Florence sell out first.
- Book on the official website: best rate guaranteed, no commission and free late check-out when available, handy on your last day if your train leaves in the afternoon. See our rooms.
- Questions about arrival, times or rooms? Contact us.
