Christmas is a lively affair in Italy as you might expect, with celebrations joyfully beginning relatively late, on 8th December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is on this day that every Italian puts up their tree and the festive season is therefore officially underway. Florence, our nearest large city, takes on a particularly beautiful air during the holidays, draped in twinkling lights, decorations and of course many delicious edible treats wherever you turn. We have shortlisted a few of our favourite stops to make your pre-Christmas visit to Tuscany ever more memorable.
The F-lights festival begins in the first days of December, illuminating many of the major monuments in the city for the month. In particular, a walk along Via de’ Tornabuoni is an essential way to set the festive tone decked in glamour and a considerable amount of sparkle. For those wishing for a cool Christmas, the Florence Ice Village [@florenceonicevillage] boasts the longest ice rink in Europe and there is also a ferris wheel from where you get a great panorama of the city.
For anyone seeking a festive market, we recommend the Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce, now in its 23rd year with signature wooden stalls offering crafts and traditional foods opening in late November and continuing until the middle of December. Or if you are in the city on the 8th December itself, there is a charming Fierucola dell’Immacolata, based in the piazza della Santissima Annunziata featuring organic foods and handmade crafts that is a great place to seek out some unusual gifts. Also very much worth exploring is the Ars Manualis art market located in piazza Santa Maria Novella from 8-18 December. Here you can find Tuscan handmade artisanal items, including ornaments, quilts, and an array of household curiosities. If you are looking for a creative gift to give this holiday season, you’re bound to find it here.
A few of our favourite other shopping stops include the perfect combination of books and wine at Todo Modo on via dei Fossi, a stroll along Via dei Serragli on the oltrarno for interesting antiques as well as a couple of less obvious clothing boutiques or the incredible Superduper Hats which may now have global acclaim but is Florence born and bred.
For food gifts (depending on your onward travel plans!) if you are looking for the most delicious selection of cheese, visit our friends at the Formaggioteca Terroir on the banks of the Arno at Via dei Renai. The Mercato Centrale is also huge fun during the festive season with delicacies from Tuscany and beyond worth exploring.
And after all that, where should you go for a rewarding aperitif?
The Loggia Roof Bar – Palazzo Guadagni in Piazza Santo Spirito is pretty hard to resist – it still feels as if this is a discovery above the bustle of the city. If you are wanting to be in the thick of it however, and if you love a good negroni, you cannot beat Caffe Giacosa. Or, of course if you are looking for a sensational glass of Montecalvi, then we suggest you pay Enoteca Pitti Gola a visit.
