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is one of dramatic beauty, when snow can dust the surrounding hills, or
even on occasion the city center. Bundled up, families will enjoy
strolling through the streets surrounding and Piazza della Signoria elegantly decorated storefronts and displays of holiday sweets in the windows of bakeries and cafes. Be sure to sample the a traditional Christmas bread originally from Milan, or warm up with hot chocolate for the kids and aperitivi for the parents at the historic Rivoire at Piazza della Signoria, 5r both are served with much fanfare. Every year, Father Christmas greets children at at the Florence Noel wonderland from late November to the Epiphany at Parterre, near Libertà. This “Christmas village” features an outdoor skating rink, music and activities for the kids, traditional sweets and candies, and market stalls with toys and gifts. In the center, the Heidelberg Market in brings the flavor of classic Northern European Christmas markets to Florence from late November through December, where families can sample German holiday sweets and candies such as strudel and browse rows of market stalls with German Christmas decorations, toys, and traditional handicrafts. Steeped in cultural traditions that endure in a lively manner today, Florence during the holidays offers classical concerts (see our calendar) throughout the city. From carols to classical liturgical compositions, the children will enjoy hearing familiar songs in a variety of languages. The one caveat to visiting Italy during the holidays is the possibility that some of the significant historic sites such as museums and churches have irregular schedules and additional closures during this period. I suggest careful planning of your family's sightseeing itinerary and advance ticket purchases for museums. Above all, settle in to the atmosphere of cheer and celebration, and experience a your family will cherish. -- Shannon Venable Shannon Venable of gives more tips for visiting Italy for Christmas and New Year's in our free guide in Italy. blog comments powered by Disqus