The wintertime landscape surrounding Florence
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 Piazza della Repubblica
and Piazza
della Signoria to admire the
elegantly decorated storefronts and displays of holiday sweets in the
windows of bakeries and cafes. Be sure to sample thepanettone,
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, where
both are served with much fanfare.
Every year, Father Christmas greets children at Babbo Natale's House
at the Florence
Noel market, a holiday
wonderland from late November to the Epiphany at Parterre, near Piazza della
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 Piazza Santa Croce
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 events
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 Buon Natale
your family will cherish.
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