Christmas Markets in Florence and Beyond

Christmas Markets in Florence and Beyond: a winter escape of lights, flavours and festive vibes

Winter means slower days, warmth inside and out, long cosy walks and time to share. If you’re in the mood for festive magic, hu Firenze Certosa camping in town is the perfect starting point: surrounded by nature and just minutes from the centre of Florence, with a direct shuttle.
Come with us and explore the best Christmas markets in Florence and Tuscany — because the atmosphere starts as soon as you step outside the campsite.

Piazza Santa Croce – A taste of German tradition at the Weihnachtsmarkt

In the heart of Florence, right in front of the beautiful Basilica of Santa Croce, you’ll find the German-style Weihnachtsmarkt. With over fifty wooden stalls, it’s full of local and international crafts, hand-painted ceramics, wool scarves, cosy slippers, winter accessories and plenty of original gift ideas.
The atmosphere is spot on: Christmas music in the background, the scent of mulled wine all around, and a mix of flavours from across northern Europe.
Between one stall and the next, you can snack on grilled bratwurst, warm sauerkraut, fresh-baked pretzels, kürtőskalács (a typical Hungarian spiral cake baked over fire), and other tasty winter street foods that warm hands and hearts.

• When: Roughly from 20 November to 22 December, every day from 10:00 to 22:00
• What to expect: twinkling lights, a warm vibe even in the chilly air, and charming wooden stalls — perfect whether you're shopping for gifts or just soaking up the festive spirit.
• Tip: Go at sunset — the lights bounce off the square’s paving stones and the magic really kicks in. Take a short walk towards the Arno afterwards, cinnamon biscuit in hand.

Florence Ice Village at Fortezza da Basso

Looking for a Christmas experience with lights, fun and shopping all in one place? The Florence Ice Village at Fortezza da Basso has you covered. Every year, an ice skating rink is set up here, once billed as the longest in Europe — with a track about 300 metres long.

What you need to know:

• When: Usually from early December to early January (check their Instagram for updates)
• Atmosphere: the rink weaves through the gardens of the Fortezza, with a Christmas village full of wooden stalls, food stands and lights reflected in the ice.
• Tip: After a few laps on the rink, take a break at the village — you’ll find handmade gifts, winter wear, slippers, scarves, ceramics… and plenty of lights to brighten the night.
• How to get there: From the campsite, take the shuttle to the city centre and then a short tram or bus ride to the Fortezza.

Florence Ferris Wheel at Parco delle Cascine

One of the must-do winter experiences is the 55-metre-high Ferris wheel in Parco delle Cascine — a great way to see Florence from above, with the Arno, the hills and rooftops lit up for the season.
Open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, with tickets around €10 per ride, it runs from early December to June. (P.S. Check the official site for exact opening days and times.)
Perfect for a romantic ride or a fun family view of the city — especially after a day spent exploring the markets.
Best enjoyed at sunset or in the evening, when the view turns golden and magical. The cabins are enclosed, so you’re warm even on chilly days.

Empoli Xmas Village – lights, rides and festive fun for all ages

Just 30 km from Florence, Empoli transforms into a full-on "Christmas Town" during the holidays. The historic centre hosts the Empoli Xmas Village — a mix of markets, entertainment, light installations and attractions for all ages.
Among the wooden huts, you’ll find traditional sweets, handmade decorations, warm slippers, wool items and local ceramics.
Little ones can hop aboard the Christmas train, meet magical characters, and enjoy rides and light shows.
It’s a relaxed, family-friendly setting — ideal for a chilled-out afternoon or evening trip, away from the hustle and bustle of Florence.
Getting to Empoli is easy by car or train from Firenze SMN. Once you’re done exploring, heading back to hu Firenze Certosa camping in town means winding down in peace and nature.

FAQ

1) When do the Christmas markets take place in Florence?
• The Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce usually runs from 20 November to 22 December, every day from 10:00 to 22:00.
• The Florence Ice Village at Fortezza da Basso is open from early December to early January.
• The Empoli Xmas Village takes place from late November to early January.

2) How do you reach the markets from the campsite?
hu Firenze Certosa camping in town is located in Impruneta, near Galluzzo.
A free shuttle runs to Porta Romana, from where you can:
• Take the city bus (Line D) to Piazza Santa Croce
• Hop on the T1 tram to reach Fortezza da Basso
• Drive to Empoli in about 35 minutes or take a 40-minute train from Firenze SMN
• Get to Parco delle Cascine with the T1 tram (Cascine or Paolo Uccello stop)

3) Where are the main Christmas markets?
• Florence city centre (Piazza Santa Croce, Fortezza da Basso)
• Parco delle Cascine (for the Ferris wheel)
• Empoli historic centre, with a magical, family-friendly setup

4) What can you buy at the markets?
Each market has its own unique flair, but you’ll usually find:
• Local and European crafts
• Christmas decorations
• Winter clothing and accessories (scarves, hats, wool slippers)
• Artistic ceramics
• Traditional festive street food: bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, mulled wine, kürtőskalács and more