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How’s the weather in Florence in December?
December marks the start of winter in Florence, bringing cool days and very chilly nights. With the Winter Solstice on December 21, days are shorter and mostly clouded, creating a cozy, wintry ambiance. Snow is rare, but there are occasional rains, so it’s helpful to carry an umbrella. Here’s a quick overview:
- Average temperature: High of 11°C (51.8°F), Low of 2.6°C (36.7°F)
- Average rainfall: 81.3 mm (approx. 5-8 rainy days)
- Wind speed: 7 mph (11 km/h)
- Daylight hours: Approximately 9 hours
- Sunrise hour: Around 7:40am
- Sunset hour: 4:40pm
Best things to do in Florence in December
Weihnachtsmarkt Santa Croce
Venue: Piazza of the Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence
Dates: November 23, 2024 - December 24, 2024
The Weihnachtsmarkt market at Santa Croce is a 500-year-old annual Christmas tradition in Florence. From 10am to 10pm every day, the Christmas market is lined with wooden stalls selling festive delicacies, novelties, and gifts. Here you will find local treats like bratwurst, pretzels, chimney cake, and mulled vine, amongst Dutch crepes and waffles and Austrian pastries.
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Green Line Festival
Venue: All over Downtown Florence
Dates: December 8, 2024 - January 9, 2025
The Green Line Festival lights up the city with giant light fixtures, illuminated facade displays, and zazzy light shows. The celebrations start with the lighting of Christmas trees across the city, including a prominent display at the Duomo.
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Florence Queer Festival
Venue: Cinema La Compagnia, Florence
Dates: November 27, 2024 - December 1, 2024
Organized by IREOS, a volunteer organization dedicated to the well-being of Florence's LGBTQ+ population, the festival’s 22nd edition will feature screenings, panel discussions, and special awards. This year’s lineup promises to spotlight both international and local LGBTQ+ voices.
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Claudio Baglioni's live show
Venue: Teatro Della Pergola
Date: December 16 - December 18, 2024
Italian singer-songwriter Claudio Baglioni will take the stage at Teatro Della Pergola for three enchanting nights. With a lineup of his timeless classics, these performances promise to be a delightful celebration of music and emotion.
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Orchestra della Toscana: The Snowman
Venue: Theatro Verdi
Date: 14 December, 2024
Experience The Snowman by Raymond Briggs in a delightful orchestra performance by Orchestra della Toscana, with Carlomoreno Volpini conducting and narration by Annamaria Guerrini. This 50-minute show combines live music, narration, and puppetry to bring the beloved winter tale to life, perfect for ushering in the holiday spirit.
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Gianna Nannini concert
Venue: Nelson Mandela Forum, Florence
Date: 18 December, 2024
Join Gianna Nannini on her Sei Nell’Anima Tour as she brings her passionate energy and iconic hits to Florence’s Nelson Mandela Forum. Known for her powerful vocals and rock influence, Nannini's performance will highlight fan favorites and create an electrifying experience. This tour stop promises to be a memorable night for Italian rock and pop lovers.
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Top attractions to visit in Florence in December
1. Uffizi Gallery
Art Gallery | Tourist Hotspot
Uffizi Gallery boasts the world's largest collection of Renaissance masterpieces, featuring works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. December is a quieter month, perfect for enjoying these iconic artworks without the summer crowds.
December timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15am to 6:50pm (Exit at 6:30pm)
from €30
2. Florence Duomo
UNESCO Site | Tourist Hotspot
Known for its stunning Gothic architecture, the Florence Duomo features Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery. Festive decorations adorn the site in December, with midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and morning Mass on December 25.
from €16
3. Accademia Gallery
Art Gallery | Top Attraction
Home to Michelangelo’s David, the Accademia Gallery, is an 18th-century art school turned into a museum. Apart from classic paintings and sculptures, the Gallery also has a new section opened to be the Museum of Musical Instruments.
December timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am to 6:45pm (Last entry at 5:45pm)
from €20
4. Boboli Gardens
Open-Air Museum | UNESCO Site
Spread across 111 acres, the Boboli Gardens is the largest open-air museum in Florence. It features sculptures, fountains, and grottoes from the 15th to 19th centuries. Expect occasional mist while exploring the Upper Botanical Garden and Viale dei Cipressi in December.
December timings: Daily from 8:15am to 4:30pm (last entry at 3:30pm) Closed on December 5, December 25, and December 26
from €20
5. Palazzo Pitti & Palatine Gallery
Museum | Historical Monument
The Palazzo Pitti, Florence’s largest museum complex, is home to the Royal Apartments, Palatine Gallery, and more. In December, you’ll enjoy shorter wait times, allowing you to fully explore the exhibits.
December timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 1:30pm to 6:50pm. Closed on December 25.
from €24
6. Museo del Bargello
Art Museum | Historical Monument
Museo del Bargello, in a 13th-century palace, houses Donatello’s marble David and collections of ceramics, armor, and silver. The Verrocchio and Andrea della Robbia rooms will have a reduced itinerary from November 27, 2024 through December due to restoration work.
December timings: 8:15am to 1:50pm
from €18.50
7. Palazzo Vecchio
Town Hall | Top Attraction
Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's town hall, is a museum with a viewing tower, patrol walkway, and Renaissance art. During the Green Line Festival in December, the building is illuminated with stunning light displays, enhancing its historical charm.
December timings: Wednesday to Friday from 9:00am to 7:00pm | Thursdays from 9:00am to 2:00pm
from €17
8. Medici Chapels
Tomb Museum | Top Attraction
The Medici Chapels, situated near the Basilica di San Lorenzo, were constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable features include the Chapel of the Princes and the Sagrestia Nuova, which offers a serene atmosphere.
December timings: Wednesday - Friday 1:15pm - 6:50pm | Saturday - Monday 8:15am - 1:50pm
from €15Know before you visit Florence in December
Travel essentials
What to wear
Transport
Stay
Food
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) is used in Florence which is 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+02:00).
- Currency: Euro | EUR | €
- Language: Italian
- Country code: +39
- Emergency number: Dial 112 for police, fire, and medical services.
- Wear a poncho or raincoat while stepping out on rainy days.
- Waterproof boots are also advised on days with rains in the forecast.
- Gloves, scarves, and thick jackets to keep you comfortable in the cold and windy weather.
- Heavy woolen clothing is recommended, as Florence is cold in December
- Florence is a city best seen on foot. So do wear comfortable walking shoes over a pair of thick socks.
- By Bus: Florence has a well-connected network of electric mini buses run by Autolinee Toscane that takes you all around Tuscany. They offer tickets digitally on the Tabnet app and via text message by sending “Firenze” to 4880105. Physical tickets are available at vending machines, authorized stores, and official ticketing offices.
- By Tram: Trams in Florence are available from 5:30am to 12:00am. Although the connectivity is limited, it helps dodge peak traffic hours. Tram tickets can be bought physically at vending machines, official ticket offices, and registered retail stores.
- By Cab: You may be surprised to know that in Florence you cannot just wave down a cab running on the street and hop in. To get a cab, you must either go to the designated taxi stand at the nearest square or book one through your phone.
Taxi pre-boking numbers: 0554242 / 0554390 / 0554798 / 0554499
Taxi pre-booking app: Taxi 4242 app
Whether you decide to stay in the historic center, residential areas, or outskirts of the city, Florence has a good variety of hotel and resort options for different budgets.
- Budget: Best Western Plus CHC Florence, Relais Lavagnini Florence, Hotel Bavaria
- Mid-range: Hotel Botticelli, Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio, Starhotels Michelangelo Florence
- Luxury: Portrait Firenze - Lungarno Collection, IL Tornabuoni The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy
What to eat in Florence in December
- Ribollita: A hearty Tuscan soup, Ribollita is made with vegetables, beans, and leftover bread, simmered to perfection. This dish is particularly comforting in December, as its warming flavors are perfect for cold days.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A classic Florentine dish, this thick-cut T-bone steak is cooked rare or medium-rare, seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Served with roasted potatoes, it's a must-try for meat lovers.
- Panettone: This sweet bread loaf is filled with dried fruits and nuts and often paired with a glass of Vin Santo, a Tuscan dessert wine, for a festive treat.
- Cantucci & Vin Santo: Cantucci are crunchy almond cookies, typically dipped in Vin Santo. This dessert pairing is a time-honored Tuscan tradition, perfect for finishing off a holiday meal.
Explore Florence through the year
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Florence in December
Can I experience snow in Florence in December?
While the city experiences cold weather in December, the possibility of snow is quite rare.
What is the dress code for attending Mass at Florence’s cathedrals during the holidays?
When attending Mass at Florence’s cathedrals during the holidays, it is customary to wear modest attire. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered, and avoid casual clothing like shorts or tank tops.
Is tipping customary in Florence during the holidays?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Florence. Most restaurants include a service charge, but leaving a small tip (5-10%) is common if you’re satisfied with the service.
What are some lesser-known spots to see Florence’s holiday lights?
Beyond the famous displays in Piazza Duomo, explore the lights in the lesser-visited areas, such as Via de' Tornabuoni or the Florentine Christmas markets at Piazza Santa Croce, for a more relaxed experience.
Is it expensive to spend the holidays in Florence?
While December marks the start of the low season in Florence, hotel and airline prices usually drop significantly after early November, continuing through the winter, except for the peak Christmas and New Year's period.
How should I spend Christmas Day in Florence?
On Christmas Day, most museums and shops are closed, but you can enjoy a peaceful walk around the city’s historic center, visit the Duomo, or attend Midnight Mass at one of the major churches.
What are some unique ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Florence?
New Year’s Eve in Florence is marked by outdoor celebrations. You can join the festive crowds in Piazza della Signoria, watch fireworks over the Arno, or enjoy an elegant dinner in one of the city's fine restaurants. For a unique experience, attend a concert or gala at one of Florence’s historic venues.