Things to Do in Florence During the December 8 Long Weekend

Events, Christmas Markets, Exhibitions, and the Best Things to Do in the City

The Immaculate Conception long weekend is the perfect time to visit Florence, when the city fills with festive lights, Christmas markets, exhibitions, and special events. Here are all the must-see experiences in Florence from December 6 to 8.

Christmas Tree Lighting in Florence

The Immaculate Conception weekend kicks off with one of the city’s most anticipated events: the Christmas tree lighting.

On Saturday, December 6, starting at 5:30 PM, a citywide route of festive lights will take place across some of Florence’s most beloved squares:

Palazzo Vecchio, Courtyard of the Dogana: the first lighting ceremony with Mayor Funaro and the Santa Claus Company
Piazza del Duomo, featuring the arrival of the Historic Procession of the Florentine Republic
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza San Firenze, with the tree sponsored by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation
Palazzo Gondi
Piazzale Michelangelo, grand finale with panoramic views over the city

This luminous itinerary transforms Florence into a magnificent open-air stage, offering visitors the perfect way to experience the magic of the Christmas season from the very first day.

Florence Lights Up: Videomapping, Installations, and Festive Lights Across the City

From December 6 to January 6, Florence will shine again with Florence Lights Up, the holiday spin-off that transforms the city into a vast visual laboratory through videomapping, artistic projections, and light installations at its most iconic locations. The façades of Florence’s monuments become three-dimensional canvases where light, digital art, and traditional craftsmanship come together in a spectacular display. Highlights include videomapping on Ponte Vecchio, projections on Palazzo Vecchio, the church of San Paolino, Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Piazza San Lorenzo, the Chamber of Commerce façade, and the courtyard of Palazzo Medici Riccardi. Throughout the festive season, historical gates, the Loggiato degli Innocenti, the loggiato of San Paolo at the Museo del Novecento, and Ponte Santa Trinita will also be illuminated with dynamic light displays. The bridge now features an innovative LED system with adjustable colors and intensity, remotely controlled for endless creative possibilities.

Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce

Among the most beloved Christmas markets in Italy, the Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market has returned and will remain open until December 21, featuring over 50 wooden chalets inspired by Northern European villages. Visitors can explore artisanal crafts, festive decorations, traditional European products, and the irresistible scents of cinnamon and mulled wine. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. To discover all the other unmissable Christmas markets across Tuscany, click here!

Creative Mani Factory alla Manifattura Tabacchi

Per chi ama il design indipendente e il fatto a mano, il Creative Mani Factory della Manifattura Tabacchi offre 50 espositori da tutta Italia con ceramiche, tessuti, illustrazioni, gioielli e accessori. Tutti materiali naturali e tecniche sostenibili. Un luogo ideale per regali originali e consapevoli. Dal 6 all'8 dicembre.

Smile Market at Stazione Leopolda

From December 5 to 8, a large charitable market offers thousands of clothing items and accessories, all sold by a dedicated team of volunteers. Proceeds support various charitable projects, making it a perfect opportunity to do your Christmas shopping while contributing to a good cause. More information here.

The Fierucola dell’Immacolata at Piazza SS. Annunziata

On December 7 and 8, Piazza SS. Annunziata will transform into a creative workshop celebrating natural crafts, local products, eco-friendly decorations, and ethical gift ideas. This market combines tradition, sustainability, and authenticity, offering a unique festive experience in the heart of Florence.

Florence On Ice: Ice Skating and Ferris Wheel at Fortezza da Basso

Piazzale Oriana Fallaci hosts the Florence On Ice Village, a Christmas village that delights families, children, and skating enthusiasts every year. The main attractions include Europe’s longest ice skating rink and a 55-meter Ferris wheel, offering breathtaking views of illuminated Florence. It’s the perfect experience for families or anyone looking to enjoy a magical winter moment. More information here.

Museums Open During the Immaculate Conception Weekend

On December 7 and 8, the Regional Directorate of Museums of Tuscany offers two special days dedicated to exploring the region’s cultural heritage. Sunday, December 7, marks the return of Domenica al Museo, with free entry to all state-run cultural sites. On Monday, December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, museums will be open with regular admission, and many will offer extended hours. These festive days are the perfect opportunity to visit new exhibitions, refurbished galleries, and light installations across Tuscany. In Florence, highlights include the major Beato Angelico exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi and the Museo di San Marco, as well as the reopening of the Chimera Room at the National Archaeological Museum. City cenacles and numerous Medici villas will also be open, with Poggio a Caiano extending its evening hours and offering a guided tour focused on the love story between Francesco de’ Medici, Giovanna d’Austria, and Bianca Cappello. Discover all the other must-see exhibitions in the city here.

Music and Theatre for the December 8 Long Weekend

For classical music lovers, on December 6 at 5:00 PM and December 7 at 3:30 PM, the grand Matthäus-Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach takes the stage at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. This 1727 oratorio has never been performed during the Maggio season. On the podium, making his debut at the theater, Maestro Kent Nagano conducts the Orchestra, Choir, and Children’s Choir of the Maggio Academy. At the Teatro della Pergola, on December 6 and 7, Antonio Latella directs Vinicio Marchioni in Richard III by William Shakespeare, portraying a king whose evil is not merely physical deformity or cruelty, but an intrinsic force of life, nature, and divinity. The translation is by Federico Bellini, with adaptation by Antonio Latella and Federico Bellini.

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