What to do in Florence with Children in the holiday season

Lots of activities to make Christmas magical for little ones

Christmas is a special season, with a magical atmosphere that involves both children and adults. For children, in particular, it is the most eagerly awaited time of the year, full of joy, surprises and sharing. Florence, with its illuminated streets, is the ideal place to spend the festive season with the family, and like every year there is no lack of activities for the little ones. From creative workshops, markets, Santa Claus villages and visits to museums, the city is transformed into an enchanted place to dive into the magic of the holidays.

Let's discover together the best Christmas experiences designed for the children to make the festivities even more unique. While to find out all you can do at Christmas in Florence, click here!

Christmas Visits for Children at the Uffizi Galleries

At the Gallery of Modern Art in Palazzo Pitti, every child will receive a colorful star: on each point, a keyword is hidden, connected to a short nursery rhyme inspired by the artworks along the route. At each stop, one “point” lights up, revealing the secret word in front of the painting it refers to. During the visit, young guests will encounter works such as Bacchino festante (Duprè), Le gioie materne (Ussi), Primi passi (Cecioni), Il superstite della Grande Armata (Faldi), Gioie materne (Cannicci) and Primo compleanno (Nomellini). The visit concludes with the creation of a collective Christmas-themed nursery rhyme.

At the Uffizi Gallery of Paintings and Statues, a special itinerary explores the theme of the Nativity through five masterpieces that tell the story of the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus. Featured works include: Annunciation by Simone Martini, Adoration of the Magi by Gentile da Fabriano, Adoration of the Shepherds (Portinari Triptych) by Hugo Van der Goes, Adoration of the Magi by Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Adoration of the Magi by Leonardo da Vinci.

Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce

Until 21 December, the historic Piazza Santa Croce hosts one of Florence’s most beloved Christmas markets, with over 50 stalls set in charming wooden chalets. Visitors will find artisanal products, European specialties, mulled wine, and a dedicated children’s area featuring Santa’s House and themed activities. Looking for other Christmas markets to visit in Tuscany? Click here!

Florence Ice Village

Until 30 April 2026, the panoramic wheel returns to rise over the heart of the city, set up in the gardens of Fortezza da Basso, together with the spectacular ice-skating rink of the Florence Ice Village. After two seasons in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the iconic attraction moves back to where it was first inaugurated—though in a different area of the gardens in Piazzale Oriana Fallaci. With its 55 meters of height and 42 panoramic cabins, the wheel offers breathtaking views over Florence: from the Duomo’s dome to the surrounding hills. Next to the wheel, the ice-skating rink—the longest in Europe—returns as well, built around the historic fountain of the Fortezza gardens. The area will remain open until 31 January 2026, with the same hours as the wheel: daily from 10 a.m. to midnight. Until Epiphany, the Christmas Village will enrich the atmosphere with: Santa’s House · Post Office for letters · Chocolate Factory · Creative workshops · Street food stalls and roasted chestnuts.

Activities and Events for Children in Florence’s Museums

Florentine museums offer workshops, guided tours, and themed camps so families can enjoy a Christmas filled with culture and fun.

In addition to classic tours and the famous “journey through the secret passages,” at Palazzo Vecchio special holiday activities are planned, including:

Squisita Scoperta – The Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Road of Chocolate (Fri, Sat, Sun and Monday at 3 p.m., with a complimentary treat from Rivoire)
Court Dances, on 20 December and 4 January (3 p.m. for families, 4:30 p.m. for adults)
Colors of Light, inspired by the Basilica’s stained-glass windows

For children aged 6–11, an artistic Winter Camp is scheduled on 29, 30 and 31 December (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) with a native English-speaking educator.

At HZERO, the miniature train museum, Christmas magic comes alive with family-friendly activities, workshops, model-making courses, storytelling sessions and more.

Palazzo Medici Riccardi offers a rich calendar of activities designed for families and children, combining art, history, and the magic of Christmas. Michelozzo's courtyard is illuminated by the Christmas tree and the evocative lights of Florence Lights Up, creating the perfect atmosphere even for the little ones. Among the most popular events are the children's workshops dedicated to the history of the Medici family, such as The Medici Coat of Arms: Stories and Legends and At the Medici House, scheduled for Sunday mornings, as well as the special art workshop on the Three Kings inspired by Benozzo Gozzoli's frescoes (December 30). Also not to be missed are the Torchlight Tours (January 2), for an adventurous exploration of the palace, and the historical game of Biribissi for Epiphany (January 6), an engaging treasure hunt among the museum's works.

Park Train in the Cascine

A beloved tradition: children aged 3 to 10 can hop on the Park Train and discover the history and nature of the Cascine through a multi-stop route. Dates: 13, 20, 24, 26, 27, 29 December and 2, 3, 4, 5 January (at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m.). Free activity with mandatory reservation.

La Befana in Piazza della Repubblica

On 6 January 2025 at 11:30 a.m., the Befana—Italy’s beloved Epiphany character—will descend from the historic Arch in Piazza della Repubblica as per tradition, greeting children and handing out sweets. The event is supported by JT&T srl and Conad.

Family-Friendly Theatre Performances

Florence offers a rich calendar of shows for all ages—an ideal way to enjoy the festive season.

The Nutcracker. A Tale of Flowers, Snow, Sweets and Dreams – Venti Lucenti, Teatro Verdi
Finalmente Natale by Pupi di Stac – Sunday 14 December 2025, 4:45 p.m., Teatro Puccini