Once you've found your perfect villa with internet in Florence and are planning out what you're going to do while you're there, you'll quickly realise that there is a serious wealth of options – too much to do on a thousand trips there, let alone one! The amount of choices might even be a little overwhelming or intimidating. However, if you're going to be in Florence in the run up to Christmas, there's one thing that you will definitely want to pencil into your schedule and make time for – the Christmas markets, of course! Specifically, in order to have the most Christmassy experience possible, you'll want to head to the German Christmas Market, or Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce.
Located in the historic centre of Florence, this market offers the best of German Christmas traditions (i.e. the best Christmas traditions) with a distinctly Tuscan and, more specifically, Florentine, twist. Starting from the end of November and running all the way up to the 20th of December, the traditional markets of Piazza Santa Croce are just the thing to warm your body and soul in the colder winter weather and to get you excited and prepared ahead of the holiday season. It is also conveniently located so you can wander in by accident or by design, as you explore the history and culture of the city of Florence.
You'll be able to enjoy tasty treats, take in the atmosphere and shop for unique gifts for your family, friends, loved ones and, maybe, yourself! The square is located right in front of the basilica of Santa Croce and this open space will be suddenly occupied by little wood cabins scattered (around 50 in al) all over, coming from 16 European countries such as France and the Netherlands. Each will be selling a huge array of beautiful items, including ceramics, ornaments, home-made toys, knitwear, intricate decorations for Christmas trees and for the home and other small gifts that are perfect to use as stocking fillers. Of course, one of the main attractions to the German market, is the fantastic food, whether you're after German beer, a warming cup of Gluhwein, some authentic German sausage, a piece of Stollen (dense German cake) or some Lebkuchen biscuits.
The market first came to Florence in 2003, following Northern traditions reinterpreted in an Italian way, and has been returning each year ever since.
Wandering around Florence is always an enjoyable experience, but at Christmas time it’s truly magical with the Renaissance city cast aglow by twinkling lights, Christmas trees in all of the main piazzas and live nativities located all over the city. The highlight is the markets and this one, in particular, is the crème de la crème.
Wandering around Florence is always an enjoyable experience, but at Christmas time it’s truly magical with the Renaissance city cast aglow by twinkling lights, Christmas trees in all of the main piazzas and live nativities located all over the city. The highlight is the markets and this one, in particular, is the crème de la crème.
