Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by JonnaJ | Published: December 19, 2022
Italian Christmas markets are a great way to get into the holiday spirit. They pop up all over Tuscany, including the region’s capital city of Florence, offering a variety of goods that range from food to clothing. If you are visiting Tuscany or Florence in the winter, check out this ultimate guide to Christmas markets in Florence and Tuscany to get the inside scoop! Traveling to Florence soon? Get our do’s and don’ts of traveling in Florence to help you have the vacation of your dreams!
Christmas Markets in Florence
Santa Croce Christmas Market
Alluding to the typical German markets that we love, the Santa Croce Market is one of the most important Christmas markets in Florence. A stroll through its allegorical wooden houses is infused with the aromas and flavors of traditional German and Austrian cuisines. Located in Piazza di Santa Croce, you’ll find exquisite sausages, street food, pretzels, and glühwein (mulled wine), as well as Christmas decorations. This is the perfect market to find a holiday gift or two – and enjoy some delicious snacks along the way!
Christmas Market in San Donato Shopping Center
Although the San Donato shopping center (Centro Commerciale San Donato, via Enrico Forlanini, 1) is not located in the center of Florence, it is worth the trek if you are in the city during the holidays. At this market, you’ll can find handicrafts, magnificent original gift ideas, and street food. With more than 40 wooden houses selling festive food and gifts, this is the perfect Florentine Christmas market to browse unique goods while enjoying the holiday spirit.
Curiosando al Mercato
Curiosando al Mercato (“browsing the market”) is not specifically a Christmas market. This pop-up event is held on different dates throughout the year in diverse locations in the city, but at Christmas time, they usually carry special holiday objects. You’ll find clothes, craft samples, vintage garments, jewelry, books, and paintings. As the name suggests, it is a great place to search for unique souvenirs from your trip to Florence.
Christmas Markets in Tuscany
Arezzo City of Christmas (Arezzo)
The Arezzo Christmas Market is one of the most important and well-known in Tuscany. Located in the town’s Piazza Grande, it is an event that brings the whole city together with activities for all ages. At this amazing Tuscan Christmas market, you’ll find food and beer-tasting booths, light projections, and guided tours. Attractions such as LEGO Christmas House and Santa Grotto – where children can write letters to Santa Claus in the post office – are especially great for families.
Empoli Christmas Market (Empoli)
In the small town of Empoli, located on the outskirts of Florence, dresses up their Piazza della Vittoria for the Empoli Christmas market. It has stands with hot chocolate, local products, vast gastronomic offerings, and handcrafted items, making it a wonderful experience.
Market in the Campo (Siena)
One of the shortest Christmas markets in Tuscany, the Market in the Campo of Siena is celebrated at the very beginning of December. It’s located in the magical Piazza del Campo with spectacular views of the main medieval buildings of the city. Its 160 stands are loaded with typical products that will make any palate happy. You’ll also find festive items such as gifts, clothing, handicrafts, and antiques.
Pistoia Green Christmas Market (Pistoia)
A group of companies in Pistoia is offering a twist on the traditional Christmas market. As its name suggests, Pistoia’s Green Christmas Market (Centro Mati 1909, Via Bonellina 46) focuses on nature with a magical and enchanting touch of Christmas. Here you can buy natural fir trees that are grown exclusively for Christmas, as well as decorations and original gift ideas for your loved ones. There are also different activities for children, which are focused on sustainability.
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FAQs about Christmas Markets in Tuscany & Florence
Are there any Christmas markets in Florence?
Yes, there are several Christmas markets in Florence! The largest and best known market is the Santa Croce Christmas Market, but other markets include the Christmas market in San Donatao shopping center and the Curiosando al Mercato. There are markets throughout the region of Tuscany as well, such as Arrezo’s City of Christmas in the Piazza Grande, Christmas Market in Empoli, Siena’s Market in the Campo, and the Pistoia Green Christmas Market.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Florence?
Yes, Christmas is a beautiful and exciting time to visit Florence. The charming Tuscan villages dress up for Christmas with decorated streets and stores, markets, and activities that take place around the holidays. It’s a special time for locals and visitors alike! During December and January, the weather in Florence can be dark, rainy, and chilly due to high humidity. As long as you are dressed warmly in layers and have a raincoat and waterproof shoes, you’ll be equipped to explore the Christmas markets, mouthwatering cuisine, and the amazing sights regardless of the weather. Check out our tips for planning the perfect winter trip to Florence so you’re prepared!
What is the most famous market in Florence?
The best known Christmas market in Florence is the Santa Croce Christmas Market, which is located in the Piazza di Santa Croce near a beautiful basilica. This market is packed with booths that sell a wide variety of enchanting Christmas products; sausages, pretzels, mulled wine, and Christmas crafts and decorations are just a few of the things you’ll find at this market!
How long do the Christmas markets in Florence stay open?
Most Florence Christmas markets run from late November until around December 23 or 24, with some smaller local markets open through early January.
Where can you drink mulled wine (vin brulé) in Florence?
You can find mulled wine at the Santa Croce Christmas Market, smaller neighborhood stalls, and many cafés offering warm seasonal drinks.
Which Christmas markets in Tuscany are best for kids?
Arezzo’s Città del Natale and Montepulciano’s Christmas Village are great for families, with lights, rides, workshops, and festive food stalls.
How do you get to the Arezzo Christmas Market from Florence?
Take a direct regional train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Arezzo. The ride takes about one hour, and the market is a short walk from the station.
