The ISI Florence Guide | Listing the Best Picks of the Month to Explore the City at its Best.
DOMENICA AL MUSEO: FREE ENTRANCE TO MUSEUMS
When: Sunday, December 1 – all day
Take advantage of free entrance to a selection of museums:
Galleria degli Uffizi, Galleria dell’Accademia, Museo delle Cappelle Medicee, Palazzo Pitti, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Palazzo Davanzati, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Casa Martelli, Museo di Orsanmichele, Villa Medicea di Castello, Villa il Ventaglio, Villa Corsini, Villa Medicea della Petraia.
IMPRESSIONISTI IN NORMANDIA
The exhibition features artists like Monet, Renoir, Delacroix, and Courbet, who capture the vibrancy of Normandy’s landscapes – the birthplace of Impressionism – by portraying the moods of the sky, the sparkle of water, and lush green valleys. The exhibition focuses on the Peindre en Normandie Collection alongside loans from the Musée d’Art Moderne in Le Havre and private collections.
When: Open everyday, 9:30am – 7:00pm
Where: Museo degli Innocenti, Piazza Santissima Annunziata
Price: tickets starting at € 16,00
GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
The annual German Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas market is here! Over 50 vendors from all over Europe fill Piazza Santa Croce with gastronomical specialties from their country including: vin brulé (mulled wine), German wurstel and strudel, and Hungarian kurtoskalacs (rolled sugar-coated pastry), just to name a few. Vendors also sell typical products from their country including handmade Christmas ornaments, ceramics, clothes and scarves.
When: From Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, December 22
Mon to Thu 10:00am – 10:00pm, Fri to Sun 10:00am -11:00pm
Where: Piazza Santa Croce
FERRIS WHEEL & ICE SKATING RINK
This winter, Florence’s Cascine Park transforms into a festive wonderland with a ferris wheel and an ice skating rink. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from the ferris wheel or glide across the rink in a magical holiday atmosphere. Afterward, warm up with hot drinks and seasonal treats available at the nearby stands.
When: From Sunday, December 1
Where: Parco delle Cascine, Piazza Vittorio Veneto
LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Join in the festive spirit with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo, a yearly tradition that brings together tourists and locals! Many squares in Florence will feature Christmas trees this holiday season, but the one in Piazza Duomo is a sight to be seen! Another great option overlooking the Florence skyline is the tree at Piazzale Michelangelo.
When: Sunday, December 8 – 6:00pm
Where: Piazza del Duomo
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR MARKET
The Tepidarium del Roster in Florence’s Giardino dell’Orticoltura will host the Christmas Bazaar, organized by AILO, Florence’s oldest holiday market. Proceeds go to local nonprofits. Visitors can shop for vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, kids’ outfits, Christmas decorations, books, toys, and more.
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 7 & 8
Where: Giardino dell’Orticoltura, Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 4
A.C. FIORENTINA – HOME GAMES
Where: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Viale Manfredo Fanti
When:
Sunday, December 1 – 6:00pm (Fiorentina vs Inter)
Wednesday, December 4 – 9:00pm (Fiorentina vs Empoli)
Sunday, December 8 – 12:30pm (Fiorentina vs Cagliari)
Price: Varies
Website: https://www.bigliettifiorentina.com/en/
LEATHER GOODS
Leonardo Leather and Gold (Borgo dei Greci, 16/A)
Scuola del Cuoio (Via di S. Giuseppe, 5R)
At these locations you can ask the staff to personalize your gifts by embossing your initials in gold on them
MOKA COFFEE MACHINE
Bialetti (Piazza della Repubblica, 25R)
HANDMADE GIFTS
Gioielleria Saccardi (Via Por Santa Maria, 58)
Monnaluna (Sdrucciolo de’ Pitti, 22R)
FOOD & DRINK
Eataly (Via de’ Martelli, 22R)
Conad Sapori e Dintorni (Via de’ Bardi, 45 / Borgo S. Lorenzo, 15)
Pegna dal 1860 (Via dello Studio, 26R)
Antonio Mattei (Via Porta Rossa, 76R)*
*here you can get cantuccini, delicious almond cookies to be served with vin santo, a sweet dessert wine