German Christmas Market in Florence
The Florence Christmas Markets are very popular, especially the German Christmas market, held in the Piazza Santa Croce. Here, you can discover a whole host of German and Italian.
The Florence Christmas Markets are very popular, especially the German Christmas market, held in the Piazza Santa Croce. Here, you can discover a whole host of German and Italian.
Walking in Florence is always a pleasurable experience, but at Christmas time it’s even more special! During the festive season, the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence really comes to life, as lights and Christmas trees spring up everywhere, particularly on the main piazzas, and you can also see an array of amazing nativities, even ‘live’ ones! But one of the things that really draws people to Florence, is the traditional Christmas Market! Why not take a walking tour of Florence during the festive period and stop of at one of these Christmas markets, to stock up on lots of seasonal goodies.
One of the most popular and most visited markets is the German Christmas Market, or Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt (a little bit of a mouthful!) which takes place on the Piazza Santa Croce, in front of the stunning Santa Croce Basilica. Christmas markets are a very popular tradition in Germany and the idea originated in Northern Europe. Luckily for us here in Florence, the organisers of the Heidelberger market decided to bring the market here in 2003 and they have been coming ever since! This market takes place during the month of December and comes back every year to spread a little bit more Christmas joy!
The Christmas market is made up of lots of little wooden cabins; there are usually over 50 of them. The sellers don’t just come from Germany either; they come from all over Europe, including places such as France and the Netherlands, and they bring with them a huge array of beautiful items, including ceramics, ornaments, homemade toys and woollen goods - perfect to stay nice and warm during the chilly winter months. You can also buy intricate decorations for Christmas trees and for the home, as well as other small gifts that are perfect to use as stocking fillers.
One of the main things that draws people to the German market however, is the fantastic food on offer! Whether you want a tasty glass of German beer or perhaps a warming cup of Gluhwein (mulled wine), there will be something to tickle your taste buds. Sample some authentic German sausage, try a piece of ‘Stollen’ (dense German cake) or nibble some typical ‘Lebkuchen’ biscuits; just make sure you have a light lunch beforehand so that you have room for all of these tasty treats!
Taking a Florence tour during the festive period is one of the most enjoyable things to do in the city, so make you wrap up warm and head to Tuscany in December.
