Since Italians don't have Thanksgiving to interfere, they get right down to business and start thinking about Christmas in mid-November, by which time the shops are already decorated and pushing their Christmas wares. By December the streets in the center will be draped with lights and Piazza Repubblica and Piazza Duomo will put up their annual Christmas trees. But you really know Christmas is coming when Piazza Santa Croce sets up for the annual German Christmas Market in mid November (Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt).

Every year the German town of Heidelberg's 500-year-old market comes to Florence with its holiday tradition and festive atmosphere. Piazza Santa Croce is filled with small wooden stalls selling everything from unique woolens and Bunzlau ceramics to handmade toys and colorful ornaments. It's a great place to pick up stocking stuffers, holiday decorations, or unusual sweets.

This market also worth a visit just for the food: you can enjoy some bratwurst and a beer or traditional Heidelberg Lebkuchen cookies and a spiced vin brulè.

November 17 to December 21, 2023
Daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Piazza Santa Croce