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2008-11-27

Christmas Markets in Florence

Christmas Markets in Florence - Christmastime in Florence

In a country without Thanksgiving, the Christmas season is not so clearly defined, but for a city steeped in tradition, those surrounding the holiday are among its best. From the lighting of the tree in the Piazza della Repubblica to the annual opening of the ice skating rink at Paterre to choral concerts in the countless churches to visits from Befana and Babbo Natale, Florence knows how to celebrate. Still, perhaps the most notable of Christmas staples in a place where shopping is a way of life, are the many markets that fill the piazzas at this time of year. To name a few:

Mercato di Natale della Croce Rossa Italiana
The Mercato di Natale della Croce Rossa Italiana, organized by the Volontarie del Comitato Femminile, will be held from the 21st through the 23rd of November at Saschall, Lungarno Aldo Moro 3. The market will give shoppers the opportunity to browse a vast array of Christmas gift items. Proceeds too benefit those less fortunate in and around Florence.

Weihnachtsmarkt
Those interested in gift items from Germany and other parts of Europe will find what they are looking for at Weihnachtsmarkt, to be held in Piazza Santa Croce where crafts, foods and other typical products will be featured by merchants from the country that gave the world the Christmas tree. The market will be open from late November through December 16th. After December 17th, The Mercatino will replace the Weihnachtsmarkt at its venue. The Mercatino in Santa Croce will specialize in traditional Italian gifts and foods. Also featured will be a number of activities for children.

Florence Noel
The Stazione Leopolda will house the annual Florence Noel market, open from November 29th through December 8th from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday and on Monday, December 8th. Food, crafts and gifts of predominantly Tuscan origins will fill the merchants’ displays, but the main attraction is sure to be a visit to the house of Father Christmas. Tickets cost 7 euro.

Mercatini
Other small markets will be held in and around Florence. At Bagno a Ripoli, for example, will host “A tutto Natale” on December 9th and a special market, “A Natale con i Tuoi” (Christmas with your parents), on December 22nd. Proceeds from markets in Grassina and Antella will benefit Calcit (a cancer research organization). Greve and Strada, both in Chianti, will collaboratively present “Aspettando Natale: Mercanti Artigianali” in Piazza Matteotti and Piazza Landi, respectively. The exact dates and times of the Chianti markets are not yet available.

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