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Venice and Florence in Christmas 2025: Confirmed dates of the Markets
- Pedro Ferreira
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
Hey there, holiday enthusiasts! If you’re craving a magical Christmas escape filled with twinkling lights, charming markets, and rich traditions, Venice and Florence in December 2025 are calling your name. These iconic Italian cities transform into winter wonderlands, blending their historic allure with festive cheer. With mild weather—around 2-8°C (36-46°F) in Venice and 8-11°C (46-52°F) in Florence—December offers a cozy yet comfortable vibe. I’ve scoured the latest English and Italian sources to bring you a guide with confirmed 2025 dates for Christmas markets and events, plus cozy activities, dining spots, and where to stay. Let’s dive into the festive magic of these two gems together!
Venice Christmas 2025: Confirmed Dates and Festive Highlights
Venice’s canals and piazzas take on a fairy-tale glow during Christmas, with markets and events lighting up the season. Here’s what’s confirmed for 2025:
Christmas Village at Campo Santo Stefano (November 23 to December 24, 2025):
This bustling market in the San Marco district features around 30 wooden chalets offering Murano glass, carnival masks, and local delicacies. Open daily from morning to evening (exact hours TBD, typically 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM), it’s free to explore, with live music and children’s activities adding to the joy. I love the vibrant atmosphere—perfect for gift hunting!
Mercatino dell’Antiquariato at Campo San Maurizio (December 7 to 9, 2025):
Held in the Dorsoduro area, this antique market runs from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Free entry lets you browse unique vintage finds and artisan crafts, making it a quieter festive experience. I’d spend an afternoon here soaking in the charm.
Christmas Markets at Lido di Venezia (November 13 to January 20, 2026, weekends):
Spread across Parco delle Quattro Fontane and Gran Viale, these markets feature crafts, rides, and food stalls, open Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Free to visit, it’s a family-friendly spot I’d explore for a seaside holiday vibe.
Ice Skating at Campo San Polo (December 1, 2025 to January 12, 2026):
This rink, open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (€8/hour), pairs with a small market of 10 stalls selling gifts and fritelle. It’s a fun, festive activity I’d try with a warm drink in hand.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks (December 31, 2025, Piazza San Marco, 9:00 PM onward):
A free, dazzling display lights up the sky, best viewed from the piazza or a gondola. Festivities start at 9:00 PM, and I’d arrive early to secure a spot!
Florence Christmas 2025: Confirmed Dates and Festive Highlights
Florence’s Renaissance streets come alive with markets and traditions, offering a warm Tuscan twist to the season. Here’s what’s confirmed:
Mercatino di Natale in Piazza Santa Croce (December 7, 2025 onward, exact end date TBD):
This German-style market with wooden stalls sells crafts, panforte, and vin brulé, open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Free entry makes it a must-visit, and I’d linger over the festive treats.
Fierucola dell’Immacolata (December 7-8, 2025, Piazza della Santissima Annunziata):
A traditional market from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, it features 20+ stalls with handmade ceramics and cantuccini. Free to enter, it’s a cozy spot I’d explore for authentic gifts.
Florence Ice Village at Fortezza da Basso (December 1, 2025 to January 6, 2026):
Europe’s longest ice rink (300 meters) opens daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with a Christmas village until 9:00 PM. Entry is paid (€10-€15), and I’d skate with the festive backdrop in mind.
Ruota Panoramica at Parco delle Cascine (December 8, 2025 to June 10, 2026):
This 55-meter Ferris wheel operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (€10/ride), offering stunning views. Open through the season, it’s a festive thrill I’d not miss.
Fierucola di Natale at Piazza Ognissanti (December 16, 2025, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM):
This eco-friendly market showcases sustainable crafts and local products, free to visit. I’d browse for unique, thoughtful gifts here.
Cozy Things to Do in Venice and Florence
Both cities offer warm escapes from the winter chill:
Venice: Take a gondola ride under festive lights (€80/30 minutes) or visit Basilica di San Marco (open 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, €3) for its golden mosaics.
Florence: Explore Uffizi Gallery (open 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM, €20) for quieter visits or climb Giotto’s Campanile (€15) for city views with holiday lights.
Where and What to Eat
Savor the season’s flavors:
Venice: Try torrone (€5) at Campo Santo Stefano stalls or sarde in saor (€10-€15) at Osteria alle Testiere (open 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM).
Florence: Enjoy panforte (€5) at Piazza Santa Croce or bistecca alla fiorentina (€25-€35) at Trattoria Mario (open 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, cash only).
Where to Stay
Find your festive base:
Venice: Hotel Antico Doge (€150-€250/night) near Rialto or Palazzo Veneziano (€200-€300/night) in Dorsoduro.
Florence: Hotel Brunelleschi (€120-€200/night) near Duomo or Hotel Savoy (€250-€400/night) in Piazza della Repubblica.
Tip: Book by October 2025 for best rates.
Table: Budget Stays in Italy Winter 2025-2026
Hotel | Location | Price/Night | Distance to Hub | Amenities |
~€85 | 1 km to Termini | Wi-Fi, breakfast (€8) | ||
~€110 | 300 m to Rialto | Wi-Fi, breakfast (€10) | ||
~€90 | 500 m to Duomo | Wi-Fi, breakfast (€9) |
Why Venice and Florence in Christmas 2025 Are Unmissable
Venice and Florence in Christmas 2025 offer a magical mix of markets, from Campo Santo Stefano’s crafts to Piazza Santa Croce’s treats, all under mild winter skies. With confirmed dates spanning late November to early January, free events like the Lido markets and paid thrills like Florence’s ice village, there’s something for everyone. Savor torrone in Venice or panforte in Florence, and stay cozy at Hotel Antico Doge or Hotel Savoy. Book flights (Venice: €50-€100, Florence: €60-€120 from major hubs) and accommodations soon—holiday magic awaits!
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