By Riley Housler
Florence is a city that makes it quite impossible to ignore the seasonal holiday cheer. Each street is lined from window to window with Christmas lights. The decorated alleyways lead to festive squares. In front of the church of Santa Croce lies a Christmas market filled with rows of wooden booths holding everything from delicious treats to hand-painted ornaments.
The air lingers with tempting scent of hot cherry wine to warm your hands and hearts alike. Appetites are whetted by French crepes and German bratwursts. Hands fill with bags of goodies to gift under the tree. Piazza del Duomo is adorned by nativity scene and a giant Christmas tree that looks like it belongs in the seven levels of Candy Cane forest. On December 7 th , the city gathered together at its base and counted down until it was lit for the first time. The square filled with 50+ Santa costumes parading the streets. Melodies of holiday songs filled the air. The festive cheer was contagious.
December 8 th is a a holiday by the Roman Catholics as the Feast of the Immaculate conception. It is a celebration of the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life. It also marks the official beginning of the holiday season in Florence. Special markets are set up in different squares throughout the city. The Piazza della Santissima Annunziata is lined with tents offering small homemade stocking fillers, like soaps, nativity scenes, and photo frames. If you’re looking for a treat, the market also offers wine, cheeses, and desserts.
At night, lights alight the city and many landmarks are come to life with different light show projections. Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santo Spirito church are illuminated with contemporary video mapping, giving ancient monuments a different Christmas feel.
It is impossible to ignore the eager excitement of Christmas in Florence. Seeing the season celebrated in a new light offers opportunities to make new traditions to bring back home.
Happy holidays!