During this holiday period, Florence presents itself in the best possible way, with special atmospheres, events and attractions for everyone, citizens and visitors. Although Christmas and New Year have just passed, in the city, but also in the surrounding area, there is still a "festive air"... at least until the Epiphany; by the way, on that day many museums will be open regularly, as reported in the article at the bottom of the page.
A series of large Christmas trees are still everywhere: in Piazza Signoria, Piazza del Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo... Many activities for children, including carriage & train rides, are scheduled until January 7! Don't miss the large and spectacular 55 meter high Ferris wheel, set up this year in the Cascine Park (in Piazza Vittorio Veneto), well connected by tramway; in the same area you can also find the longest ice skating rink in Italy (1,300 metres) with a market & food stands.
Until January 7 the city will also be animated by the former Florence Lights Festival (now renamed Green Line): projections and video mapping the name of sustainability, energy saving and climate change. Many locations such as: Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the Central Market, the gates, towers and other monuments.
On the day of the Epiphany the popular Ride of the magi (Cavalcata dei Magi), traditionally scheduled in Florence, will unfortunately not take place this year. On the other hand the famous Befana (a kind of benevolent witch) will appear the same day in Florence, arriving on a historic car , by boat or from the sky (piazza Repubblica at 11,30am), always distributing sweets to children. On January 6 there are also many other activities, for families and children as well, in the surroundings of Florence; among these, the famous Befana Train (Epiphany train) is not to be missed. The complete calendar of all activities is on the events section of the Metropolitan Area of Florence.
