Window shopping in Florence

FLORENCE — Christmas is here. A gigantic tree at Piazza Duomo kicks off the season. Florence is merry and magical at this time of year. The entire city is festive. The old streets are brilliantly lit with thousands of lights that seem to cover the Florentine sky. Store windows are decorated with the theme of the season. Singers and musicians bring Christmas cheer to almost every main piazza.

Caldarosta, Italian slang for roasted chestnuts sold on the street, fills the air with the scent of the holidays. The city is full of various events and activities everyone can enjoy. Appreciate concerts at churches, concert halls and even the streets around the city. These venues feature not only holiday music but also classical and opera in a candlelit setting. View a nativity scene in nearly any church to celebrate the holiday. Special presippi displays, recreating the Nativity, is a vital part of Italian tradition. Museums and art galleries also feature particular exhibits, presentations, workshops and special activities.

Explore the different Christmas markets around the city. Admire the ornaments that embellish the stores and their windows. Delight in the opera Boheme, which is usually featured in St. Mark’s church on Christmas day.

Start your experience at the Christmas market in one of my favorite squares, Piazza Santa Croce. Wooden house stands typical of the Christmas market in the German city of Heidelberg fill the square with Italian and international knickknacks. Sample mulled wine, typical Christmas biscuits, panforte, strudel and panettone at the market. Enjoy a walk around the city center and compare the lights illuminating the various streets. Standouts are Via Pietrapiena, Via del Corso, Via Cavour, Via degli Strozzi, Via Tournabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova and Via della Spada.

Take pleasure in the special sweets prepared only for Christmas. Take your pick from the traditional treats at Scudieri at Piazza Duomo, Gilli at Piazza della Repubblica, Robiglio at Via dei Servi and Badiani at Viale dei Mille. Your visit is not complete without a perfect cup of cappuccino or hot chocolate with cream. Satisfy your sweet craving with a modern take on the traditional Christmas cake, panettone at Grom, Via delle Oche. The original recipe of organic egg yolk, raisins, candied lemons and oranges is made into ice cream. Just delicious!

The season stimulates all the senses in Florence. The city is filled with the exciting sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the holidays. Known for artisan work, the city features even more products for the season. The city is packed with handmade products, from arts to crafts, accessories, fashion items, sweets and more foodstuffs. They make personal and unique gifts.

Florence knows how to celebrate Christmas. It is full of tradition and special activities observed throughout the season. It is an experience that is truly unforgettable.

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