Christmastime in Florence 2020

Christmastime in Florence has always been a magical time of year and this year in 2020 is no different.

2020 has been a difficult year for us all with Covid-19, but despite the sickness, lockdowns, little tourists and a troubled economy, Florence doesn’t disappoint dressing up for Christmas as usual.  By doing so, Dario Nardella, the mayor of Florence, sends “a message of closeness, respect and hope to all at the end of this incredibly difficult 2020.” Dario Nardella will be speaking live on Friday December 18^th with The Florentine, an English speaking newspaper in Florence.

To avoid crowds, the Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo was lit a day early on December 7^th this year instead of December 8^th as it normally is which is a public holiday in Italy celebrating the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The spirit of Christmas also continues with the F-light Festival sponsored by the city of Florence and organized by MS.E.  From December 8^th to January 6^th, Florence is filled with video-mapping, projections, lightshows and art installations.  F-Light locations include the Pontevecchio, the historic city gates, Three artist trees in Piazza Gino Bartali, Piazza Santo Spirito and Piazza Santa Maria Novella and more.  For the full list of locations of the F-light Festival see here.

Below is a short video taken of this year’s Christmas decorations in Florence.  As you can see, even Baci the Beagle made an appearance.  Music by Twin Musicom -Canon & Variation – YouTube library