The Christmas holidays are a wonderful opportunity to return to Florence, perhaps setting aside a few days to explore the exhibitions that enrich the city’s cultural calendar throughout the winter. From Palazzo Strozzi and Museo Novecento to Florence’s historic theatres, Christmas and New Year 2026 bring plenty of events worth planning a trip around.
And then there are the festive traditions, illuminated squares and walks through the historic centre. Here’s what to discover in Florence during winter 2026–2027.
Broken at Palazzo Strozzi: When a Fragment Tells a Story
One of the season’s most compelling exhibitions is Broken. The Power of the Fragment, on display at Palazzo Strozzi until 24 January 2027.
Organised in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art in Washington, the exhibition brings together more than eighty artworks and artefacts from major international museums, including the Louvre and the British Museum.
The idea behind it is fascinating: what happens when a sculpture is broken, damaged or missing a part? Through works spanning ancient Egypt to Michelangelo, and Rodin to Louise Bourgeois, the exhibition explores how a fragment can take on new meaning, even centuries later.
A chapter of Florentine history also features in the exhibition: the 1966 flood, which damaged countless works of art, is part of the exploration of the different causes behind the destruction and transformation of sculptures.
In the Renaissance courtyard of Palazzo Strozzi, a large-scale installation by Mark Manders introduces visitors to the exhibition’s central theme, bringing the palace’s architecture into dialogue with contemporary art.
An exhibition well worth visiting for art lovers and anyone looking to discover Florence through internationally acclaimed exhibitions.
At Museo Novecento, Two Encounters with Contemporary Painting
Just a short walk from Santa Maria Novella, Museo Novecento presents two exhibitions worth exploring during the festive season.
The first is dedicated to Victor Man, a Romanian artist known for his enigmatic paintings, dark atmospheres and imagery rich in symbolic references. Until 7 March 2027, around twenty-five paintings explore recurring themes in his work, from motherhood and portraiture to the female figure and still life.
From 17 October 2026 to 28 February 2027, the museum also hosts Tra noi, an exhibition by American artist Danielle McKinney. Her works mainly depict female figures in domestic settings, using light and shadow to create paintings that evoke the visual language of cinema through their composition and atmosphere.
The twenty works on display are shown alongside pieces from the Alberto Della Ragione Collection, creating unexpected connections with twentieth-century Italian masters such as Giorgio Morandi and Felice Casorati.
Two very different exhibitions that offer a good reason to include Museo Novecento in your Florence itinerary.
December at the Theatre: Christmas Concerts and Performances
Florence’s musical calendar offers several opportunities to enjoy an evening in the city.
On 6 December, the Children’s Choir of the Accademia takes centre stage at the Christmas Concert at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. On 23 December, the theatre presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, performed in concert form by the Orchestra del Maggio under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda.
On Christmas Eve, 24 December at 5:00 pm, Teatro Verdi hosts the traditional Christmas Concert by the Orchestra della Toscana, conducted by Diego Ceretta, with a programme featuring music by Bach, Brahms and Schumann.
Those who prefer theatre can head to the historic Teatro della Pergola, where the Carlo Colla & Figli Marionette Company stages Don Chisciotte on 19 and 20 December. From 29 December to 8 January, Alessandro Benvenuti returns to the stage with Ritorno a casa Gori, one of the best-known works of contemporary Tuscan theatre.
Christmas in Florence in the Historic Centre: Santa Croce and the City’s Festive Lights
Florence’s Christmas traditions also have their place in the city’s festive calendar. From 14 November to 20 December 2026, Piazza Santa Croce hosts the traditional Weihnachtsmarkt, a Christmas market featuring more than fifty wooden stalls selling handicrafts, decorations and European food specialities.
As December arrives, festive lights begin to illuminate the city’s squares and monuments. Florence Lights Up is also expected to return, the festival of light installations that in previous years has transformed iconic landmarks such as Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio.
A walk through the historic centre, perhaps after visiting Palazzo Strozzi, is a lovely way to discover this more traditional side of Christmas in Florence.
New Year’s Eve in Florence: Events to Say Goodbye to 2026
For those planning to spend New Year’s Eve in Florence, one of the events already confirmed is Disney Fantasia – Live in Concert, taking place on 31 December at 5:00 pm at the Teatro del Maggio. The orchestra will perform the music from Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 live, synchronised with scenes from the celebrated Disney films.
The programme of celebrations in Florence’s squares will be announced closer to the date, along with any official information about New Year’s Eve fireworks.
On 1 January 2027, the Orchestra della Toscana will welcome the new year at Teatro Verdi with Heroes, Heroines and Anti-Heroes, a concert featuring music by Beethoven, Verdi and Puccini.
Between major art exhibitions, evenings at the theatre and Christmas traditions, spending a few days in Florence during the festive season offers the chance to discover the city through a variety of experiences, while still making time for museums, dinner in the historic centre or a stroll through its beautiful squares.
Discover Florence during the festive season and plan your Christmas and New Year stay!