Empoli Christmas City

The Christmas that lights up Empoli

Every year, from mid-November to early January, the historic center of Empoli (Province of Florence, Tuscany) dresses up for the holidays and becomes Empoli Christmas City, one of the most popular and beloved Christmas events in the entire region. The squares and streets of the city heart fill with lights, scents, music, and attractions, drawing families and visitors from all over Tuscany and beyond.

A village spread across the squares

The heart of the event is Piazza della Vittoria, which hosts the large Ferris wheel, the Christmas train, and numerous attractions, but the village extends to Piazza Farinata degli Uberti, the pedestrian area, and the streets of the center. Here, dozens of wooden market stalls offer artisanal products, Christmas decorations, gift ideas, sweets, and traditional gastronomic specialties.

Attractions for all ages

• The Ferris wheel in Piazza della Vittoria, for a bird's-eye view of Empoli.
• The ice skating rink, one of the most popular attractions for younger visitors.
• The Christmas train and carousels for children.
• The Santa Claus World, set up in the evocative spaces of the Agostinian Cloister.
• The architectural projections that illuminate the facades of the main squares with colorful designs.
• Numerous light installations scattered throughout the streets of the center.

Shows and special events

In addition to the permanent attractions, the Empoli Christmas City calendar offers shows, parades, musical moments, and initiatives dedicated to families, distributed mainly on weekends. Among the most anticipated events are the gastronomic festivals linked to artisanal chocolate, extraordinary holiday markets, New Year's Eve celebrations, and the traditional Epiphany festival with the Befana's descent from the bell tower.

A tradition that has grown over time

Organized by the Historic Center Association with the support of the Municipality of Empoli, the event has become a landmark in the Tuscan Christmas calendar over the years, capable of enlivening local commerce and transforming the center into a destination for those seeking the holiday atmosphere just a few kilometers from Florence.