Cheaper Flights, Festivities and Football… Why We Love Florence in January

Florence is a dream destination year-round, but visiting during the winter months shows the city in a different light. If you want to focus on art, food, and atmosphere rather than seasonal events, January is the best time to visit rather than December. Once the Christmas crowds leave and daily life returns to normal, the city becomes calmer, more affordable and easier to enjoy.

One of the most significant differences is the crowd size. In December, Florence is still busy with international visitors, Christmas market enthusiasts, shoppers, and group tours. Museums are crowded, and popular areas like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria can feel congested. In January, visitor numbers drop noticeably, making it easier to get museum tickets, move through galleries at a comfortable pace, and enjoy the historic centre without constantly navigating crowds.

In early January, the Christmas tree in the Piazza del Duomo glows in all its glory, streets are still lit up with festive lights, and you can take one last look at the famous nativity scene by the cathedral entrance.

On January 6 the festive decorations are packed up, and Florentines return to their normal routines. Cafes, markets and restaurants feel more local, and it’s easier to experience the locals’ version of the city outside of peak season.

From a budget standpoint, January is typically more affordable than the pre-Christmas period. Hotel rates tend to drop after the festivities, and flights are often cheaper as well. Restaurants are less busy, making it easier to get reservations, and you can take advantage of the January sales – great for those looking to grab a bargain at the famous leather markets.

But the best thing about visiting in January is the football. The Serie A season is in full swing, and there are usually several fixtures scheduled during the month at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Dates and kick-off times do change, so check closer to your trip. But taking 2026 as an example, La Viola have four home games across the month.

Sunday January 4 – Fiorentina vs Cremonese (3pm)

Sunday January 11 – Fiorentina vs AC Milan (3pm)

Saturday January 24 – Fiorentina vs Cagliari (6pm)

Tuesday January 27 – Fiorentina vs Como (Coppa Italia, 9pm)

When not at the stadium, there’s plenty to do. The weather is chilly, ranging from about 2°C to 13°C, but crisp sunny days are perfect for strolling through the city.

Start your mornings with a cappuccino from Dini Caffe, a coffee institution founded in 1939 and the only roastery in Florence’s city centre, and rip open a fresh cornetto as you make your way to the bell tower.

Known as the Campanile di Giotto, it’s one of the city’s most striking landmarks. Standing right beside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), this Gothic masterpiece soars 277 feet high and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. A well-earned sight after climbing the 414 steps to get up there.

The stairs are easy to navigate, only made challenging when squeezing past descending tower-goers heading back to terra ferma. Priced at €20 per person (with a thigh workout thrown in for free), expect a queue despite booking your slot in advance.

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in Florence’s hearty Tuscan cuisine. Warm up with a bowl of ribollita, a traditional vegetable and bread soup, or savour a plate of pappardelle al cinghiale (pasta with wild boar ragu). Florence’s famous bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone steak, is even more satisfying on a chilly evening, especially when paired with a glass of Chianti. For dessert, stop by a local pasticceria to try schiacciata alla fiorentina, a seasonal Florentine cake dusted with powdered sugar. And of course, no visit to Florence is complete without a stop at a historic café for a cup of thick, velvety hot chocolate.

The leather markets are renowned; however, not all goods are made the same. If in doubt, refer to Italy Magazine’s guide to leather shopping in Florence to ensure you’re getting the best quality for your money.

On January 6, there’s the Epiphany Parade (Cavalcata dei Magi), where a Renaissance procession starts at Piazza Pitti, heads across the Ponte Vecchio, through Piazza della Signoria, and then finishes at Piazza del Duomo. Quite the sight!

In winter, the queues at the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia are not as hectic, so you can take your time admiring Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus or Michelangelo’s David. The Palazzo Pitti and other museums are also much more enjoyable when they aren’t packed full of people jostling for space.

If you love art, history, and football, Florence in winter is fantastic. It’s quieter, more relaxed, and a great way to see the city at a slower pace. So grab a warm coat, enjoy the crisp air, and take in a side of Florence that most people don’t often experience.