Christmas in Florence isn’t just a time of year—it’s a ritual made of flavors, gatherings, anticipation, and family stories. In Florence, among markets, lights, and festive tables, December becomes a special opportunity to experience the city with new eyes.
If you’re looking for a restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Tuscan Christmas dishes in Florence—or you simply want to discover what people eat in Tuscany during the holidays—this article is for you.
What do people eat at Christmas in Florence
Tuscan holiday traditions begin on Christmas Eve, when many families observe a “lean” menu, typically featuring soups, salt cod, or stuffed pasta.
Christmas Day, on the other hand, is a celebration of hearty, generous dishes. Among the starters, you’ll always find crostini neri (with chicken liver pâté), Tuscan cured meats, and homemade pickled vegetables. Popular first courses include:
- Cappelletti in broth
- Lasagna or baked timbales
- Pappardelle with game ragù
Then come the main courses: mixed roasts, duck, guinea fowl, wild boar, or oven-baked veal, served with seasonal sides. Everything is paired with full-bodied red wines, often local, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir from the Mugello.
Tuscan Christmas sweets and traditions
The meal ends with the stars of the season: Christmas desserts. The most iconic is undoubtedly Panforte from Siena, followed by Ricciarelli, Cavallucci, and Cantucci with Vin Santo. Every family has its own version, passed down through generations.
But Christmas in Florence is also about gestures: setting the table with care, bringing a special bottle of wine, toasting with a homemade liqueur, gifting a dessert baked at home. These are the small traditions that make the holiday atmosphere so unique.
Where to eat Tuscan food during Christmas in Florence
During the holidays, Florence fills with locals and travelers looking for warm, welcoming restaurants where they can soak in the Christmas spirit. At Trattoria Dedo, in the heart of the Mercato Centrale, we welcome you with honest, heartfelt Tuscan cooking made from carefully selected ingredients.
Our menu includes traditional dishes: from ribollita to pappa al pomodoro, from pappardelle with duck ragù to our tagliere of Casentino cured meats. And during the Christmas season, you’ll find special dishes inspired by the festivities.
Trattoria Dedo: between lights and flavors
After a walk through the festive lights of the city center or a visit to the Christmas market in Piazza Santa Croce, stopping at a trattoria is the perfect way to end the day.
In a warm, convivial, and authentic atmosphere, Dedo is the place to enjoy the real taste of Tuscany. With dishes that tell a story, a curated wine list, and service that’s informal yet attentive.