November in Florence will be a true mix of Italian food, culture, spirituality, and sport; a clear demonstration that though winter is beginning to descend upon the city there is still much activity buzzing in the streets, theaters, museums and on the culinary front. The change of seasons may be an indication that the vegetation goes into hibernation but the Florentines are just as active as ever preparing for the holidays, tasting the new harvest of olives and checking out fashion.
The "apericena" (happy hour buffets) are still held in the picturesque city streets but everyone is huddled around the heaters...while sipping a spritz and grazing on the offered snacks. The museums are still busy... if anything even busier with grand openings and closings, new exhibits and new frontiers.
The predominant flavours of the month are fresh pressed extra virgin olive oil, white truffles, and chocolate. Sounds like a culinary dream come true (perhaps not all on the same plate …. though you just never know!)
Fall Foliage in Florence Italy
We are constantly updating the activities for each year, however, if they have not yet been posted by official sites then we write in TBA (to be announced) - so keep checking in with us...or write us on the Forum.
Want to explore all of Tuscany? Remember to check out the calendar for Tuscany events during the month of November and the many select festivals that will be happening in the region.
Getting back to what's going on in Florence and surroundings in November, here are our tpo choices for you.
Author's Note: This article was last updated on October 21, 2019, to make sure we’re giving you up-to-date info, if the dates have not yet been announced then we indicate TBA (to be announced) - any dates that have been updated from last year will include the year so you know it is the latest news!
Italy | ALL SAINTS DAY | November 1st
A Religious National Holiday
Very much celebrated throughout the entire country, the day coincides with the major Catholic holiday celebrating the dearly departed and saints. Many will make a long weekend out of the holidays this year and you will find lots of Italian tourists flooding the cities and tourist points.
Public transport works on a festive schedule. Many stores will be closed. Check hours in advance for museums, monuments, and churches.
State Museums in Florence | FREE ENTRANCE | 1st Sunday of the month
What a wonderful occasion!
It is a standing appointment the first Sunday of every month, free entrance into some of our favorite Florentine museums. Check our calendar to see if you can find a new place to discover and explore.
Check our list of State Museums in Florence
Scarperia | COLLEZIONISTI IN PIAZZA | 1st Sunday of November
Antiques in the Square
Actually, the first Sunday of month heralds this event in Scarperia. Just imagine a stroll through this picturesque town center to find a wide range of goodies including vintage, antiques, clothing, and more, Stands are set up from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Panzano in Chianti | APRILANTE | 1st Sunday in November
Handcrafts & Vintage
We know they call the fair "April"-ante, but it really goes all year round! This monthly market in the streets of this charming town in Chianti is where you will find hand crafts, vintage and delicious typical foods and all of it this is just outside in the countryside surrounding Florence.
Fortezza da Basso | ANTIQUES FAIR | 3° weekend of Nov
Looking for something special is a recurrent date
An occasion that yo just won’t want to miss - it is perfect for grabbing unique and even prestigious antique pieces - souvenirs, European vintage and who knows what else you will find at these busy stands.
Greve in Chianti | IL PAGLIAIO | Every 4th Sunday of November
Organic and Artisan Market
Piazza Matteotti is filled with locals who feature goods from their gardens, their kitchens, and their workshops. Often you will find not only great bargains but music and opportunities to do some taste testing.
Largo Pietro Annigoni | FLEA MARKET | 4° Sunday of Nov
Traditional vintage festival
The best part about this flea market, it is right in the heart of the city. If you decide to attend, then you can grab a cappuccino at a nearby bar before scouring the stands for the best ever surprise in vintage books, art, glassware and more.
Reggello | RASSEGNA DELL'OLIO EXTRA VERGINE DI OLIVA | Oct 24 - Nov 3, 2019
Be sure to check out the program, this event offers so much more than just a taste of delicious olive oil!. The fair-exhibition dedicated to areas new extra-virgin Olive Oil of the season will take place over the first weekend in November, from 10am to 9pm every day from Friday through Sunday. It will be a showcase of the area's olive oil, with tastings, tours and other events.
Chiesa di Ognissanti | IN CANTO GREGORIANO | Nov 9, 2019
International Meeting of Gregorian Chanters
This amazing church will come alive at 4 pm with the harmonious voices of Coro Viri Galilaei under the direction of Enzo Ventroni. Mystical and magical, this is a moment you won’t want to miss!
Program for 2019Coro Viri Galilaei
Scandicci | ITINERA 2019 | Nov 2 & 10, 2019
Tasty excursions to the discovery of the hills surrounding Scandicci
This month, Itinera will stop at the Fattoria San Michele in the quaint little town of San Michele a Torri on November 3, proposing events and initiatives aimed to discover the territory and the products of this farm: during the morning, the Festa del Vino (Wine Festival) will give all participants the chance to try out all the wines produced by the estate, in collaboration with the Slow Food tasting (cost is 10 euro), while music, songs, and poems will be organized during the afternoon.
Stadio Franchi | FIORENTINA vs ROMA | Nov 3 & 30, 2019
Looking for some action in Florence?
You won’t want to miss the football match between the home team Fiorentina and that of Parma or Lecce! Get out your purple sweatshirts, buy one of the team’s jerseys and a scarf and make your way to the stadium for a game that is sure to have everyone jumping out of the seats cheering!
Figline Valdarno | AUTUMNIA | Nov 8 - 9 - 10, 2019
Agricoltura Ambiente Alimentazione
Figline Valdarno will be housing Autumnia, a fair focused on the area's products that, considering the central position of the city, will also include specialties from Siena, Arezzo and Florence. Florence and its province will be home, like many other Tuscan localities, to a plethora of food festivals focusing on the tastes of fall. There are many food festivals taking place in several locations of Florence and its surroundings: chocolate, truffles, mushrooms and more ... you absolutely don't want to miss out!
Calenzano | OLIVE OIL FAIR | Nov 2 - 3 & 9 - 10, 2019
Olive Oil Celebration
Two days dedicated to extra virgin olive oil and an open air market: the olive oil fair will delight all the senses with the fresh-pressed production and the delicious taste tasting
http://web.comune.calenzano.fi.it/portale/schede/ufficio_relazioni_con_il_pubblico/notizie-2019/xxivdeg-edizione-della-mostra-mercato-dellolio
TuscanyHall | BRICKS IN FLORENCE FESTIVAL | Nov 9 - 10, 2019
This is not a Toy … ?
Join ToscanaBricks – Il LEGO® Users Group della Toscana and over 12,000 guests as they tour the wonderful world of fantastic LEGO constructions. Perfect for all ages.
Bagno a Ripoli | PRIM.OLIO | TBA
Olive oil annual festival
Manifestation dedicated to the new olive oil aimed to highlight the local specialties with a market exhibition held in the city center, delicious tastings, local handicrafts stands and even a competition for winning the best olive oil award.
TuscanyHall | FIRENZE WINTER PARK | November 20, 2019 till Feb 23, 2020
Skating near the Arno River
The temps aren’t in our favor but Florence has managed to freeze a piece of the Arno River for ice skating!! In a covered area along the river, you will find winter games, food, and fun for the soon to be freezing temps.
Florence | NOTE AL MUSEO | Nov 28, 2019
a concert in the Museum dell’Opera del Duomo
Once again, the Museum of the Duomo is staging concerts in its hallowed halls, internationally acclaimed artists will perform among some of the most beautiful pieces of art. Reservations are required. The concert features: the cello, from the 1600's to today
Florence | FLORENCE MARATHON | Nov 24, 2019
More than just a race - 42 KM & 195 Meters of excitment
An event which might have traffic re-routed for a bit is the Florence Marathon taking place on 24th November. This competition crosses the entire city center, passing by some of the most beautiful and suggestive places in Florence. It has become the second national race (after the Roma Marathon) in terms of popularity and number of participants (and the 20th on an international ranking). Preceded by a 1 km relay race dedicated to Mauro Pieroni at the Luigi Ridolfi Stadium. Plus a family event, with a Ginky family Marathon for the young people and adults to promote enthusiasm across the board. Register now and join in on the fun.
