Everyone knows: the holidays aren't over till the Befana arrives
January is commonly referred to as the month of a thousand and one ideas. It starts with a bang, color, and celebration for the New Year. This is followed by the Befana and the Three Wise Man who will parade the streets of Florence on the 6th of January. After this last holiday, seasonal decorations start to come down and the sale signs start to come out. Among the concerts, folkloristic events and art shows January starts to warm up with lots of activities.
Have you made your holiday base in the Tuscan countryside, maybe closer to Siena or Pisa or maybe even in the beautiful Val d'Orcia - then you will want to have a look at our calendar that highlights special events outside of Florence at this link.
If you're here at the start of the month, there are still several events that are tied to Christmas festivals and traditions, but as the month continues we hope to offer a few more ideas of what Florence and surroundings have to offer throughout the month, read below for some of our favorite events.
Author's Note: This article was last updated on December 10, 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). If they have not yet been posted keep checking in with us...or better yet, write us on the Forum
Getting back to what's going on in Florence and surroundings in January, here are our selections of what we consider some of the most important or interesting events you could go to.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
Tuscany | LA EPIFANIA | Jan 6
The Epiphany, a National Holiday
You will find the Befana descending upon many town squares, with her old hat, broom, and long pointy nose. She will be bringing stockings, candy and small goodies to all those who have behaved during the year...are you ready?
Throughout Tuscany and Italy, this day is considered a national holiday and government offices, business and many shops are closed. Public transport will be using holiday hours (known as festivi on the schedules).
Not everyone is closed, and you will find many museums, monuments, and churches open for a visit. Please note that restaurants may be busy, so you may want to make reservations where possible with our partner: TheFork.
IMPORTANT EVENTS EVERY MONTH:
State Museums in Florence | FREE ENTRANCE | 1° Sunday in January
What a wonderful occasion!
The first Sunday of every month is a standing appointment for 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 January
Antiques in the Square
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 January
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 is just outside in the countryside surrounding Florence.
Fortezza da Basso | ANTIQUES FAIR | 3° weekend of January
Looking for something special is a recurrent date
An unmissable occasion for grabbing unique and even prestigious antique pieces and gift ideas to take home as a memory of your vacation in Florence, Italy.
Fortezza da Basso | MERCATO ANTIQUARIO | 3rd weekend of Jan
something borrowed, something new and something antique
On the third weekend of every month, the Medici fortress comes alive with vendors and buyers looking for the special antique treasure. Come and look for something special or let your eyes troll the stands for that hidden treat. From 9 am to 7:30 pm you will have plenty of time to visit all the booths on display.
Greve in Chianti | IL PAGLIAIO | 4th Sunday of January
Organic and Artisan Market
Piazza Matteotti, the heart of the picturesque Chianti town, is filled with locals who feature goods from their gardens, their kitchens, and their workshops. Often you will find not only great bargains but live music and opportunities to do some taste testing.
Largo Pietro Annigoni | FLEA MARKET | 4° Sunday of January
Traditional vintage festival
Here you can grab a cappuccino at a nearby bar, do some people watching as the locals begin to gather at the market and then search the stands for the best ever surprise in vintage books, art, glassware and more.
IMPORTANT EVENTS EVERY JANUARY:
Florence | CAVALCATA RE MAGI | Jan 6
we three kings of Orient are bearing gifts
Parading right through the streets of Florence, revoking the scene of the three kings in medieval dress. An event that will animate the streets with horses, damsels, and knights from all over the world - all heading towards the Duomo to leave gifts for the bambino
Florence | ARRIVANO I SALDI | Jan 4 - Mar 4, 2020
I don't like sales. Said no one. Ever.
After having had time to hit the museums and monuments, the only thing left to visit is the winter sales! They start every year on the eve of the Befana (January 6th) and go for exactly 59 days. But since the eve is on a Sunday - the event was moved to the Saturday before the holiday. Prices will be slashed not only at the outlets but even the great fashion designer stores and small boutiques. Dust off that credit card and explore.
Florence | TORNEO DELLA BEFANA | Jan 3 - 5, 2020
kids & soccer
Once again, kids of all ages will gather together to test their skills on the soccer field. A weekend filled with sport, fun, and activities. Come out and cheer on your favorite team or player.
Cascine Park to Piazza Repubblica | BEFANA DEL VIGILE URBANO | Jan 6, 2020
a tradition that started in 1933
On the Epiphany, the tradition was that those who drove a car in Florence would bring gifts to the police who controlled the traffic stops, and on this special date, the Befana would leave her broom behind to climb into an elegant Torpedo Blu and leave gifts for the children who were at Meyer Children's Hospital. Come join the start of the day with a parade of vintage cars ending in Piazza Repubblica.
San Piero a Sieve | TRENO DELLA BEFANA | Jan 6, 2020
take a steam engine to see the witch
The steam engine will leave from the Santa Maria Novella train station at 9:10 in the morning and take you through the quaint city and small towns stopping at San Piero a Sieve where you can visit and explore before returning back home again. Tickets go fast so make your reservations to join in the excitement today.
Florence | PITTI IMMAGINE | Jan 7 - 24, 2020
Celebrating Fashion for everyone
Alternating weekends, the famous Pitti Palace will be the center of the fashion world featuring Pitti Immagine Uomo 97 on January 7-10. Then from the 16th to the 18th, the kids will reign supreme with Pitti Immagine Bimbo 88 & 89. The last event of January is between the 22nd and 24th, featuring Pitti Immagine Filati, a wide range of textiles and colors, designs and fashions.
LOOK FOR THESE FUN EVENTS THIS JANUARY
Florence | WINTER PARK | All of January 2020
snow and fun in the city center
Even if you don't have enough time to get out of the city center to visit the snowy tipped mountains nearby, you can still find some time to enjoy the snow and ice sports at the Winter Park near Obi Hall. Grab your gloves and muffler and stroll down the Arno river to participate in the fun and exhilaration of skating, snow tubing, and some hot chestnuts and a steaming cup of hot cocoa.
Florence | MOON F-LIGHT FESTIVAL 2019/2020 | until Jan 6, 2020
the city is illuminated for the holidays
Colorful lights will be pointed at some of Florence's best-loved monuments, giving you a totally new and refreshing perspective. The magical soft glow under the starry holiday skies will offer you a glimpse of a Florence that you can truly only see once a year until the 6th of January. Check out the official site for a calendar of events.
Teatro Verdi | ORT PRIMO CONCERTO | Jan 10, 2020
the Orchestra of Toscana's first concert of the year
Dmitry Sitkovetsky, the director and the violin soloist make for an exciting evening in one of Florence's more famous theaters. With the new year, bringing Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Prokofiev back to find the RTO the Russian violinist-director Dmitry Sitkovetsky. This concert will be performed again in Figline Valdarno on the 11th and Arezzo on the 13th then on the 14th in Empoli.
Borgo San Lorenzo | RE MAGI | Jan 12, 2020
the arrival of the three kings in Mugello
On the Sunday after the 6th of January, this small town in the heart of Mugello just outside of Florence, dresses up to celebrate the arrival of the Wiseman. Parading through the city streets, the town comes alive with colors, perfumes, and images of yesteryear and the excitement of the holidays.
Stadio Franchi | FIORENTINA vs ROMA | Jan 12 & 25, 2020
Looking for some action in Florence? Check out the home games
You won’t want to miss the football match between the home team Fiorentina and that of SPAL or Genova! 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!
Florence | BIRRAIO DELL’ANNO | Jan 17 - 19, 2020
Finding the best craft beer in Italy
This is the 9th edition of celebrating the best craft beer maker in Italy - and what fun tasting your way through breweries from the north to the south. Make plans to include a day at ObiHall savoring the many flavors of beer!
Teatro Verdi | ORT PRIMO CONCERTO | Jan 22, 2020
the Orchestra of Toscana's first concert of the year
Enjoy the notes of Tito Ceccherini conductor and Daniele Giorgi, violin soloist, for a magical evening in one of the more famous theaters. You will be listening to DVOŘÁK Czech Suite Op.39, MARCO LENA Violin Concerto, a memorial to Andrea Tacchi – work commissioned with the support of SIAE – Classici di Oggi 2018-19 and MOZART Symphony No.38, K.504 Prague Symphony. This concert will be performed again in Arezzo on the 21st.
