I love the vibe in Florence coming up to Christmas. Walk through any Italian city on a cold winters night and you will feel a magical atmosphere in the air. Sparkling lights hanging on every corner, mulled wine stalls beckoning to cold shoppers, santa claus figures hanging out of medieval windows and nativity scenes bring us back to the true reason for celebrating christmas .Florence is not generally where you would expect to see an outdoor ice skating rink, but from the 26th of November until late January florentines (and visitors to Florence) can strut their stuff on ice. The ice skating rink is located at the Parterre (a beautiful french garden) near Piazza della Libert at the northernmost point of the historic centre of Florence. This is a great activity for families, and the area is also rich with restaurants for some warm Tuscan fare afterwards.Skates can be hired for 6 euro on location for those without their own!
