The Christmas atmosphere in Florence starts in early December. During the first days of the month, in fact, storekeepers begin to decorate their shop windows inspired by the theme of Christmas and the staff of the municipality of Florence begins to place the traditional decorative lighting along the city streets. The F–Light http://www.flightfirenze.it/en/ festival is back in Florence , bringing lights and fun. From December 8 to January 8 , light installations and events will make some of the main sites and monuments of the city (even) more fascinating and beautiful! Don’t miss it! On December 8 in Florence’s historic center the large Christmas tree is set up in the magnificent setting of the Piazza del Duomo. The lighting up of the Christmas tree is accompanied by an official public ceremony with the participation of Florence’s Mayor and sometimes other events, such as concerts and entertainment for everyone. In Piazza del Duomo you’ll also find the Nativity scene, located to the front and left of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The Nativity has life-size beautiful statues made in terracotta by an artisan of Impruneta, a village in the surroundings of Florence famous for the production of terracotta items. Both the Christmas tree and the Nativity scene are up until January 6, the day of Epiphany. The biggest Christmas market is located in Piazza Santa Croce, and will be from the 29th of November to 21st of December. Those who wish to participate in the Mass on Christmas day and on Christmas Eve may find celebrations in most of the churches of Florence and beyond. In the Cathedral of Florence, the traditional Christmas Eve Mass is celebrated by the Cardinal of Florence at midnight (Vigil prayers start at 11pm). On Christmas morning, the Mass is celebrated at 10:30am, in conjunction with the Pope blessing in Rome.