What to do in Florence at Christmas? Visit the HZERO museum and experience all the magic of its miniature world with plenty of activities for family fun.
We’re in THAT time of year: the Christmas lights switch on, the stalls open, the shop windows are decorated, and Florence becomes even more magical with its festive atmosphere. There’s so much to choose from: markets, festivals, new exhibitions, and the city’s iconic monuments, which alone would be worth a trip to Tuscany’s capital during the holidays. But for those looking for something a little different to do in Florence, perhaps with the whole family, the miniature train museum right in the city centre has a lot to offer — and the Christmas season is without a doubt the best time to visit. Because beyond exploring one of the largest model railways in Europe, with stunning landscapes recreated in 1:87 scale, there’s much more to enjoy!
Here’s everything we’ve prepared for those visiting us at Christmas
Christmas-themed treasure hunt for characters and scenes: we’ve hidden lots of festive characters around the layout — challenge your family to find them all, just like in a real treasure hunt! You’ll spot a Santa Claus at the central station, another ready to jump off a moving train, one more on a sleigh pulled by reindeer and loaded with gifts, plus lots of Christmas trees and holiday stalls. Think you can find them all?
Keep an eye on what’s running on the tracks: in addition to the hundreds of trains running across HZERO’s layout, this time of year brings some truly special ones. Our model makers have hand-decorated several locomotives with Christmas scenes and details — you’ll see them racing through every setting of the layout, and you’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship!
Christmas decorations couldn’t be missing: the festive atmosphere has taken over not only the HZERO layout but also the whole first floor. Enjoy the decorations and leave a holiday message on our Christmas tree!
Dear Santa: in the Officina room there’s a dedicated area where children can write and send their letter to Santa Claus!
The first-floor display cases: don’t miss the new exhibition featuring all the Lima and Rivarossi models newly added to our collection!
Join one of the HZERO Family workshops: experience the museum as if it were a family journey by taking part in one of our workshops which, inspired by the world of trains, encourage creativity and imagination with games and activities designed for parents and children. Two options to choose from — “Stories on Board” and “On the Move” — with different age groups. Workshops are scheduled for 21, 27, 28 December and 4 January; find all the details on the dedicated page!
Celebrating in HZERO’s miniature world is like embarking on a long journey filled with big emotions!
Here are our opening hours during the holidays: we’re open as usual on 8 December, 24 December, 26 December and 6 January from 10 AM to 7 PM. On Wednesday 31 December we’re open from 10 AM to 4 PM (last admission at 3 PM), while on Thursday 1 January 2026 we’re open from 1 PM to 7 PM. Closed only on 25 December!
