10 Holiday Things You Need To Do In Florence Before The Semester's Over

First up, you and your study abroad friends should definitely take a walk around the city and look at all the twinkly lights. Around the holidays, Florence strings beautiful strands of lights over its streets for everyone — from locals to travelers like you — to enjoy. Spend an hour wandering down the cobblestone paths with your camera and looking up at the decor.

Hot chocolate is a must around the holidays. And lucky for you, there are a ton of spots to order a warm cup of sweetness in the city you now call home sweet home. Do yourself a favor, though, and go straight to Venchi. This chocolate shop and café has a menu of sweets for you to try and take back to your cozy apartment.

Odds are, you've gotten pretty close with the people in your program. Maybe you went into the semester knowing them from your university or college, or met them the first day of your art history class. Either way, you should have a holiday meal with them around Christmas. Have everyone bring an ingredient or dish — and don't forget the red wine.

At this point in your semester abroad, you know the squares in Florence are always bustling. During the day, they're filled with travelers, shoppers, café lovers, and artists. At night, especially around Christmas, they're the spot to go for live music and a multitude of lights. The department store, La Rinascente, is located in Piazza della Repubblica, which is probably the dreamiest square you'll find. Go there tonight in your comfiest sweater, OK?

You can score some amazing deals at the leather market in this city if you don't mind working your way through a crowd. The stands are bustling with handbags, wallets, and souvenir-style shirts that would make a great addition to your closet. During Christmas, however, you're going to want to go straight for the cozy blanket scarves or knitted ponchos.

Wine bars are particularly cozy around the holidays because they tend to smell like cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and the other ingredients that go into mulled wine. Dondino Winebar near the Basicilia di Santa Croce is no exception with its warm atmosphere and dimmed lighting. Head there instead of going to aperitivo at your favorite joint. (Yeah, I said it.)

Arguably the best part of the holidays is the markets that pop up all over the world. Florence participates in the tradition by setting up stands near the Basilica di Santa Croce for weeks on end before Christmas. The stands sell ornaments, knit socks, mulled wine, and so many chocolate-flavored treats.

If you haven't tried a bowl of savory goulash during your time in Florence, what are you waiting for? It's so tasty and the definition of "comfort food." It's particularly good at a local restaurant in Florence: Trattoria La Casalinga. Call ahead to make a reservation and prepare your taste buds for culinary excellence.

Do you have a favorite coffee shop in Florence? Of course. It's where you go when you're craving a cappuccino or want to get a croissant in between classes. Before Christmas, though, it'll be the spot you study for final exams while the snow falls outside. Because, Italian treats and views will make any study session way better.

Last but not least, if you're studying abroad in Florence right now, then you need to take a picture with the decorated tree near the Duomo. Every year, the city puts it up in celebration of the season and all the joy to come. You won't want to miss it.