Holiday Offerings in Downtown Florence
New! 2023 Limited Edition Downtown Florence Ornament featuring a Celebration of Downtown Arts Milestones!
Start a new tradition with Downtown Florence by ordering our limited edition Downtown Florence collectible ornament. The 2023 ornament features a celebration of the arts in Downtown Florence in 24K plated gold on the multi-layered ornament with 3D elements. Each ornament measures approximately 2.5 inches high and 3.25 inches long and comes packaged in a box with an information card ready for gifting.
Ornaments can be purchased in-person at the Downtown Development office at 324 West Evans Street or ordered online for $30 per ornament. The 2021 ornaments featuring Hotel Florence and 2022 ornaments featuring Kress Corner are also available for $15 or both for $25. Online orders can be picked up for free locally or shipped within the US via USPS for a shipping fee. Orders requiring shipping should be placed no later than 12/15/23 for guaranteed Christmas delivery. We also do not issue refunds for ornaments.
A portion of the proceeds from this year's ornament will be donated to the Florence Little Theatre, celebrating their 100th season, and Florence Symphony Orchestra, celebrating their 75th season.
Ornaments supplies are limited and will not be reprinted once they sell out, so order yours today using the form below!
Downtown Christmas Magic
Kick start the holiday season with Downtown Florence during Downtown Christmas Magic on Friday, December 8th, 2023. Snow is always in the forecast and visitors are invited to bring their families and little ones out to celebrate the magic of the holiday season with free hot cocoa and marshmallow roasting while supplies last, holiday inflatables, decorated downtown storefronts, the Jingle and Mingle kids area filled with holiday crafts and games, a meet and greet with Santa Claus, and more. Downtown Christmas Magic is held on the second Friday in December from 5:30-9 p.m. Admission is FREE.
Downtown Holiday Music and Light Show
Every evening beginning in December, enjoy a holiday light and music spectacular on S. Dargan Street. Entering its eighth year, the downtown music and light experience is a family favorite walk-through event. Each year the display and music are a bit different and admission is always free. Parking is available in the City of Florence parking garage. The show runs from early December through December 31 beginning at 5:30 p.m. nightly and ending at 10:00 p.m.
Holiday Photo-Ops
Be sure to check out our polar bears, reindeer, and holiday penguin photo ops while you shop downtown for the holidays. The photo-ops are placed throughout the Historic District and are available for use throughout the month of December. *NEW* for 2023, snap a photo in our brand new sleigh at the City Christmas Tree display in the Griffin Plaza located next door to Wholly Smokin'!
Letters to Santa
Got a letter that needs to be delivered to Santa? Drop it off in our red Letters to Santa mailbox at the Downtown Holiday Music & Light Show when it kicks off in 2023. Rumor has it that if your child includes their return address, Santa will even mail them back a response to their letter!
Holiday Window Decorating Contest
The Downtown Florence business storefronts are dressed up in their best holiday cheer! Walk through the Historic District and enjoy a variety of traditional and unique holiday windows. Once you find the window you think looks the best, scan the QR code posted in the window and vote for that business. The business with the most votes will win a big prize! The contest runs in 2023 from November 25th until December 9th.
Holiday Gift Guide
'Tis the season to Shop Small! With over 40 independently-owned restaurants, retailers, and service providers in Downtown Florence, you are bound to find something special for everyone on your list. Each year, we make it even easier for you to Shop Small by putting together a Downtown Florence Holiday Gift Guide. The 2023 Holiday Gift Guide is live now and will be updated throughout the season.