It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… but if you’re not feeling festive yet, you will be once you see what Florence and Tuscany have in store to put you in a merry mood! From charity markets to the ballet, Christmas concerts to snow tubing, you’ll be spending less time at home and more time out and about!
FAIRS AND MARKETS
German Christmas Market
The tradition ‘Weihnachstsmarkt’ is back with Glühwein, bratwurst, pretzels and more. The little wooden huts fill the piazza, bringing a slice of German Christmas to Florence
Dec 3-21, 10am-8pm, piazza Santa Croce, Florence
British Institute Christmas Fair
Books, crafts including silk scarves, homemade foods and hot tea and cake. Raffle with prizes: Christmas hamper from Fortnum and Mason and decorated boxes from Anne Hepper
December 4, from 3pm, Harold Acton Library, The British Institute of Florence, Lungarno Guicciardini 15, www.britishinstitute.it
Emergency Christmas Shop
Dec 6-24, via De’ Ginori 14, Florence, http://natale.emergency.it/001/005/015/016/Firenze.html
The Immaculate Conception
Two-day fair with crafts and food
Dec 7-8, 9am-8pm, piazza SS.Annunziata, Florence, www.lafierucola.org
AILO Christmas Bazaar
The American International League of Florence, or AILO, hosts its annual charity Christmas Bazaar, which has a distinctly American feel -you can enjoy foods such as brownies, hamburgers, jams and pickles -making it one of a kind in the city. There will be a raffle with prizes announced at 2.30pm
Dec 8, 10am-5pm, Le Pagliere (ex Scuderie Reali), viale Machiavelli 24, Florence www.ailoflorence.org
Natale in Fortezza
Browse the many stalls in search of the perfect gift and taste some Christmas treats. Children enjoy a games corner and can meet Santa Claus!
Dec 11-14, Fortezza da Basso, Florence, www.nataleinfortezza.it
Mercato Nataleperfile
Charity Christmas market raising money for FILE (Fondazione Italiana di Leniterapia ONLUS): the charitable association which assists terminally ill patients and their families. Stalls ranging from vintage clothing to jewellery, books to food
Dec 12-14, Palazzo Corsini, Via di Parione 11, Florence, www.leniterapia.it
Unusual Market
Christmas edition of the market
Dec 13-14, 12noon-10pm, Tasso Hostel Hotel, via Villani 15, Florence, http://theflr.net/unusualmarket
Christmas Concert
The Schola Cantorum F. Landini and the orchestra V. Galilei perform Handel’s Messiah
Dec 13-14, 9pm, Basilica di Santa Trinita, Florence, www.scuolamusicafiesole.it
Fierucola di Natale
Dec 21, 9am-7pm, piazza Santo Spirito, Florence, www.lafierucola.org
AT THE THEATRE
The Snowman
Taken from the book by Raymond Briggs: live reading (in Italian) accompanied by music
Dec 6, 4.30pm, Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99, Florence, www.teatroverdionline.it
Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky’s ballet
Dec 8, 4.45 & 8.45pm, Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99, Florence, www.teatroverdionline.it
Tristan and Isolde
Ballet performances of Giselle, ou les Wilis and Tristan and Isolde
Dec 28/30& Jan 4, 2015, Florence Opera House, piazza Vittorio Gui, Florence, www.operadifirenze.it
Family Rock Show
Christmas Rock show, rock dance for little ones, rock fairy tales, family photos (rock theme), snacks for the children
Dec 21, 3.30pm, Obihall, via Fabrizio De Andrè, Florence, www.obihall.it
The Nutcracker
The Royal Moscow Ballet Company The Crown of Russian Ballet, perform Tchaikovsky’s ballet
Jan 2, 2015, 8.45pm, Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99, Florence, www.teatroverdionline.it
Christmas at the Pergola
The Pergola Theatre in Florence has a programme of various Christmas shows (some for children), all in Italian: A Christmas Carol, The Little Prince, Peter Pan and more
Dec 8-Jan 6, 2015, Pergola Theatre, via della Pergola 12/32, Florence, www.fondazioneteatrodellapergola.it
CONCERTS & CONFERENCES
As we deck the halls, music also fills the air. From carolling to classical concerts, warm up your vocal chords with some mulled wine, or simply savour a cup or two as you enjoy the music to your ears at the various performances.
Carolling around Oltrarno followed by mince pies and Glühwein
Singing Christmas Carols while walking around the Oltrarno. Free, everyone welcome
Dec 14, 6pm, meet at St Mark’s Church, via Maggio 16, Florence, www.stmarksitaly.com, administrator@stmarksitaly.com
Glenn Miller Orchestra
The jazz big band, known for its unique jazz sound, takes to the stage to perform a swinging Christmas concert
Dec 15, 8.45pm, Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99, Florence, www.teatroverdionline.it
Christmas comes but once a year
Series of Christmas readings and musical excerpts from British Institute staff and members
Dec 17, 6pm, Harold Acton Library, Lungarno Guicciardini 9, Florence, www.britishinstitute.it
Christmas Concert
Concert from the new talent, pianist Alessandro Tosi: pieces from Haydn, Ravel and Debussy. Free entry
Dec 21, 10.30am, Aula Magna Nuovo Entrance, Careggi Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence, www.agimusfirenze.it
Concerto di Natale
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino orchestra and choir perform Federico Maria Sarelli’s piece, Dixit ominus in D major, followed by Vivaldi’s Gloria
Dec 23, 8.30pm, Florence Opera House, piazza Vittorio Gui, Florence, www.operadifirenze.it
Natale Insieme
Concert from the Melograno Children’s Choir
Dec 23, 9pm, Obihall, via Fabrizio De Andrè, Florence, www.obihall.it
Christmas Concert
Classical Christmas medley. Directed by Daniele Rustioni, music from Beethoven’s Leonore no.3 op.72, Brahms’s variations to a theme by Haydn, op.56 and Dvorak’s Symphony no.9, op.95
Dec 24, 5pm, Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99, Florence, www.teatroverdionline.it
Opera at St Mark’s
Christmas and New Year concerts, all at 8.30pm. See http://concertoclassico.blogspot.it for more information.
December 25: La Bohème
December 26: Madame Butterfly
December 27: La Traviata
December 28: Figaro’s Marriage
December 29: Carmen
Concerts and events at St James’ church
December 13: Children’s Lending Library Christmas party, 4-6pm. Only for members of the library. You can join at the door
December 16: Concert from Trini Massie & The Sound of Gospel Singers, sponsored by Lucrezia’s One Voice Assosciation, 9.15pm
December 17: Fiesole Music School, Children’s Chorus, 6pm
December 20: Charity concert organised by Assos.Tumori Tosana, 9pm
ACTIVITIES
Let there be light!
Florence’s Christmas tree is lit up at 5pm. Just before, there will be a flag throwing show from the Bandierai degli Uffizi
5pm (flag throwing a little before), piazza del Duomo, Florence
Ph. credit @saraligutti, Instagram
Tuscan Winter Park
Bundle up and enjoy skiing, ice skating and tobogganing on the banks of the Arno. After schussing down the piste or executing tow loops on the ice rink, indulge in some après-ski at the bars or enjoy a hearty meal at the restaurant.
Until March 1, 2015, Obihall, Lungarno Aldo Moro, Florence, www.firenzewinterpark.it
Ice skating at Parterre
The ice rink is back until January 6
Until Jan 6, 2015, piazza della Libertà, Florence, T 335/6749849
Ho ho ho on the Arno
The Florence rowing club wish everyone a very merry Christmas with Santa Claus, who will float down the Arno in a boat, from Ponte Santa Trinita to Ponte alle Grazie at noon. Special Olympics at the Uffizi will also be underway
12noon, Arno River between Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alle Grazie, T 055/2381010, www.canottierifirenze.it
Terre di Presepi
Covering over 60km, from Pisa to Florence, explore the many beautiful and artistic Nativity scenes
Until Jan 11, 2015, various locations in Tuscany, http://terredipresepi.blogspot.it
RELIGIOUS SERVICES (in English)
St James’ American Church, via B. Rucellai 9, Florence, http://stjames.it
Advent Lessons and Carols
Dec 14, 11am Advent Lessons and Carols. There will be a free Parish lunch in the Undercroft. Everyone is welcome.
Sunday 21 December: Decorating the church for Christmas after the 11am Eucharist.
Wednesday December 24: 6pm – Christmas Pageant and Parish Eucharist
11pm- Midnight Mass
Thursday December 25: 11am Eucharist.
The church office will be closed from December 26 to January 7, 2015
St Mark’s English Church, via Maggio 16, Florence, www.stmarksitaly.com
Nine Lessons and Carols followed by mince pies and Glühwein
Dec 21, 6pm, St Mark’s English Church, via Maggio 16, Florence
Midnight Mass
Dec 24, 11.30pm, St Mark’s English Church, via Maggio 16, Florence
Solemn High Mass of the Nativity
Dec 25, 10.30am (there will be no 9.30am service on Christmas Day), St Mark’s English Church, via Maggio 16, Florence
SPECIAL MUSEUM OPENINGS
Several of Florence’s museums will have extra special openings or revised hours during the holiday season.
Accademia Gallery
January 5, 8:15am–6:50pm; via Ricasoli 60, Florence
Anthropology section at the Natural History Museum
December 15 to January 31, 9:30am–5pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–5pm; closed Wednesdays; via del Proconsolo 12, Florence
Bargello Museum
December 26, 8:15am–9pm; December 27 to January 6, 8:15am–5pm (closed January 1 and 5); via del Proconsolo 4, Florence
Medici Chapels
December 26 to January 6, 8:15am–4:50pm; piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini 6, Florence
Uffizi Gallery
January 5, 8:15am–6:50pm; piazzale degli Uffizi 6, Florence
OUT OF TOWN
MARKETS
Christmas Craft Market
Dec 8, piazza Mino, Fiesole, www.comune.fiesole.fi.it
Marradi Market
Christmas craft markets, meet Santa and the elves, gospel choirs, bubble shows and more
Dec 7 & 14, 10-3.30pm, historic centre of Marradi, http://theflr.net/marradimarket
The Magic of Advent
Christmas markets, crafts, food, live music and Santa Claus!
Dec 7, 8, 14, 21, Palazzuolo sul Senio, Alto Mugello, www.magieavvento.blogspot.it
Christmas craft market
Dec 12-14/ 19-20, piazza Matteotti, Scandicci, www.comune.scandicci.fi.it
Natale in Piazza
Craft and antique market and a chance to meet Father Christmas
Dec 19-23, piazza San Francesco, Prato, www.comune.prato.it
Christmas Market
Dec 23-24, piazza Mino, Fiesole, www.comune.fiesole.fi.it
Christmas Craft Market
Dec 20-21, piazza Vittorio Veneto, Calenzano, www.comune.calenzano.fi.it
‘Christmas Snowflakes’ Winter market
Dec 7-8, Historic Centre, Firenzuola, www.mugellotoscana.it
Waiting for Christmas
Market in Greve in Chianti, Dec 8/13/14, Piazza Matteotti, www.comune.greve-in-chianti.fi.it
Father Christmas’s workshop
Christmas festival for children with elves, magic, circus acts, workshops, a puppet theatre and face painting
Dec 19-22, 10-8pm, Cattedrale ex-Breda, via Sandro Pertini, Pistoia, www.lafabbricadibabbonatale.it
Santa Claus’s village
Meet Santa and enjoy many other Christmas treats. The special train, the ‘Polar Express,’ takes children and adults around the streets of the village
Until Dec 26, Chianciano Terme, http://www.paesedibabbonatale.it
Christmas Village
Wooden houses selling decorations and Christmas treats fill the streets. For children, a pony ranch and Santa’s farm
Until Jam 6, 2015, streets in the town centre, www.nataleamontepulciano.it
Santa’s House
Visit Santa in his house, meet the elves, take part in workshops, a circus school and much more
Until Jan 6, 2015, Castello delle Terme Tamerici, Montecatini Terme, www.lacasadibabbonatale.it
Christmas Fair
Lucca’s main piazza hosts an ice rink, carousel and stalls and in piazza San Michele, the traditional Christmas market returns, with more than fifty stands: crafts, food, wine, decorations, toys and more.
Until Jan 6/9, 2015, piazza Nepoleone and piazza Sa Michele, Lucca
NATIVITY
Live Nativity re-enactment
Dec 24, in piazza del Popolo, Montespertoli, www.comune.montespertoli.fi.it
1000 Nativity Scenes for Palazzuolo
Dec 8-Jan 6, 2015, Historic centre, Palazzuolo sul Senio. Prizes will be awarded, in January, for the top three Nativity Scenes, http://www.magieavvento.blogspot.it
ICE SKATING
Ice rink in Firenzuola
Dec 6-Jan 5, 2015, Piazza Don Stefano Casini, Firenzuola, www.mugellotoscana.it
Ice rink in Scandicci
Dec 6-Jan 11, 2015, piazza Matteotti, Scandicci, www.comune.scandicci.fi.it
Ice rink in Lucca
Dec 7-Jan 6, 2015, piazza Napoleone, Lucca, www.regioni-italiane.com/natale-lucca.htm
MUSIC & CONCERTS
Gospel Choir
The Pilgrims perform their Christmas concert
Dec 16, 9.15pm, Teatro Giotto, Borgo San Lorenzo, www.pilgrims.it
What’s on in the NEW YEAR?
Opera at St Mark’s
Operas begins at 8.30pm. See http://concertoclassico.blogspot.it for more information.
December 31: The Merry Widow with buffet (104€)
January 2, 2015 La Traviata
January 3, 2015 La Bohème
January 4, 2015 Carmen
St. Vincent: New Year special film screening
Special New Year’s Night: film, then spumante and panettone
Odeon Cinehall, piazza Strozzi, T 055214068, www.odeonfirenze.com | SHOWS 10.10pm
New Year show
Dec 31, 10pm, Teatro Lumiere, via di Ripoli 231, Florence, www.teatrolumiere.it
New Year in the piazza
Various musical events and more in the piazzas in Florence to celebrate New Year
Dec 31, various piazzas in the centre of Florence, www.comune.firenze.it
New Year’s Day Concert
Viennese Music: waltzes and polkas
Jan 1, 5pm, Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99, Florence, www.teatroverdionline.it
New Year’s Day Concert
Orchestra from the Fiesole music school perform
11.30am, Florence Opera House, piazza Vittorio Gui, Florence, T 055/597851, email info@scuolamusica.fiesole.fi.it
Florence Gospel Choir School
Love and Devotion Gospel seminar, concert on Sunday Jan 4, 9pm
Jan 2-4, 2015, Teatro Lumiere, via di Ripoli 231, Florence, www.teatrolumiere.it
