LIGHTS / F-Light Festival
Until January 7
Various venues in Florence
Let there be light! The Tuscan capital twinkles all over during the festive season. Check out TF’s guide to the F-Light Festival, monument by monument, here.
MOVIE / Star Wars: The Last Jedi
December 20-26
Cinema Odeon, piazza Strozzi, Florence
Take a time-out from holiday fanfare and head to the cinema. The Odeon will soon welcome one of the year’s most anticipated movies, which recently had its world premiere in Los Angeles. With Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong’o and members of the original Star Wars crew – including Carrie Fisher in her final film appearance before her December 2016 death – the epic space film has already received universal acclaim, with some critics calling it the best film in the franchise since The Empire Strikes Back. For showtimes, see the Odeon website.
DANCE / The Nutcracker
December 23
Teatro della Pergola, via della Pergola 12/32, Florence
Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, adapted by Alexandre Dumas and later set to music by Peter Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker (Lo Schiaccianoci) is a Christmas fable for the ages and a ballet that merits an annual viewing. With its colorful cast of characters (including miniature soldiers, mean mice and snowflakes come to life), plus its elaborate costumes, scenery and memorable music, The Nutcracker has made Christmas wishes come true for all ages for generations. The St. Petersburg Ballet will perform against the magnificent backdrop of Teatro della Pergola on December 23 in an afternoon show recommended for families (5.45pm) and a nighttime finale (8.45pm). Early booking via Boxoffice Toscana is highly advised.
