LIGHTS/F-LIGHT: Firenze Light Festival
Until January 7, 2018
Various venues in Florence
Florence’s monuments and squares get an illuminated makeover for the holiday season with the return of F-LIGHT Firenze Light Festival. After sundown daily, Florence’s facades, bridges and basilicas—San Lorenzo, Santo Spirito, the Porcellino market and Palazzo Medici Riccardi, among others—become a canvas for colorful projections and poignant messages. This year’s theme is Frontiere, or “borders”, with many of the installations aiming to raise awareness of the global refugee crisis. For the full program, see the website, and check out our guide to the highlights here.
ICY/Firenze Winter Park
Until February 25, 2018
Obihall, via Fabrizio de’ Andre/lungarno Aldo Moro, Florence
For families in Florence, keeping the kids occupied during the “dead zone” between Christmas and New Year’s Day can be a challenge. Enter Firenze Winter Park, the Obihall’s very own winter wonderland, open every day to keep cold-weather boredom at bay. The structure features two separate ice skating rinks (“Master” for big kids and adults, and “River” for little ones and first-time skaters). Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at “Ice Stock,” a quirky bowling-curling combo sport, suitable for both children and adults. When you need a time-out from the chilly activities, indulge in a warm cup of mulled wine, or head for the food stands managed by favorite street food eateries PescePane, Panino Tondo and La Toraia. For more information, see the website.
FIREWORKS/New Year’s Eve
December 31
Various venues in Florence and surrounding areas
Photo via Comune di Firenze | Marco Mengoni concert, December 31, 2016
Need inspiration on the New Year’s Eve front? Head here for our guide to highlights in the Florence area. Happy new year!
Plus…
Make the most of this quiet time in Florence’s top museums and monuments. View our complete guide to special openings and extended hours here.
Coming up next week (January 6, the Feast Day of the Epiphany) is Florence’s customary Calvacata dei Magi.
