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Here’s our round-up for December 2024.
The first and only festival dedicated to Indian cinema in Italy returns.
A dazzling performance by the skilled ballerinas of the Romanian National Opera on December 22.
Although AILO was conceived in 1974 as an extension of the Ladies’ Guild of St. James American Church, it was officially transformed into the American League of Florence in 1975. ...
For the whole month of December, the stores and ateliers offer a special shopping atmosphere and calendar of events for all ages. On the weekends of December 7-8 and 21-22, Building 9 will host the Creative MANI-Factory market, organized by the Heyart association, dedicated to emerging creativity. From food and wine tastings to designers and illustrators, the sales of one-off pieces will be enhanced by dance performances, exhibitions, music by Bioritmo and more, not forgetting workshops for little ones like ‘Today I print like Warhol’, bookmark making, and festive readings.
See the programme
The artisanal workshops led by the “prince of antique dealers”, Stefano Bardini, and his son Ugo in the late 19th and early 20th centuries are the subject of an exhibition that journeys through the tradition of woodwork.
See morePaintings by the American artists Kamille Corry and Nancy Sandler Bass go on show in the idyllic setting that was formerly the home of English author Vernon Lee and subsequently the painter-couple Federigo Angeli and Lola Costa.
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Marking 150 years since the birth of the movement in 1874, a major exhibition dedicated to Impressionism features works by artists of the caliber of Monet, Renoir, Delacroix, Bonnard and Courbet, capturing the moody skies, sparkling waters and verdant valleys of Normandy.
See moreReaders are brought to hell and back with a reading of the Supreme Poet’s The Divine Comedy. Each participant will read a canto of their choosing from Hell, Purgatory and Paradise, organized by Inside Factory and Dantflix.
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Works by Daniela De Lorenzo (1959) go on show in dialogue with pieces by 19th century sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini, inaugurated on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and as part of the L’Eredità delle Donne festival. The exhibition offers a visual encounter between ten female busts by Bartolini and studies by the Florentine artist on the female body, made using photography, video sculpture and installations.
Find out moreA market-fair features free tastings, a DJ set and more, celebrating winemakers from all regions and abroad. Explore different styles and winemaking techniques with no shortage of talks and guided tastings.
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Photographs by Piero Percoco, curated by C41, go on display in Building 11. The photographer and teacher at Leica Akademie Italia has been exhibited in both national and international galleries and festivals such as Dusseldorf Photo Weekend, as well as having been published in the likes of The New Yorker, Vogue Italia and Rolling Stone magazine.
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N.I.C.E. (New Italian Cinema Events) partners up with Irish Film Festa to bring Irish cinema to Italy as part of the 50 Days of Cinema programme. Director Luke McManus will be present at the screening of his film North Circular, a musical documentary that follows Dublin’s North Circular Road. Then there’ll be Lisa Mulcahy’s Lies We Tell, based on Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s gothic novel, Uncle Silas.
See the programmeHershey Felder’s American Songbook Sing-along gets audiences joining in on November 30. Savour musical plays Rachmaninoff and the Tsar on December 6 and 7 and Paganini on December 12 and 13. Hear from The Swingle Singers on December 14 and tenor Charles Castronovo on December 19. Dame Helen Mirren, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Taylor Hackford will take to the stage of Teatro Niccolini for a showing of White Nights and a chat on December 18.
See the programmePerformances, talks and more teach us to build new futures. The project is held on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
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One of the world’s most loved ballets, Swan Lake, ensures an unforgettable experience over the festive period with Teatro della Pergola hosting the acclaimed performers from the Opera Națională Română Iași (Romanian National Opera). The enchanting story that has charmed audiences for centuries tells of the love between the young prince Siegfried and Odette, who was transformed into a swan by the evil magician Rothbart for having rejected him.
Get your ticketsThe timeless atmosphere of the Certosa and the works of Sienese sculptor Filippo Galgani meet in an immersive contemporary art exhibition. 12 sculptures go on display within the Certosa’s spaces, arranged as milestones in an artistic and emotional narrative, with each piece becoming a fragment of history, a suspended dialogue between past and present.
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The holistic wellness club celebrates its fourth annual Christmas Souk with a signature seasonal market featuring local vendors and artisans, with bites provided by Shake Café.
Find out moreCome to see Santa and stay for the secondhand toys, comics, dolls and other playthings, with shows for kids and more.
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The swanky Cinema Paradiso screens a series of Christmas Classics this December with popcorn thrown in for good measure and an intriguing drinks menu. The lineup includes much-loved favourites like Home Alone, The Grinch, and Nancy Meyers’ The Holiday.
See moreVersiliadanza’s recently announced seasonal programme features Paola Corsi performing a national premiere of La Sognatrice on December 14, a work that treats solitude and fear.
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The exhibition explores the extensive knowledge that Europeans gained about different environments and the flora and fauna of the world between 1500 and 1800. The display is the result of a collaboration between the European Research Council Project ‘Capasia: The Asian Origins of Global Capitalism’ based at the European University Institute and the Biblioteca Riccardiana.
Find out moreOrchestra della Toscana performs a Christmas concert with Wagner’s Träume and Siegfried Idyll, as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 op.92.
The rebuilding of the historic centre of Florence 80 years after the destruction caused by the Second World War is explored in detail, elaborating on how the post-war reconstruction process allowed the city to be reborn while respecting its identity.
See moreFondazione Studio Marangoni and Fondazione CR Firenze present works by talented young photographers, the result of an advanced training course during which the artists created innovative visual projects.
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An exhibition presents the results of a research project on the role of the photographic archive in contemporary times. The works explore themes like the relationship between truth and fiction and the nature of the document.
See moreCelebrate the season with an evening being serenaded with music by the caliber of Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and Wagner, with a festive selection in keeping with the pre-Christmas feeling.
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A wide array of screenings provides a platform for filmmakers to share their unique narratives and creative visions of India with a global audience, with over 20 films on the programme that are all Italian or European premieres. In addition to its cinematic offerings, the festival includes cultural events, making it a holistic celebration of Indian culture, with talks, cooking shows and more.
See moreThe festival dedicated to audio, narration and podcasts features many guests and previews, presenting audio narrations from all over the world, subtitled in both Italian and English. Expect listening sessions, talks, workshops and meetings to explore the various interactions between storytelling, podcasting and radio languages, with guided tours and more.
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The American International League of Florence hold their popular Christmas Bazaar, raising funds for local charities. The special edition that takes place ahead of their 50th anniversary sees a vast range of clothes, accessories, bric and brac, books, Christmas decorations and more to get into the spirit of giving.
Find out moreFive squares across Florence ring in the New Year in style. There’ll be gospel choirs in piazza San Giovanni, jazz in piazza Santissima Annunziata, a live orchestra with dance in piazza Santa Croce, and marching bands moving along via Palazzuolo and via Finiguerra, stopping in piazza del Carmine. Piazza della Signoria will be the site for a live entertainment show with all kinds of surprises.
7 December 2024 - 7 January 2025
Videomapping on Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio gathers gazers to share in the Christmas spirit. Lights spread the cheer all over the main squares and monuments of the city, with decorated trees adding to the joy. There’s a wide range of activities organized both in the centre and suburbs, above all aimed at families, and even Santa Claus and his elves show up to enjoy festive Florence.
See morePalazzo Corsini
The Christmas market in the stunning setting raises funds for Fondazione Italiana di Leniterapia, a charity working to assist seriously ill patients and their families. The 21st edition of the market features high-quality clothing, accessories, design items, fragrances, cosmetics, food, wine and more, with delicious Panettone and Pandoro for sale as well as lottery tickets with prizes. There’ll even be a File Café refreshment point set up in the Ninfeo del Palazzo.
December 6-8; 10am-7pm. Free entry
Joulutori – Nordic Christmas Market
Sala dei Marmi, Parterre
A market organized by the Italo-Finnish association, Firenzen Suomi-Seura brings together books, Christmas decorations, gift ideas, toys and children’s items with LìLà Toy Store present, as well as chocolates, sweets, and other typical Northern European treats. Little ones can enjoy creative workshops and readings of fairy tales under the Christmas tree, and Joulupukki, Santa Claus straight from Lapland, will even make an appearance!
November 30-December 1
piazza Santa Croce
Christmas fever starts to seep into the city, with piazza Santa Croce hosting the much-loved market in the picturesque piazza. Characteristic wooden huts fill with the scents, sounds and flavours of the festive season, with Santa saying hello and live music adding to the atmosphere.
Until December 22
piazza Santissima Annunziata
The traditional market is packed with sustainable, artisanal items, with voluntary associations present to share the work they carry out.
December 7-8; 9.30am-6.30pm
piazza Ognissanti
Artisanal food products from small producers come to the central piazza, providing ample choice for Christmas.
December 15; 9.30am-6.30pm
The Christmas village returns to spread its festive cheer! The 55-meter high Ferris wheel and 1300 square meter ice-skating rink (the largest in Italy!) are usually accompanied by an exciting lineup of (soon-to-announced) unmissable events. (Ferris wheel until March 31)
See moreThe PIC EO artists of the Trisomia 21 Association (working to support those with Down syndrome and their families) can be found in the spectacular Gherardesca Garden as part of the annual charity event that sees entertainment, gourmet food by local producers and more, with all proceeds donated to Trisomia 21 and Contesto Ets.
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From light shows and enchanted forests to Santa himself, Arezzo and Empoli are transformed into winter wonderlands complete with a long list of festive activities making them unmissable additions to your Christmas calendar.
Creative People in Florence (via dei Serragli 58r) host a Christmas pop-up from 10.30am-7pm, December 6-8, with art, illustrations and handmade gifts by 5 talented artists. Workshops will be held throughout the day, with no booking necessary. From 7-10pm on December 8, Erica Gabriella leads a knitting workshop in collaboration with Bettaknit, leading you to make your own woolly bonnet. Call 3470912992 to book. From 10.30am-7.30pm on December 17-19, head to the CPIF space for ‘4 women’s crafts for Christmas’, where jewellery, ceramics, prints and clothes come together for three days of creativity, including printmaking workshops (book via IG @les_grandes_et_petites_marion). Kirstie Mathieson, Anna Rose and Sara Amrhein then share the space alongside other wonderful artists and creative crafters from December 20-22 for three days of one-off pieces finished off by raising a glass to Christmas. The Open Doors winter edition coincides with the Creative Christmas event from 6-9pm on December 20, when local artists, crafters and stores on via dei Serragli open their doors to share goodwill and demonstrate their mestiere.
The British Institute of Florence (lungarno Guicciardini 9) commences this month’s Wednesday Lectures Series with Filippo Camerota speaking on ‘Art and science at the Medici court’ on December 4, followed by Elaine Ruffolo speaking about ‘Feasting in the Renaissance’ on December 11. An open-to-all free entry Christmas Fair takes place from 3-6pm on December 6, where stalls sell books, unique handmade gifts and goods, as well as a tea and cake station. At 6.30pm on December 18, their annual Christmas Concert is an unmissable mix of readings and singing with mulled wine. Free admission and open to all. Bridge is weekly on Tuesdays, with afternoon tea served on Wednesdays.
Sotto al British (lungarno Guicciardini 15) hosts life drawing led by Tom J. Byrne weekly on Mondays from 7-9pm, with Lori Hetherington steering ‘Brainstorming for writers’ at 7pm on December 17.
The Children’s Lending Library (situated under St James on via Rucellai 9) holds a Christmas party on December 14, with a visit from Santa Claus, face painting, crafts, caroling, baked goods, games and much more. Members enter free of charge, with 3 euro per family for non-members.
Lady Kendra of The Art of Style (via Romana 142/via dei Serragli 137) hosts intimate conversations on Mondays from 7-9pm, treating a different subject every week. Mindfulness & Movement is on Wednesdays from 9-11am, with meditation and yoga followed by a sound bath with a focus on a different chakra each session. Aperitivos are hosted from 7-10pm on Fridays to introduce potential members to the space/gallery as a safe place for the community. A 20-euro donation to The Substitute Society is requested for participation. A free entry gallery showcase for the local artist of the month is from 7-10pm on December 6, showcasing Gabriele Mannelli.
St. James Episcopal Church (via Bernardo Rucellai 9) holds a thrift sale on December 11 from 9.30-11.30am, with a large quantity of clothes, shoes, books, homeware and more in good condition, for less than 2 euro each. They also have a boutique area that ranges from 5-50 euro. Numbered tickets to allow orderly entry handed out from 8.15am to 9.30am on the day of the sale.
Institut français Florence presents a Ciné-Club until December 19, with screenings in French (with Italian subtitles) and presentations to contextualise the works.
Open Doors Review mark their 6th issue with a launch at SOTTO al British (lungarno Guicciardini 15) from 5-8pm on December 12. Join members of the Open Doors community for an aperitivo with a musical interlude by Wendepunkte. Along with a celebration of the written works from recent contributors will be a selection of artworks from previous issues of the magazine with special attention to this edition’s featured artist, Tatiana Stadnichenko.
St. Mark’s English Church (via Maggio 16) holds wreath making at 7pm on December 11, costing 10 euro with aperitivo and all materials included. Carol singing will be from 6.30pm on December 17, meeting at St Mark’s before walking to piazza Santo Spirito, all welcome.
Cib’aria leads a music quiz at 6pm on December 15 at Vineria Sonora Lato B (via degli Alfani 39r), a musical journey with aperitivo including a listening session and music quiz to toast this year full of events and destinations while sipping natural wine and enjoying artisanal bites. Reservations: cibaria.fi@gmail.com
Female Arts in Florence (Borgo San Frediano 131/R) holds a live art event on December 7, painting feminist icons, with a shamanka performance and custom portraits. On December 8, there will be Christmas cards, hand-embroidered letters, and ‘silly monsters’. On December 14+15 there’s a goldsmith demonstration, custom perfumes, photo-embroidery, ceramics and more.
The Social Hub (viale Spartaco Lavagnini 70-72) reflects on sustainability with an AperiTeach evening on December 17 featuring Federico Garcea, entrepreneur and founder of Treedom. Free entry with registration required via Eventbrite.
Giunti Odeon screens the highly anticipated family-friendly film Moana 2, shown in English with Italian subtitles.
Casa Mosaico (piazza Donatello 18) hosts a Christmas Movie Night on December 7, with Elf screened from 5pm, in English with Italian subtitles.
The Women’s International Network comes together to celebrate their holiday party from 7.30-10.30pm on December 11 at Blend Eat, Corso dei Tintori 10/12, including a bake-off and White Elephant gift exchange.
LìLà Toy Store (via Maggio 78r and via delle Belle Donne 41r) hosts the AMA self-help group for parents in collaboration with Donne Ganze, led by Gloria Canaccini, at 8.15pm on December 3 in a free event with reservations recommended. At 6pm on December 4 there’ll be an advice session on what to pack for giving birth, led by midwife Matilde Marinelli.
The Pneuma Art Foundation holds ‘Art and Reflection: an evening at San Paolino’ from 6-9pm on December 4, with the doors of San Paolino opening for the first time in many years. Discalced Carmelite Friar Angelo Campana shares reflections on the importance of contemplation in the creative process, followed by a one-hour drawing competition. All residents and artists are invited to participate.
Toastmasters International, the 100-year-old U.S.-based organization that promotes public speaking, holds an Open House for guests on December 18, meeting at Nana Bianca.
Welcome to The Art of Style, where art, fashion, wellness, and personal transformation come together. The gallery is designed as an immersive experience—from rotating art exhibits and transformative clothing to ...
Wednesday Lecture at The British Institute of Florence 22 January at 18:00 Federica Parretti, the current custodian of Il Palmerino, will share insights into the life and art of her ...
A 6km (2 hour) walk in the footsteps of the early 20th century Anglo-Florentines takes you to discover the Edwardian community of Florence when it was “more English than England”. ...
Create your personalized perfume with perfumer Silvia Madari as she guides you through the secrets of fragrances. Book into one of our open workshops or create a private experience for ...