Here’s our round-up for December 1-8.
Festive Florence is well and truly here with seasonal spectacles like The Snowman, the first spins of the Ferris wheel, the inauguration of Firenze Light Festival, and set off ice skating at Fortezza. Here’s your line-up for December 1-8. Don’t forget free entry to main of the city’s museums for the first Sunday of the month on December 4!
An ideal winter day for those seeking a little more action this holiday season, the Florence Ice Village is freezing over Fortezza da Basso with a 300-metre ice skating rink (supposedly the largest one in Europe). Strap on your skates and take a spin throughout the scenic park, or for an unforgettable view of the city from greater heights, ride the photo-worthy Ferris wheel that returns this year.
Come find the Christmas pop-up from December 1-24 at the FAF space in Borgo San Frediano 131, where you’ll find crafts arranged in art installations with an exhibition displaying works by Giò Pomodoro, Giorgio Morandi and Piero Fornasetti on show.
The Chianti Colli Fiorentini consortium hosts a tasting in the remarkable venue of Palazzo Vecchio, giving attendees an opportunity to get to know producers up close and taste more than 50 labels. Prestigious vintages and reserves of Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG will be presented at the event, as well as other types of IGT produced in the area and Vinsanto. Free entry by registering via Eventbrite.
Following Maggi’s Water Spell performance on the Arno in September, which saw the artist staging a Neptune-inspired performance on a boat accompanied by musicians, he now returns to Florence with a solo exhibition curated by Caroline Corbetta that weaves through the spaces of the eclectic Stefano Bardini Museum, with his artistic vision mainly expressed through ceramic sculptures, paintings and sound.
Two exhibition routes between Pisa and Florence are dedicated to the scientific discipline of photography, with the focus in Florence on the scientists Giorgio Roster and Odoardo Beccari. The displays look at photography as a fundamental tool for research and scientific documentation since its invention. From the first photos of the Moon to eruptions on Mount Etna, crucial moments have been captured by scientists, some of which have never been exhibited before.
The doors of Palazzo Corsini in via il Prato open on December 8 for a grand Christmas concert, with the Mascarade Emerging Artists performing with a warm Yuletide spirit under the direction of Julia Lynch, the programme’s head of music.
The holiday spirit is in the air (or maybe that’s just the smell of gingerbread cookies in the oven). If you’re in town or planning to come into the city for a walk along the sparkly light-soaked streets, be sure not to miss these amazing Christmas markets for all kinds of delicious treats and unique holiday treasures.
7 December 2022 - 8 January 2023
Florence gets a festive makeover each year, with projections, video mapping and art installations adorning the city’s best-known monuments. One of the most significant artistic light festivals in Europe, the magical displays are promoted by the City of Florence, bringing the centuries-old settings to life with striking exhibits that spread smiles throughout the city. This year, the title is ‘Green Line’, under the artistic direction of Sergio Risaliti.
Make the most of free entry on the occasion of International Railway Model Day to the HZERO museum, exhibiting the model railway designed by Giuseppe Paternò Castello di San Giuliano. Book your slot.
Embrace the holiday season with an evening at the theatre on the occasion of the inauguration of the modern Teatro di Fiesole. Canadian pianist Hershey Felder will play the role of Beethoven in his original portrait of the German composer. Performances on December 6, 7, 10 + 11 are in Italian, with the English version on December 9 when you can join The Florentine for a welcome drink at 7.45pm, followed by the show at 8.45pm. Special price for The Florentine newsletter subscribers: 20 euro (instead of 28.75 euro).
Whimsy and wonder are in full effect at Teatro Verdi’s annual children’s concert. Narrations of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman are accompanied by live music and projections of the much-loved illustrations. A memorable event for the whole family, this is a perfect way to settle into the holiday spirit with loved ones.
St. Mark’s English Church and St. James’ Episcopal Church combine for caroling in piazza Santo Spirito on the evening of December 6. Meet up at St. Mark’s (via Maggio, 18) at 6.45pm, bringing either a smart phone or tablet as music will be distributed electronically. For more info email Bethy Reeves, bethy3799@gmail.com.
Head to the Harold Acton Library (lungarno Guicciardini 9) from 3-6pm on December 2 for a free entry Christmas fair selling books, handmade gifts and goods, with a tea and cake station.
Private chef, cooking teacher and writer Sara Cagle, along with food and travel writer Phoebe Hunt, launch their inaugural supper club in Florence on Thursday December 8. The dinner will be a four course menu of Korean-inspired dishes with a strong Italian roots – think kimchi butter crostini, asian pear and flaked seaweed salad, spicy pork ragù and much more. If this sounds alarming, don’t panic – Sara has hosted a number of pop up restaurants in LA, winning over guests with her distinctive ingredient-led cuisine. Email sara@saracagle.com.
