Here’s our round-up for December 14-21, 2023.
With Santas on motorbikes, gospel concerts, and pet portraits, there are all kinds of festive experiences this week in Florence.
Share your events with The Florentine: events@theflorentine.net
A parade of Santas make their way on motorbikes to piazzale Michelangelo, after having taken a spin around the city delivering gifts to charitable associations, including the Ugnano Animal Park which will be open to the public for the occasion. A collection point for donated gifts will be located in piazza Ferrucci from 10am to 5pm on December 16.
Female Arts in Florence presents their annual Christmas pop-up from December 1-24, with a wide range of artisanal goods creating the ideal gifts.
Italian artist Gianpiero D’Alessandro is known for having worked with many world-famous figures, including Justin Bieber, Cristiano Ronaldo and Stefano Gabbana. His crypto art adorns the walls of Hotel Savoy for the season with a specially curated exhibition and an exclusively designed series of items and decorations for their Christmas tree, featuring a special bear named Rocco Forte. The items are available for purchase, with the proceeds donated to the Istituto degli Innocenti Foundation.
The yoga, fitness and lifestyle space, The22, hosts its annual Christmas Souk, a magical celebration of the holidays with some of the most creative and innovative entrepreneurs in the city. A curated selection of local brands, artists, nibbles and live beats includes luxury cashmere inspired by the moon cycles, mouth-watering matcha and mystical scents. December 16; 4-8pm, free admission
The 20th edition of the charity market raises funds for FILE Fondazione Italiana di Leniterapia, which gives assistance to seriously ill patients and their families. With plenty of Christmas gift ideas, clothing, household items, fragrances, food and wine, there will also be the popular FILE Panettone and Pandoro and their raffle with great prizes. A cafè and refreshment area in the Ninfeo of the Palace gives you a chance to rest your shopping bags and soak up the resplendent setting. 10am-7pm, free entry.
Music, singing and faith combine in the charity event, in which all proceeds are donated to the flood emergency in Tuscany. December 17; 7pm. Tickets via Eventbrite, from 22 euro.
On December 19 at 6.30pm, The British Institute of Florence holds a Christmas concert with readings and songs (plus mulled wine!). All are welcome.
Savour a wine-filled day amid the vineyards of Tenuta Ruffino Poggio Casciano, taking in the charming historic cellars and tasting the finest Ruffino wines with holiday discounts. Mark your diaries for the Ruffino Christmas Experience with complimentary tours and tastings on December 16 and 17. It’s a charming way to stock up on gifts ahead of the holiday season.
Three weekends of Christmas-themed workshops, shows and performances come to the creative space with free admission. From Christmas brunches to artisanal objects for sale, there’s truly something for everyone with dozens of activities for all ages. This weekend is dedicated to Christmas flowers and plants, with 10 workshops on offer and live presentations. Don’t miss the treasure hunt for little ones and skateboarding in piazza della Ciminiera. Children can also take part in a toy swap and readings. December 16-17 takes a family and friends focus. Guided tours will be on offer, and there will even be the chance to get a photograph with your loved ones, taken by professional photographer Clara Vannucci. Don’t forget that the car park has 50% discounted rates from December 1 to January 14!
From December 8 to January 7, video mapping on the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio gathers gazers to share in the Christmas spirit, with the theme of this year’s light festival being ‘The Winter Garden’, urging viewers to care for the planet. Promoted by the City of Florence, curated by MUS.E and with artistic direction by Sergio Risaliti, the visuals and sounds were created by Stefano Fake and The Fake Factory, with the video projection on the facade of Palazzo Vecchio down to HELLO!, with Alessandra Ioalé, created by Francesco Cacchiani. The citrus trees in the garden of Palazzo Medici Riccardi will also receive original lighting with a Christmas tree decorated in collaboration with the Leon Battista Alberti art school. The historic towers, gates and other sites will be specially illuminated, including the facade of the basilica of San Marco, the Rinascente store and the central market in San Lorenzo. An installation by Nico Vascellari titled OLTRE is an exciting addition this year, set up in the Palazzo Vecchio’s Sala D’Arme.
Bring your pet(s) along for a holiday family portrait organized by Humane Society International – HIS, taking place at Ditta Artigianale in piazza Ferrucci from 11am to 1.30pm. The Florentine‘s Marco Badiani will be the photographer for the occassion! rsvp@chiarellopulitipartners.com
The Il Bisonte Foundation organizes an exhibition with artists Manfredi Ciminale, Chiara Chimirri, Victoria DeBlassie, David Hanes, Juan Pablo Macías, Gemma Mazzotti, Robert Minervini, Antonio Pronostico, Walter Rindone, Giulia Sensi, Luca Sposato and Silvia Vendramel, investigating the boundaries between artistic languages.
The latest Eneganart exhibition kicks off in Palazzo Strozzi’s Strozzina space. The national project aimed at promoting national talents is now in its seventh edition, and open to all residents in Italy. The title aims to remind viewers that art can be a light in dark times, providing hope and inspiration even in the most difficult moments.
The popular ice skating rink pops up from December 8 to January 15, said to be the largest rink in Tuscany. Skaters dash through the spectacular setting from 10am to midnight. While there, don’t miss the chance to take a spin on the 55-meter-high panoramic wheel, which will be on site from December 8 to June 10. Not a fan of heights? There’s a fabulous Christmas village with specially curated activities for families and children, as well as plenty of food stalls and more. The fun doesn’t stop there! From May 1 to June 10 there will be other attractions in place of the Christmassy-vibes, taking on a spring theme.
From November 28 to March 10, the Accademia Gallery hosts the first monographic exhibition in Europe dedicated to Pier Francesco Foschi (1502-67). The Florentine painter was a pupil of Andrea del Sarto and collaborated with Pontormo, with his successful career unfolding throughout the 16th century.
The Creative People in Florence group is organizing a contemporary craft fair at Ditta Artigianale Sant’Ambrogio on December 17 (10am-5.30pm), with a festive event featuring over 20 crafters to give you plenty of handmade gift ideas, including homeware, clothes, ceramics, footwear, plants, woodwork, jewellery and illustrations
At 6pm on December 17, there will be Nine Lessons and a carol service led by Mark Spyropoulos, celebrated with Christingles, a memorable candle-lit moment.
Organized by Toscana Produzione Musica, Alessandro Lanzoni, Francesco Dillon, Simone Graziano, Anaïs Drago, Salvatore Maltana, Marcello Peghin, Zoe Pia and the Tenores of Orosei perform at PARC in piazzale delle Cascine 4, for three days of concerts in order to dive into all kinds of music from jazz and electronic to world music. Entrance is 8 euro, 5 euro reduced
The five-star luxury establishment hosts its annual Open Day on December 17 from 10am to 4pm, raising funds for the Tuscan Cancer Association (TAA) and the Tuscan Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida Association as visitors enjoy the Gherardesca gardens with themed entertainment and gourmet food stations. One euro minimum donation requested per adult.
Firenze Creativa, in collaboration with Artex and The Florentine, have curated free festive shopping experiences focused on artisanal crafts, taking place over the course of Christmas crafts week, December 11-16. The first route sets off at 3pm on December 11, taking participants to discover the heart of Florentine craftsmanship. At the same time on December 12, the itinerary takes a contemporary twist in the Oltrarno, dedicated to female creative energies and taking place in English. At 3pm on December 15, the products highlighted will be in the Santissima Annunziata area. Finally, the event at 10am on December 16 is inspired by Pratolini’s Le Ragazze di San Frediano.
Admire the winning photographs of World Press Photo 2023 in the stunning setting, with the images treating many of the most urgent themes of 2022, from the climate crises to the impact of wars on civilians.
Signs of Christmas commence with the popping up of this much-loved German-inspired market, bringing street food stalls, sweet gift ideas, and a whole lot of atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the world of the renowned artist with this multimedia exhibition, which surrounds you in his colours and scenes. A fascinating 35-minute digital story created through 360° multi-projections and a suitably atmospheric soundtrack takes you through the tumultuous story of Vincent Van Gogh. Don’t miss the Oculus VR stations that transport you into a 3D sensory journey through some of his famous paintings and the enchanting “hall of mirrors”.
At Tenuta Ruffino Poggio Casciano, the time for the grape harvest has arrived. In the charming Tuscan countryside, not far from Florence, the carefully curated vineyards finally bear their fruit, ...
The Sensory Bar offers a 90-minute exclusive experience for coffee enthusiasts at the Scuola del Caffè, located within Ditta Artigianale in Piazza Sant’Ambrogio. Set in a historic venue, small groups ...
Un incontro ad alba avanzata, nel centro di Firenze. Passeggeremo per le stradine ed i vicoli con la brezza mattutina, con i colori magnifici del primo mattino (portate una macchina fotografica!) e i...
Experience a unique adventure while discovering Florence and its surroundings, all while comfortably seated in a sidecar (there’s space for two!), accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver. There are several ...
