Here’s our round-up for December 21-28, 2023.
It’s Christmastime! If you fancy getting out and about (after having spent ample time cozy and comfortable, as is required!), here’s our round-up of things to do this week.
Share your events with The Florentine: events@theflorentine.net
Ballerinas from the Romanian National Opera perform Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic on December 23, transporting audiences to a magical and wonderful winter wonderland. The festive favourite includes all the charming symbols of the season, from a Christmas tree and snowflakes to toy soldiers and sweets. Delighting audiences of all ages, Clara and the ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ will glide you into the holiday period in spectacular style. Tickets (20-56 euro) are purchasable via Box Office Toscana and TicketOne.
The soulful performance celebrates 60 years with Whitney Houston, with the highly talented singers giving expert renditions. December 22; 8.45pm, tickets from 26 euro.
Settle into Cinema La Compagnia to enjoy six Disney films from the 1960s and 70s, including Mary Poppins and Pete’s Dragon, screened in Italian. 5 euro full, 4 reduced. 7 euro for film and snack (one companion free). There’s a free ticket for customers of Lìlà Toys, with a store receipt, and there’s a 10% discount for a purchase from Lìlà Toys upon presentation of your cinema ticket.
A calendar of free guided tours takes in some of the city’s historic sites takes place until January 7, bringing visitors through lesser-known areas of the centre and exploring the reasons why the city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, focusing on the areas around Porta San Gallo and San Miniato al Monte. Email: info@musefirenze.it.
The art event involving the entire city of Pisa sees murals all over, as well as exhibitions at Palazzo Blu, and an installation inside the Spina Church. Artists involved include Kobra, who explores the Avant-garde and Bauhaus in a street-style, and Gonzalo Borondo from Spain whose poignant installation is sure to be a highlight.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 ...
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, ...
Supercar lovers are in for a treat this October 11 to 13 as five-star luxury hotel Villa La Massa holds a car event like no other. Villa La Massa Excellence ...
