Here’s our round-up for December 22-29
Santa is on his way and the city has come alive with cheer. Plan for a magical Christmas with a Swan Lake performance, Christmas concerts, and more. Here’s a summary of this week’s best events.
Be sent to far off lands as you listen to Tchaikovsky’s soaring strings and gaze in wonder at the international ballerinas from the Romanian National Opera as they take over the theatre with dream-like dancing on December 23. There’s something quintessentially festive about seeing ballet in a stunning setting such as Teatro della Pergola over Christmastime, with the historic theatre hosting the exceptional ballet, replicating the original story as it was almost 150 years ago. Tickets cost from 22 euro to 57.20.
Teatro del Maggio Musicale is home to a new installation titled Prospectives with Horizons by artist Alfredo Pirri. Geometric marble forms top the Sala Zubin Mehta, with the “metaphysical archaeological site” visitable free of charge.
Join independent art giant POP APE at Fermino bar for a live coding performance. This event will combine art, music, and technology, created entertainment that has been algorithmically generated.
Reminisce on childhood classics for a film festival of Disney Favorites. Cinema la Compagnia will screen a program of seven films in Italian as well as Dilili à Paris in French and Winnie the Pooh in English.
The Galleria dell’Accademia is hosting a new exhibition featuring photos of the Riace Bronzes by Luigi Spina and curated by Carmelo Malacrino. Photos of the two bronze statues famously found in 1972 will be on display in celebration of the 50th anniversary since their discovery.
Enjoy a night of music on Christmas Eve with Orchestra della Toscana at Teatro Verdi. Conductor Daniele Rustioni and violinist Francesca Dego take the stage with the acclaimed orchestra performing Prokofiev’s Concerto n.2 op.63.
Join Peppa Pig and her friends for a day at the beach. A live theater performance in Italian features Peppa and her friends on stage for a fun adventure filled with music and laughter.
Cinema Stensen is screening a new film about a couple that goes on a luxury cruise that seems great until things take a turn. This film won the Palme d’Or award at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. The screening is in English, with Italian subtitles.
December 23+24: Una mattina nel parco sees children enjoying a delightful (free) train ride throughout Cascine Park that will end with a very exciting introduction to none other than Santa Claus. Reservation required. T: 055 2768224, email: info@musefirenze.it.
December 24 + 25: St. Mark’s Church will hold Christmas masses on Christmas eve and Christmas Day in English for those interested in worship.
December 24: St. James Episcopal Church (via Bernardo Rucellai 9) holds the First Mass of Christmas at 6pm, with Midnight Mass at 11pm. Mass on Christmas Day will be held at 10am. Services are in English, with hymns and organ accompaniment. info@stjames.it
The Santi Apostoli Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Christmas Vigil on December 24 with a Mass in English at 5pm and in Italian at 6pm, with Christmas Vigil Night Mass in English and Italian at 11pm. On December 25, Mass in English takes place at 10.30am and in Italian at 11.30am and 7pm. The church will lead a Holy Land Pilgrimage in English from January 15-22, contact kcameron@legionaries.org for information.
Get in touch with Florence’s vibrant Jewish community for guided tours of the Synagogue, museum and cemetery during Hanukkah, December 18-26. www.firenzebraica.it.
Until January 8
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.
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.
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.