Christmas Cheer: Florence’s Charity Fairs
The most wonderful time of the year is finally here, with fairs and markets that all contribute to noble causes. Here is how to extend a hand to those in need, and feel fulfilled knowing that each personal contribution is part of something grand.
It must be noted that there are a few variations and additions to Florence’s season of giving, but one certainty: the traditional German Christmas market is returning to Piazza Santa Croce, and can be visited up to December 21.
Held annually for the past 40 years, the mother of Florence’s charity markets, the AILO Bazaar, is changing venue and date: no longer December 8 at Le Pagliere but rather December 10 – 11 at Porta Romana’s Convitto della Calza.
Instead of Florence’s Istituto degli Innocenti, this year’s focus at Four Season’s December 18 Open Day in the Gherardesca garden is on raising funds for a brand new school bus for a town damaged by the recent earthquakes in central Italy. Designed for enjoyment by the entire family, the Open Day is one of the city’s most anticipated festive events.
Also specifically for children is the Angels for a Day toy drive through signed cards and a donation until December 15 at the Paperback Exchange (via delle Oche 4/r).
CALENDAR
Dec. 10 – 11: ATT Christmas Market. Palazzo Budini Gattai, piazza Santissima Annunziata. Sat. 9:30 am – 8:30 pm; Sun. 9:30 am – 7 pm. Free admission.
The members of ATT, or the Cancer Association Toscana, are everyday heroes. They provide nonstop assistance for cancer patients at home, 24/7, every day of the year thanks to a team comprised of doctors, psychologists, nurses, and medical social workers on duty in the provinces of Florence, Prato, and Pistoia.
Their work can be supported during their market, stocked with donations from name brand designers (think Gucci) and famed leather boutiques. Clothes, costume jewelry plus Christmas baskets can be found here, an Italian tradition of wicker hampers filled with wines and Christmas breads. Even the space, Palazzo Budini Gattai, has been donated to help support this special organization.
Dec. 10 – 11: American International League of Florence (AILO) Christmas Bazaar. Convitto della Calza, Piazza della Calza 6). Sat. 3:30 – 7 pm; Sun. 10:30 am – 7 pm. Free admission.
AILO is a non-profit organization that manages to raise an incredible €30,000 for selected charities every year during the Bazaar, the only one that destines funds for multiple charities. This year’s likely recipients include AIsla Firenze (for ALS patient care), AMA (an animal care facility), Telefono Azzurro (day care for kids whose parents are in prison), CRIS (art therapy for the physically and mentally challenged) and “I Ragazzi del Sol,” which aims to improve the independence of disabled children.
Those seeking a true Christmas experience, look no further. Beyond the booths filled with homemade treats such as brownies, cakes, jams and jellies, handmade holiday decorations, kitchenware, books, clothing, accessories and toys, are some unique market experiences. One is a silent auction; another, the “White Elephant” table filled with second hand items donated as gifts. A lottery will award bottles of fine wines, leather goods by famous designers and more, with the grand prize of a brand new iPhone 7 the major attraction.
Santa Claus will make a special appearance to greet children, who are also invited to join a session of face painting. The bazaar will also showcase a “Lucky Dip:” a grab bag of wrapped gifts accessible with a ticket purchase.
Dec. 18: Open Day at the Four Seasons. Gherardesca garden, Four Seasons Hotel, Borgo Pinti 99. Open 10 am – 4 pm. Admission: €1 for adults.
The day will celebrate the pleasure of sharing with friends and family.
The Four Seasons garden hosts a feast complete with music and entertainment. Tents will fill the park, offering roasted chestnuts, popcorn and decadent hot chocolate. Mulled wines will be available and top chefs from the Tuscan region will offer some of their specialties.
Entertainment for the little ones includes the Society of Santa Claus, a group of jolly Santas ready to brighten every child’s day, and the Bottega dei Grassi Nesi with a holiday decoration laboratory. There will be a live concert by the Piccolo Melograno children’s choir in addition to Christmas caroling. (carson cecil/additional reporting by rosanna cirigliano)
