Florence Holiday Shopping at Charity Fairs

‘Tis the season for giving back, by holiday shopping at charity fairs.

Over 100 years old, the British Institute, with the largest English language library on the European continent, has organized a charming event for the Christmas season. If you need to finish your holiday shopping, head to the December 6 fair at the Library from 3 to 6 pm.  The event can be accessed from the Lungarno Guicciardini 15 entrance.

For sale will be books, handmade gifts, homemade goods, refreshments, and library gift vouchers. There will also be a raffle with prizes like a Christmas at Highgrove gift basket, a handmade box by Ann Hepper, or a bottle of special Capponi wine. Raffle tickets are €1 each, or six for €5.  Expect to find hot minced pies and mulled wine.  The British Institute is also notable for its excellent Italian and English classes.

Another opportunity for holiday shopping at a charity fair in Florence is offered by “Nataleperfile” or “Christmas for FILE,” at Palazzo Corsini (entrances on Lungarno Corsini and via del Parione) by the Italian Foundation of Leniterapia (FILE). The 17th edition takes place on the weekend of Dec. 6 – 8 from 10 am – 7 pm. Revenue from the sale of vintage collectibles, small antiques, handmade crafts, food and wines and more will go to FILE, a non-profit association that assists the terminally ill and their families. Don’t overlook the panettone, traditional Italian Christmas bread that has become the trademark treat of FILE’s fair, made by the renowned Tuscan confectioner Corsini. There will be creative workshops for children, vendors and artisans, who donate part of their earnings to FILE through the sale of their products, which include clothing, linens for the home, modern art, jewelry, perfume, cosmetics, books and toys.

The weekend also brings the traditional Fierucola of the Immacolata in Piazza SS. Annunziata (Dec. 7 & 8, from 9 am – 7 pm).  This edition customarily showcases non-profit and volunteer organizations as well as hand-made crafts, health and beauty products, farm fresh organic produce, wine and olive oil, Christmas gift ideas and decorations both from Tuscany and other regions of Italy.    The space under the loggia of the square is reserved for weaving workshops and DIY games, open to children and adults.  (mary filatova/additional reporting by jax viteznik)