Florence’s 2024 Christmas Countdown

 

For this year’s Christmas season, the city of Florence is offering many exciting activities, perfectly complementing the magical winter atmosphere. As the city becomes even more beautiful, decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and garlands, various events and initiatives are set to begin. 

The Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce is taking place through December 23. Visitors can not only shop for a variety of crafts but also enjoy eating delicious food, including cuisine from different parts of Europe, with both savory and sweet dishes on offer.

St. Mark’s English Church (via Maggio 16/18) has prepared a variety of events for the English-speaking community. The celebrations begin on Wednesday, December 11, at 7 pm with a wreath-making workshop. The cost is €10, which includes all necessary materials and an aperitivo. On Friday, December 13, participants can take part in making Christingles, which are objects symbolizing the birth of Christ, used in the Advent and Christmas services of many Christian churches. The typical Christingles consist of a candle inserted into an orange, decorated with a red ribbon, sweets, or dried fruit. 

Everyone can join the Sunday Carol and Lesson Service, with Advent readings from the Old and New Testament, which are interspersed with Christmas Carols in English accompanied by the church’s choir on December 15. Afterward, mince pies and mulled wine will be served. A candle-lit Christmas caroling event will begin at St. Mark’s Church and the singing will continue on a walk to Piazza Santo Spirito on Tuesday, December 17 at 6:30 pm.

St. James American Church (via Rucellai 9) invites everyone to a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 15 at 11 am. On the same day, there will be a concert by the Choir of Kent College – Canterbury, UK, featuring Music for Advent and Christmas at 6:30 pm. The concert will include compositions by Chilcott, Britten, Tavener, Rutter and Warlock.  Entrance is free although donations are welcome.

NATIVITY SCENES

The Nativity scene has been once again set up in front of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral), marking the 14th consecutive year. This life-sized display, crafted from terracotta sculptures, just like the tiles on Santa Maria del Fiore, features unique pieces created in the round by artisan Luigi Mariani. These sculptures reflect the ancient Florentine tradition of terracotta artistry, which emerged in Florence during the 15th century. Revived by Donatello and Brunelleschi after being neglected throughout the Middle Ages, this technique became a key element of artistic expression in Tuscany. 

The statues represent the Holy Family, an angel, the ox and donkey, a shepherd, and two sheep will be joined by the figure of St. Francis. The baby Jesus will be added to the Nativity scene on Christmas Day

The Basilica of Santo Spirito in Piazza Santo Spirito also hosts the Nativity scene by master Albino Todeschini. It is displayed in front of the main door of the church. Admission to the church is free, but visitors are not allowed during services. This is a perfect opportunity to admire the art inside of the Basilica (such as the Crucifix carved by Michelangelo) and explore the entire monumental complex. 

The Rivoli Boutique Hotel in Florence (via della Scala 33) is hosting a Nativity exhibition with free admission, featuring 30 different works created by craftsman Carlo Landurini from Fiumalbo. One of the most remarkable Nativity scenes can be found at the Don Orione Institute (Via Capo di Mondo, 34). The electro-mechanical Christmas Nativity scene takes 50 meters and includes moving characters, flowing water, a gleaming sunrise, and sounds of nature.

LIGHTS & SANTA’S HOUSE

Video mapping technology alternating shapes, volumes, colors, and surfaces through light are projected at night on the Ponte Vecchio and the facades of the church of San Paolino, Palazzo Vecchio through January 6, and holiday lights will decorate Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the Chamber of Commerce, Palazzo Medici Riccardi and the streets of Florence.

The Santa Claus House located in Palazzo Vecchio will be open through December 24. This space gives children the opportunity for children to write letters and mail letters to Santa Claus with their Christmas wishes. And if you happen to stop by on the weekends, Santa Claus will be there to say hello to visitors!  (Paulina Juzak)