The AILO Christmas Bazaar: New Venue & Dates

The American International League of Florence (AILO)’s beloved Christmas Bazaar, proudly celebrates its 50th edition, returning from November 21 to 23, 2025 – this year in an exciting new location: the Visarno Hippodrome in the Cascine Park.  Hours:  Friday 1 – 6 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm.

A cherished Florence tradition, the Bazaar brings the holiday spirit to life with varied stands offering everything from clothing, accessories, books, crafts and handmade goods, Christmas decorations and the popular “white elephant” table featuring mostly household goods and a few odd vintage pieces and knick knacks.  As in previous years, the venue will be filled with a large selection of gift items, whether to treat a dear one or one’s self, all at unbeatable prices.

Previously held in the Horticulture Garden of the Tepidarium del Roster, a massive 1880s greenhouse in the Orticoltura Park, the event has moved due to ongoing restoration work of the historic glass structure. The Visarno Hippodrome creates a wonderful new atmosphere, complete with a special harness horse race to open the festivities on November 21 at 1:30 pm. Visitors are invited to enjoy from the grandstands which will culminate in the awarding of two AILO trophies.

Access to the Bazaar can be easily reached via Piazzale delle Cascine, where free parking is available. Another option is public transport: bus 17C and the T2 Cascine tram stop. Dogs are also welcomed at the event, making it a true family outing.

To truly embrace the spirit of the season, guests can indulge in a variety of  food and refreshments options, including hamburgers, hotdogs, brownies, soft drinks, homemade hot chocolate and mulled wine. In addition, the much-anticipated lottery returns for another year, offering standout prizes such as a tablet, generously donated by AILO, a Ferragamo handbag, fine wines and an array of beauty and hair treatment gift cards.

The annual Bazaar enables AILO, an English-speaking charitable organisation, to support the Florence community through raising vital funds for local charities. This year’s possible beneficiaries include:

Circolo Acli Grassina: funding to build an additional accessible entrance at the back of their building to facilitate disabled access to their garden.

ASD San Lorenzo Campi: support to complete the purchase of a van for transporting children in the area, whose families do not have a car, allowing them to participate in sports.

Scuola Nazionale Cani Guida Ciechi: funding  will go towards the purchase and training of a guide dog, to be paired with a blind individual.

AMA Amici del Mondo Animale ODV: donations would contribute to the purchase of tests, medicines and vaccines for in their shelter and in colonies they take care of in Florence.

Associazione Nuova Aurora APS: contributions will help fund an experience of independence for three of their members with financial and mental health problems.

The grant recipients are voted on by club members after the event.

Held during the weekend leading up to November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Bazaar also commemorates the past generosity and success in raising support for Viva Vittoria, a volunteer-based project whose main goal is helping women who have experienced domestic violence.  (April Shally)