The Four Seasons ‘Open Day’ Christmas Event 2019

Designed for children of all ages, the Four Seasons ‘Open Day’ at the Gherardesca garden on Sunday, December 15 is an annual event eagerly looked forward to by the Florence community during Christmas time.

One of the largest private gardens of the city, now part of the Four Seasons Hotel (entrances at Piazzale Donatello 12, via Gino Capponi 54 and Borgo Pinti 97), will host stands selling gift items, roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate, as well a Christmas decoration workshop from 10 am – 4 pm. Performances will begin at 10:30 am with flag throwing by the Bandierai degli Uffizi followed by the Company of Santa Claus carolers (pictured). Concerts begin at noon with the Florence and Scandicci children’s choir, followed by the gospel singers of Caf, the African Choir of Florence. A buffet will be set up in an area of the park featuring the culinary specialties of restaurants including Borgo San Jacopo, Buca Lapi, The Cooking Touch, Fuor d’Acqua, Trattoria Mario and Trattoria Da Burde with Antico Vinaio offering their famous schiacciate panini.

Two handcrafted nativity scenes will be set up by the Bottega de Grassi, one of which will be in motion, while the other is life-size during the Four Seasons ‘Open Day.’  The Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic will provide a medieval reenactment. The €1 admission fee for adults only will be donated to newly established Patrizio Cipollini Foundation, which aims to support education, scientific research and other charitable initiatives.  (alex reilly & mary filatova)