Due to our trip last week (and wow, what a trip!), we’re a bit behind on our events post this month. We’re hoping the early twinkling of Christmas lights has distracted you for the first few days, and now we’ve got a month full of festivities (below and on the calendar) to keep you feeling merry and bright through 2015.
The Loggia of the Pazzi Chapel
#CrazyforPazzi | Now through December 19
In a small detour from our usually fully free lineup, we’re gonna go out on a limb here and ask if you would consider sparing a few dollars to help become a part of history. The Opera di Santa Croce has launched a Kickstarter to crowdsource the remaining funds needed to repair and restore the loggia of the famous Pazzi Chapel. If you’re a fan of art history, chances are you remember Brunelleschi’s study in architectural harmony. Well, professionals now warn that its loggia requires urgent attention to stop further deterioration after 550 years.
All it takes is $10 to contribute. Best yet, the donation will get your name inscribed in a handmade leather book, made by the Scuola del Cuoio, that will be kept in Santa Croce’s historical archive. Meaning 550 years from now, future Florentines could still see your name listed as a supporter of the church and chapel.
So, since it is the season of giving, why not give to sustaining a historical masterpiece? Or consider it a small gift to yourself–adding your name to the historic annals of Florence. For a short film on the situation and other benefits of giving, visit here.
Christmas tree outside Santa Maria del Fiore by zapzipzep
Tree Lighting | December 8
The holiday spirit increases with every new light switch that is flipped street by street. So imagine how spectacular the city will feel once the tree in Piazza del Duomo is fully lit for the season! It goes bright on this night each year in celebration of Mary’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Once it’s lit, keep the magic going by taking our Christmas Walk through city center. Or, if you’re interested in checking out all of the festive store displays (and their windows full of holiday magic!), may we recommend our Fashion as Art Walk?
Weihnachtsmarkt in Florence by six72
Christmas Markets | Throughout December
Also don’t forget to swing by one of the many Christmas markets this month. There’s our old faithful favorite, the Santa Croce Weihnachtsmarkt, a delightful, open-air Bavarian market open today (December 3) through the 21st. But there are also a number of other holiday bazaars around town to check out–our friend Georgette has them all detailed here. No matter which you choose, these markets are the way to go if you’re looking for unique gifts for hard-to-please pals!
Works in the New Florence Project Show
NYC + Florence Art Show | December 11-13
The “New Florence Project” is a collaborative project featuring the works of 16 artists, both Florentine and American, who have mixed inspiration and imagery from both Florence and New York City. The show is free, as is the opening event, which will feature food, wine and holiday shopping at the Sala delle Leopoldine in Piazza Tasso. There are also a number of other free events coinciding with the show, all hosted by the Claudio Ciai Foundation. For full details, visit here.
Inside of St. Mark’s English Church via Wikimedia
City Caroling | December 14 & 21
How better to celebrate the season (after lights walks and Christmas markets, of course) than by caroling in the Oltrarno? Head to St. Mark’s English Church at 6 p.m. for some holiday singing, then stick around after for mince pies and Gluhwein. On the 14th singers will head around the neighborhood, and on the 21st they’ll stay indoors for Nine Lessons and Carols, so plan as you like. Also of note: these events are running alongside a larger program called Contemporaneamente that showcases contemporary art, design and culture on Via Maggio from December 4-24. For the full lineup of events, visit here.
Christmas in Florence by bigmico
New Year’s Eve | December 31
For the final party of 2014, it’s time to take it to the piazze. Expect open-air concerts in some of the major piazzas and even a fireworks show over the city at midnight. Details on who is performing where should be announced closer to the end of the month. We’ll be sure to update you as we know. Have fun and stay safe!
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We wish you all a very happy holiday season. Tanti auguri, amici!
Hannah
Meg
Emily
Florence for Free 
Thanks for including me and very interesting regarding the NYC art school event! As for caroling, well Florence would pay me to do that..