The annual lighting of the Christmas trees occurs on December 7 starting at 5:30 p.m. Florence Mayor Dario Nardella and the many Santas from the Compagnia di Babbo Natale set out from piazza della Signoria to turn on the tree lights in piazza del Duomo at 6 p.m. The event is enhanced by the Gonfalone di Firenze, the Light Gospel Choir, and a historically costumed parade. At 7.30 p.m., the Piazzale Michelangelo tree will be turned on, and at 8.30 p.m., the Piazza San Firenze tree will transform into its holiday form. There are 60 trees decorated throughout Florence, one for each of the city’s zones.
The Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio video mapping, which has “The Winter Garden” as its subject and encourages viewers to take care of the environment, brings people together to celebrate Christmas. The video mapping runs from December 8 to January 7. The video projection on the Palazzo Vecchio facade, which features Alessandra Ioalé, was made by Francesco Cacchiani. The event was organized by MUS.E, curated by Stefano Fake and The Fake Factory, and directed artistically by Sergio Risaliti. The event is supported by the City of Florence. A Christmas tree decorated in association with the Leon Battista Alberti art school will also have unique lighting for the citrus trees in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi garden. The ancient gates, towers, and other locations, such as the San Marco basilica’s facade, the Rinascente shop, and San Lorenzo’s primary market, will have special lighting. This year’s interesting addition is an installation by Nico Vascellari called OLTRE, which is located in the Sala D’Arme of the Palazzo Vecchio.
The popular ice skating rink will be open from December 8 to January 15 in the Cascine park’s new site, piazzale Vittorio Veneto. From 10 a.m. to midnight, skaters race through the beautiful surroundings. While you’re there, don’t pass up the opportunity to ride the 55-metre-high panoramic wheel, which will be on location from December 8 to June 10. Are you afraid of heights? There’s a fantastic Christmas village with specifically planned activities for families and children, as well as several food vendors and other attractions.
If You are interested to know more about the tradition of Christmas in Florence, and discover the city, you can come with us to visit the most important square and monuments of Florence. We are starting our tour from Santa Maria Novella square. our Florence Free Tour start in front of Minerva Hotel. You can recognize our guide because he has an open umbrella.
