Best events in December 2014

Best events in December 2014

FESTIVE/Christmas Markets Throughout the month Various locations in Florence   Florence is full to the brim with Christmas markets. From December 3-21, in piazza Santa Croce, the annual Weihnachstsmarkt, traditional German markets, return to the square. The small wooden huts, mulled wine and typical German food (strudel, Bratwurst,

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Wed 05 Nov 2014 11:00 PM

FESTIVE/Christmas Markets

Throughout the month

Various locations in Florence

 

Florence is full to the brim with Christmas markets. From December 3-21, in piazza Santa Croce, the annual Weihnachstsmarkt, traditional German markets, return to the square. The small wooden huts, mulled wine and typical German food (strudel, Bratwurst, pretzels and more) bring a touch of Germany to Florence. The Immaculate Conception is also celebrated in Florence, with a two-day fair in piazza SS. Annunziata from December 7-8, 9am-8pm. For one day only, in piazza Santo Spirito, the Fierucola di Natale fills the square from 9am-7pm. www.lafierucola.org

Take shelter from the cold in Florence’s Fortezza da Basso from December 11-14 with Natale in Fortezza,  www.nataleinfortezza.it, and head to Palazzo Corsini on December 12-14. The Mercato Nataleperfile raises money for FILE (Fondazione Italiana di Leniterapia ONLUS), the charitable association which assists terminally ill patients and their families. www.leniterapia.it

Last, but certainly not least, the A.I.L.O (American International League of Florence) hosts its annual Christmas Bazaar from 10am-5pm on December 8. The charitable event has a distinctly American feel -you can enjoy foods such as brownies, hamburgers, jams and pickles -making it one of a kind in the city. As well as the many stands, there will be a raffle, with prizes announced at 2.30pm. www.ailoflorence.org

 

 

DANCE/Twist & Shout!

December 20, 9pm

Viper Theatre, via Pistoiese, Florence

 

Not strictly a festive affair, but the best 50s and 60s party will definitely put you in the party mood! Due to popular demand, the foot-tapping, vintage event is back in town. Twist and shout to the irresistible beats of rock ‘n’ roll, doo wop and blues, with some internationally renowned special guest musicians! If you’re finding it difficult to tease your hair into a super 60s style, there will be help on hand from Ketty-Vintage Style-Cinieri, who can pin it up in true vintage fashion. See the website for more information, www.viperclub.eu

 

 

JAZZ/Pinocchio returns!

December 6/13/20

Circolo Vie Nuove, viale Donato Giannotti 13, Florence

 

Pinnochio Live Jazz is back for its 21st season, with three jazz-tastic concerts in December. The jazz quartet poLO (poli .oriented. Language Orbits) performs tracks from its new album, Back Home, on December 6. Their jazz style is an interesting mix of acoustic-electric, with indie rock and pop influences. December 13, welcomes pianist Stefano Maurizi with a jazz tribute to the Swedish pianist Esbjorn Svensson. The final instalment of the year, on December 20, showcases Mirko Guerrini & Friends. One of Tuscany’s most beloved saxophonists is back after an absence of two years. He takes to the stage with some surprise guests and new compositions. All concerts begin at 9.45pm. See www.pinocchiojazz.it for more information.

 

FAIR/Cats and cameras

December 6–7

Fortezza da Basso, Florence

 

Florence’s Fortezza da Basso hosts an intriguing two-day fair combining cats and cameras. The international cat show will have breeds from across the globe, from Persian to Bengal. Cat lovers are sure to find some feline friends here, as well as an area filled with cat objects and toys. At the same time, the public can explore the section of the fair dedicated to vintage cameras.  The vintage and modern camera swap is a new feature this year, so budding photographers looking for a change of camera, might be in luck!

 

CINEMA/Original Sound

December 18–31

Odeon Cinema, piazza Strozzi

 

With just over two weeks left in the 50 Days of Cinema film festival (http://theflr.net/50giorni), there is no need to fear the post-festival blues, with the Odeon’s original language line-up for the rest of the month. First up, from December 1826, is Jimmy’s Hall: the film tells the true story of Irish political activist, Jimmy Gralton, who was deported to the United States in 1933. Let you imagination run wild with The Hobbitthe battle of the five armies, screening on December 22 and 23. Finally, in the run up to the New Year, St. Vincent hits the Odeon screens from December 2731, with a star-studded cast including Bill Murray, Naomi Watts and Melissa McCarthy.  See the website for updates in the programme, www.odeonfirenze.com

 

 

ELECTRO/Nextech Special

December 7

Fortezza da Basso, Florence

 

With electro beats late into the night, the Nextech Special is sure to keep your feet tapping. With music from some of the top international electronic artists, such as Sam Peganini, the only Italian techno DJ to have had record deals with three big labels, Nicole Moudaber, the Nigerian born DJ who took a stand against the police in Beruit and was arrested for organising an anti-conformist party, and German DJ Recondite, to name but a few. Lovers of techno won’t want to miss out! Visit www.nextechfestival.com for tickets and details.

 

GRAPHIC/Shades of colour

Until March 8, 2015

Gallery of Modern Art, Pitti Palace, Florence

 

The Modern Art Gallery in the Pitti Palace hosts a black and white, graphics exhibition, Il colore dell’ombra which runs until March 8, 2015. Around a hundred works, amongst the largest collection by the Gallery, will be on display and divided into nine sections: portraits, landscapes, dream-like images, international female symbolism, city cathedrals, the world of work and others. The idea is to convey the fact that black and white does not lack ‘colour’, and is in fact full of nuances of light and dark. See www.polomuseale.firenze.it for more information.

 

BALLET/En pointe!

December 8 and January 2, 2015

Teatro Verdi, via Ghibellina 99, Florence

 

As the festive seasons gets under way, what could be more magical than an evening at the ballet? With primi ballerini from the Staatsballett in Berlin, the Teatro Verdi in Florence is transformed into the Christmassy setting of Swan Lake on December 8. The Classique Moscow Ballet Company performs Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet at 4.45pm and again at 8.45pm. To celebrate the New Year, head back to the Teatro Verdi on January 2 for a rendition of The Nutcracker, performed by the Royal Moscow Ballet Company. For tickets, see the website www.teatroverdionline.it

 

CONCERT/Life is Sweet

December 3

9pm

Nelson Mandela Forum, viale Pasquale Paoli, Florence

 

Niccolò Fabi, Daniele Silvestri and Max Gazzè, each famous in their own right, are now joining forces on an international tour. Although only now beginning their public journey together, the trio have in fact been playing together for years. The desire and shared curiosity enables them to create music and re-invent themselves as they go. Their new tour comes to Florence on December 3, where new songs will be performed and old songs re-worked. See the website for tickets, www.mandelaforum.it

 

 

 

#TFWeekly will be on its Christmas holidays from December 25 until January 8, 2015. However, look out for The Florentine’s ‘Christmas and New Year events in Florence and Tuscany’, coming soon!

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