Christmas in the Florentine Area

As we wait for Christmas, big decorations light up Sesto Fiorentino, where Piazza Vittorio Veneto becomes the beating heart of the festivities.
Until January 11, a large illuminated fir tree stands in the square, with elegant Christmas lights branching out along the streets of the city center. This is where the most eagerly-awaited events are concentrated: those dedicated to flavors, Santa's House and a busy program of shows for all the family.

The Christmas events in Fiesole, entitled Dialogs between Earth and Sky, kick off on December 7 and 8. Warm, embracing lights fill the village streets: star-shaped garlands, trees dotted with thousands of tiny lights, chains of gleaming beads and a large glowing sphere. The Christmas trees dominate the scene, especially the one in Piazza Mino. This is the very space where events dedicated especially to children are held until Epiphany.

Christmas activities are spread across two main events in the Municipality of Pontassieve: for 41 years, a picturesque Living Nativity Scene has been staged in the village of Santa Brigida. With the participation of 60 figures, the Nativity scene is held outdoors on December 24 and 26 and January 6. The village of Bethlehem and the stable where Jesus was born is reconstructed in a natural amphitheater below the parish church.
From December 8 to January 10, the hamlet of Montebonello will once again shine with PIN (a Christmas Lighting Project), which turns the hamlet into a real village of light. One million LED lights create sparkling paths and spectacular corners, providing a poetic experience loved by both adults and children. Perfect for an evening stroll in the most enchanting Christmas atmosphere.

The holiday season in Impruneta features a truly rich program. It starts on December 6, when the lights on the Christmas tree in Piazza Buondelmonti are turned on - always an eagerly-awaited moment. The initiatives continue until January 6: don't miss the days dedicated to olive oil and wine tastings, taking place on December 13, 20 and 27 under the Loggiato del Pellegrino, a perfect opportunity for discovering the most authentic local flavors.

You can already see the Christmas decorations in Florence too, mostly in the shopping streets; lights and videomapping come to life from December 6 under the name of F-Lights Up.
For years now, visitors have been enchanted by the projections on the iconic monuments of Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte Vecchio, which are joined this year by the Church of San Paolino. 
However, Christmas in Florence also means a festival of lights, which highlight public and private buildings. Then there are the illuminated fir trees in various squares, the most admired being the ones in Piazza del Duomo and Piazzale Michelangelo.