Shows not to be missed during the Christmas holidays in Florence
From the classics to contemporary. Theatre for all tastes and all ages
The Christmas period transforms Florence into an even more fascinating place, with lights, markets and a festive atmosphere that can be felt throughout the city. Let's explore together the main theatre events in Florence during the festive season, a wonderful opportunity to experience art and culture in one of the most charming periods of the year.
Teatro del Maggio
Until 22 December, the last opera event of 2024 at the Teatro del Maggio, in the Sala Grande with Stravinsky's diptych Mavra and Puccini's Gianni Schicchi. Of supreme interest to Florence is the Gianni Schicchi, famous for the aria O mio abbino caro: it is in fact a Florentine story from the 30th canto of Dante's Infernowhich in turn was inspired by a real event: Gianni Schicchi, a member of the Cavalcanti family, substituted himself for the corpse of Buoso Donati to dictate a false will in favor of the latter's son, Simone - disinherited by his father as in the story narrated by Puccini who transforms this anecdote into a hilarious and lively lyrical picture that every Florentine and every lover of Florence should see live at least once in their lifetime.
On 21 December, a concert dedicated to Igor Stravinsky and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, conducted by Ivor Bolton, will be staged at the Teatro del Maggio.
On 22 December it will be time for the much anticipated Christmas Concert of the Gruppo Musica d'insieme Astrolabio conducted by Samuele Zagara, in which music by Debussy, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and many others will be played.
From 3 to 5 January it will be time for Fantasia, the live concert based on Walt Disney films and directed by Timothy Brock.
Teatro Niccolini
The London-based Swingle Singers on Dec. 14, specialists in a cappella polyphony from classical to pop.
On Jan. 2, the concert in collaboration with Terre di Siena, in memory of Antonio Lysy with the Chamber Music Extravaganza (Carnival of the Animals, Schubert, Rossini, Piazzolla).
On New Year's Eve, pianist Alessio Bax brings to life a special evening of champagne and fine music, joined by celebrated virtuosos of stringed instruments to celebrate the masterpieces of classical music in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Verdi Theatre
On Saturday 21 December, at 20:45, Arturo Brachetti arrives on the Verdi stage in the unusual role of showteller. Pierino, il lupo e l'altro is a concert between story and music directed by Giacomo Loprieno. Based on the musical fairy tale by Sergei Prokofiev, the show will bring to life an evening of popularisation and involvement for audiences of all ages.
On Tuesday 24 December, at 17:00, the Christmas Concert of the Orchestra della Toscana conducted by Diego Ceretta will be staged. The score Idyll of Siegfried and Träume, for violin and orchestra both by Richard Wagner and Symphony No. 7 op.92 by Ludwig van Beethoven have been chosen for the occasion.
On Thursday 26 December, at 4.45 p.m., Teatro Verdi will host Paolo Ruffini's Il babysitter, the podcast-verité that attempts to narrate the present day through the perspective of children. Conceived and performed by Paolo Ruffini, with three young performers Isabel Aversa, Leonardo Zambelli and Lorenzo Pedrazzi, selected from the podcast, and Claudia Campolongo at the piano. Il babysitter is a show of comedy and improvisation for families and a journey between fun and love.
On Friday 27 December, at 20:45, the Compagnia del Buono will come with L'acqua cheta, a timeless classic of Florentine theatre. The comedy was written by Agusto Novelli and more than 100 years after its debut continues to excite generations of Florentines.
From Saturday 28 to Tuesday 31 December, it will be time for La strana coppia (The Odd Couple), the Neil Simon comedy staged by Gianluca Guidi and Giampiero Ingrassia with a production by Francesco and Virginia Bellomo.
On Sunday 29 and Monday 30 December, the stage will be dedicated to A Christmas Carol, the Christmas musical inspired by Charles Dickens' work that has been thrilling spectators all over the world for decades.
On Wednesday 1 January at 5 p.m., 2025 will begin with the New Year's Concert of the Orchestra della Toscana, which returns as the protagonist of a now essential appointment for music lovers. Conducted by Gianna Fratta, the programme promises a journey from opera to operetta.
On Thursday 2 January at 20:45, it will be time for The Nutcracker, with the Balletto di Roma producing a new version of the ballet symbol of the Christmas tradition, signed by Massimiliano Volpini, with scenes and costumes by Erika Carretta and rearranged with a new cast featuring the extraordinary participation of the talented dancer Marisol Castellanos.
From 4 to 6 January comes the musical Peter Pan, directed by Maurizio Colombi.
Pergola Theatre
From 27 December to 3 January, Magnifica Presenza, a show by Ferzan Ozpetek starring Serra Yilmaz, Tosca D'Aquino and Erik Tonelli, will be on stage.
Rifredi Theatre
From 27 to 29 December at the Rifredi Theatre comes Natale in Casa Cupiello, by Eduardo De Filippo. A show capable of moving, entertaining. With an unconventional staging by Vincenzo Ambrosino and Luca Saccoia, in which Saccoia himself, directed by Lello Serao, interacts with puppets created by Tiziano Fario.
Puccini Theatre
Thursday 26 and Friday 27 December, at 6 p.m., it will be the time for Alice in Wonderland with adaptation, direction and music by Teo Paoli.
On Monday 30 December and Tuesday 31 December, the stage will be taken by Rocco Papaleo and Giovanni Veronesi with their Due maledetti amici, a journey between a theatrical performance and a reunion of old friends.
