Christmas music and carols, theatrical performances and markets “themed”, photo sets, games and animation for children, open shops. And then there are the usual protagonists: dozens of “Santa Clauses”, played in the most unexpected ways, who distribute gifts, dreams, smiles, serenity, and peace; finally, an increasingly rich “Nativity Scene Street”, which this year also features an interactive “Living Nativity Scene”. Over forty events are expected in Castelfiorentino to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas. A “Community Christmas”, which from November 28th to January 6th will enliven the historic center with a program born from a path shared with all the local associations. Not just colorful lights and decorations, therefore, but above all a collective experience, in which everyone can feel involved, involved, and a protagonist.
I therefore start on Saturday 28 November with “Santa House in Tour”, a “Casina” of Santa Claus where for three consecutive days (from 2.30 p.m. in Piazza Gramsci) children will be able to post their letter to the ’”Post Office”, meet Santa Claus and take a photo-memory with him, while on Sundays they can also see him on horseback in the company of his inevitable Elves, amidst music and travelling Christmas carols. Saturday, December 5 (4:00 p.m.) “Grand Christmas Parade” accompanied by the notes of the Philharmonic “G. Verdi”, with some artistic gymnastics performances and the participation of participants from the Palio districts, while the city centre will welcome the “Charge of the Santa Clauses” and the lighting –at 5.00 pm– of the “large tree” in Piazza Gramsci. Sunday, December 6th, afternoon dedicated to children (“Meet & Greet”) in the company of princesses, superheroes and mascots, while at “Cambio” (Cultural Center, repeat on December 20th) “The Mysterious Window” will surprise children by creating a very special expectation between art and magic. Almost simultaneously, “Sweet Christmas wishes” at the hall of Santa Maria della Marca.
L’December 8th inauguration of “The Way of the Nativity Scenes”, this year in a renewed guise as “A Way of Humanity” in which hugs, handshakes, friendship, solidarity will be enhanced. In addition to the expansion of the “Light Nativity Scene” (turned on from December 5th), over forty stations are planned and, among the new features, an “Interactive Living Nativity Scene” (December 8th and 13th), where every visitor can be part of it not only as a spectator but also as a protagonist, to live a truly unforgettable experience (the possibility of being immortalized by the photographic shots of the “Red Lily”). And again, on Saturday the 12th, the evocative melodies of the “Traveling Bagpipes”, the Santa Claus “Street Band” downtown, and the “Polar Express”: a game for all ages around the big tree, in the company of Santa Claus and his helpers. On Sunday, December 13th, there will be a grand concert at the Church of San Lorenzo, the Christmas House in Piazza Gramsci, workshops, face painting, and biscuits on Via Testaferrata, and on Saturday the 18th, a children’s show at the Teatro del Popolo. On Sunday the 19th, more shows and workshops for children, an exciting treasure hunt at the Be.Go Museum, musical essays and the “Chiassate di Natale” curated by TeatroCastello, and then arriving on Sunday the 20th with the “Santa Clauses” on bikes, horseback and more workshops for children. And the program doesn’t end there: after Christmas there will in fact be many more surprises.
“It will be a community Christmas – observe the Mayor, Francesca Giannì, and the Councilor for Culture, Franco Spina – a choral celebration, widespread (which extends from the commercial area to the Pieve) and attended, with several events in 2025, full of “different moments”, born from the collaboration with the countless activities and associations of Castelfiorentino that deserve to be valued and which we deeply thank. Whether lived with a more secular or more religious spirit, more traditional or more modern, in fact, it is still a magical moment, capable of inspiring our actions, of putting our thoughts back into perspective, giving us an unexpected amazement every time. We want to sincerely thank all the organizations that have committed to creating a rich program of initiatives for our City, a sign of a sensitivity towards the community that makes a difference in building relationships and moments of pure joy”.
