2024 Christmas Courses
Christmas (in Italian “Natale”) is the most important and popular holiday among Italian families.
In Italy, Christmas officially kicks off with the Day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary on December 8. This is when decorations go up (both on the streets and inside Italian homes) and when some Christmas markets start. Christmas lights illuminate the streets of Florence, and a big tree takes its place in the Piazza Duomo just beside the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The illumination in Florence is not extravagant, but it creates a romantic and warm atmosphere to surround residents and visitors.
Before Christmas, the whole city is buzzing with the festive mood, preparing for Christmas day. The city of Florence becomes full of people running around for Christmas shopping, preparing gifts and seasonal cards for family and friends, as well as people coming back from work or school outside of the city. On Christmas Day, the entire city is silent as if time just stops, with occasional interruption by distant laughter or music.
Christmas is a great time to enjoy beautiful Florence and at the same time learn one of the subjects offered by Accademia Riaci.
For the 2024 Christmas, students can choose among the following subjects:
・ Painting and Drawing・ Jewelry Making
・ Italian Home Cooking
・ Art History
・ Enjoy Christmas
・ Italian Language
The class sizes are kept small and all courses are taught in Italian with a free English interpretation service.
Upon completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Start Dates (Check-in)
- November 24, 2024
- December 1, 2024
- December 8, 2024
Overview
8 Reasons Why You Should Choose the Accademia Riaci Christmas Courses
- 1. Intensive Classes
Twice the number of lessons as the regular courses. - 2. Classes with English Interpreter
Lessons are taught in Italian with a free English interpretation service. - 3. Welcome Kit
Stationery, a Florence city map, and a welcome lunch voucher are provided on the first day of classes. - 4. Guided Art Visits
Discover the great masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance through guided art visits. A great experience to live and study in Florence surrounded by the treasures of history and art. - 5. Cultural Activities
Share the unique Italian experience with other students through visits to various interesting locations such as the world’s heritage “Chianti Winery” and/or our unique “Pizza lesson”. - 6. Meal & Drink Vouchers
Two meal vouchers + two soft drink vouchers per week. - 7. Housing Included
Accommodation in fully-furnished shared apartments (Twin or Single room available). - 8. Bus/Tram Pass
Reach the school from your accommodation by riding convenient city buses.
Enjoy Christmas (Special Program)
Enjoy Christmas course allows students to study in Italy but out of the classroom on foot, and use all five senses (watch, listen, feel, smell, and taste) to fully experience Italian life.
Students will enjoy:
- Experiencing Italian culture by attending daily unique visits (such as eating tours in town, pizza-making lessons, etc.)
- Exploring Florence’s artistic and historical spots and monuments.
- Discovering Italy deeper than usual travel tours; definitely for students wanting to enjoy Christmas time in Italy to the fullest!
Italian Home Cooking
Special dishes for a special day – Enjoy a wonderful Italian Christmas time while learning how to prepare some of Italy’s most delicious traditional dishes.
As you may be aware, Tuscany, with its captivating capital Florence, stands out as the epicenter of Italy’s culinary excellence, featuring a rich tapestry of flavors, from delectable mushrooms to succulent beef, and an array of cheeses and wines to savor.
Accademia Riaci offers a uniquely immersive culinary experience, with hands-on cooking classes scheduled four days a week, each spanning 3 to 4 hours. These intimate sessions are conducted in the warmth of a traditional Italian private kitchen, accommodating small groups of up to eight individuals, culminating in a convivial lunch or dinner.
Painting and Drawing
Christmas is the best season to study Painting and Drawing in the city of Florence. You can see and feel the joyous yet solemn atmosphere of Christmas in Florence, which will certainly add new inspirations to your artworks.
Depending on each student’s level, experiences, and the length of the course taken, our instructors (professional artists) will give hands-on lessons from the basics to advanced drawing techniques. Also, take advantage of studying with students in different art majors, which is another way of getting fresh inspiration.
Jewelry Making
Why not spend a wonderful Christmas holiday learning professional jewelry techniques in the historical city of Florence?
Florence has been home to the most talented jewelers for centuries. A perfect place to enjoy and get inspired by the rich tradition of jewelry making.
Students can learn the basics or develop more advanced techniques based on their current level and interests. Our professional instructors will give each student personalized lessons.
Italian Language
It is not enough to know just a few words or phrases; it is crucial to understand the essence of the Italian language for better communication.
Even for a short-term course, you will be amazed by how much you can learn and how much more enjoyable your stay in Florence will be when you can understand and speak some Italian.
Art History
With a rich historical background, Florence is an ideal place to explore and learn the development of art and culture. You will be visiting various important museums, churches, and historical sites in and around Florence with professional instructors to gain in-depth knowledge and insights about the art history of Florence.