2023 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 2022 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 26, 2023
- December 3, 2023
- December 10, 2023


Overview
8 reasons why you should choose the Accademia Riaci Christmas Courses
- 1. Intensive Classes
Twice a number of lessons ad the regular courses. - 2. Classes with English Interpreter
Lessons are taught in Italian with 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. Great experience to live and study in Florence surrounded by the treasure of history and art. - 5. Cultural Activities
Share the unique Italian experience with other students through a visit to various interesting locations such as the world’s heritage, “Chianti Winery” and/or our unique “Pizza lesson”. - 6. Meal & Drink Vouchers
Two daily meal vouchers + two soft drink vouchers per week. Buon appetito! - 7. Housing included
Accommodation in fully-furnished shared apartments (twin or single room available). - 8. Bus pass
Reach the school from your accommodation by riding convenient city buses.
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 for certain will 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 learn to make romantic and seasonal jewelry of your own in Florence during the beautiful Christmas season? You start with making a simple ring and then move on to elegant rings, earrings/pierces, or pendant heads, depending on the length of your course. You can go home with your beautiful jewelry piece at the end of the course.
Enjoy Christmas (special program)

Enjoy Christmas course allows students to study in Italy but out of the classroom on foot, and use 5 senses (watch, listen, feel, smell, and taste) fully to experience Italian life.
Students will enjoy:
– Experiencing Italian culture by attending daily unique visits (such as eating tours in town, pizza-making lessons, etc.)
Florence, without a saying, is known for its artistic and historical spots and monuments. This course will let you explore Italy deeper than usual travel tours; definitely for students wanting to enjoy the Christmas time in Italy in full blast!
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.
TUITION & FEES (in Euros/€)
For further information, please contact us.
Check the course code on the left side of the course schedule you are interested in.
Duration | All subjects except for Italian Language |
Italian Language |
Start Date |
---|---|---|---|
1-week program | €1,600 | €950 | Nov 26, Dec 3, Dec 10 |
2-week program | €2,600 | €1,350 | Nov 26, Dec 3 |
3-week program | €3,600 | €1,900 | Nov 26 |
Course Details
Day | 1-week program | 2-week program | |
1st week |
Sun | Check-in | Check-in |
Mon | Orientation, City tour & Lunch, Lesson | Orientation, City tour & Lunch, Lesson | |
Tue | Lesson | Lesson | |
Wed | Lesson | Lesson | |
Thu | Lesson | Lesson | |
Fri | (AM) Guided Art Visit (PM) Cultural Visit |
(AM) Guided Art Visit (PM) Cultural Visit |
|
Sat | Check-out | Free time | |
2nd week |
Sun | Free time | |
Mon | Lesson | ||
Tue | Lesson | ||
Wed | Lesson | ||
Thu | Lesson | ||
Fri | (AM) Guided Art Visit | ||
Sat | Check-out |
Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to the school or the teacher’s conditions. For further details, please contact the Office of Admissions.
- Enrollment fee
- Tuition
- City Tour
- Welcome kit (city map, pen, notebook, file folder, one lunch ticket)
- Bus/tram tickets
- English Interpretation Service
- Housing in a shared apartment – Twin Room (Single Room available at an extra fee)
- Housing utility costs
- Meal Vouchers (Two daily meal vouchers + two soft drink vouchers per week).
- Weekly Guided Art Visits
- A Cultural Activity (one time).
- Cost of materials (for art courses only)
- Florence Tourist Tax (€ 38.50) and Wi-Fi costs (€ 5.00 per week): for those who stay in our housing.
SINGLE ROOM additional fees:
1 week: € 250.00
2 weeks: € 300.00
3 weeks: € 350.00