Italy in December - Where to Go + Weather 2025

Have you ever considered Italy for a winter break? Italy in December is perfect for a ski break or for a visit to Christmas Markets! UPDATED 2025

Most people opt to visit Italy in summertime, looking for sunshine, alfresco lunches, and sunset aperitivi. However, Italy during winter is also worth visiting. December is when the skiing season kicks off in most of the Alps, and it’s also time for Christmas markets – the ones in Riva del Garda and Trento are really worth visiting.

Besides skiing and Christmas markets, there are plenty of snow-related activities to enjoy in northern Italy in December, like sledding, snowshoeing or just enjoying a nice soak in a hot tub surrounded by a snowy landscape.

Visiting popular cities like Florence, Venice and Rome in December is a great idea, as the summer crowds are well and truly gone, and prices for transport and accommodation are at their lowest – for the first 3 weeks of the month, that is.

Prices go up A LOT from the 20th of December onwards, as Italians celebrate their Christmas holidays and many of them travel across the country to visit family. If you’re planning to travel to/from or around Italy at the end of December, make sure you plan everything ahead!

snowshoeing winter — Snowshoeing through pristine snow – a great December activity in Italy!

After the festivities, it’s time for saldi – the prices of goods all around the country are reduced up to 50% (or even more!) so you can get incredible deals (designer clothes, household items, souvenirs..)

So, yes, Italy in December is a good idea. But, where should you visit while there? And what can you expect from the weather? This article covers seven places you can visit, what the weather is like, and what festivities you’ll encounter.

Weather in December in Italy

December may not be the coldest month in Italy, but it does come close. In the northern and mountainous regions, snow is a common occurrence. Snow tends to come later and later each year, to the extent that sometimes there’s no snow yet by the time resorts open on December 8th. In that case, artificial snow is often used.

The southern parts of Italy tend to be a little warmer in terms of weather, but it is still quite cold. It’s not really the ideal time for a beach holiday. The weather can be nice and sunny, perfect for walking around or hiking.

On average, the temperature can range between 10 to -5°C Celsius in the north, dipping below freezing at night, and 10-15°C in the south.

These variables are subject to change; therefore, you should check and confirm the weather updates just before your trip.

Where to Go in December in Italy

1) South Tyrol

dolomites winter snow — The stunning Dolomites

South Tyrol is Italy’s northernmost region, home to a German-speaking minority and to the wonderful Dolomites. You know what that means in December – Christmas Markets and amazing snow-covered landscapes!

The region also has some beautiful lakes, like the Insta-famous Lake Braies, which is really worth visiting in December.

When it comes to skiing, South Tyrol is in line for some of the best resorts in the world. Some of the most exciting places to go skiing include Val Gardena/Gröden, the largest in the region with 175 km divided over 81 runs, Ortles/Ortler where you can ski at 3250 meters of altitude, and Val Pusteria/Pustertal, with a view of the iconic Drei Zinnen.

Another exciting thing to do in December in Italy is visiting Christmas Market in Bolzano. It is the biggest Christmas Market in all of Italy, and a great place to shop for local food specialties or handmade souvenirs. One last thing – if you can, pay your visit to the Christmas Market to coincide with the Krampus parade, when strange demon-looking figures descend to the city from the mountains.

Book your Dolomites tours here!

2) Lake Garda

canale di tenno trentino — Magical Canale di Tenno, home to a wonderful Christmas Market

Lake Garda is indeed in northern Italy, but the weather is generally fair and warm in December. Italy’s largest lake creates a microclimate that is usually found at more southerly latitudes – that’s why you’ll see lemon, olive and palm trees.

Visiting the lake villages is really fun in December, as most of the summer crowds have left – especially if you avoid weekends, when you might find Italian day-trippers. Some pretty villages around Lake Garda you might enjoy are Limone sul Garda, Sirmione and Malcesine – the latter is especially worth visiting, with a lakeside castle and a cable car taking you up to Monte Altissimo for scenic views.

Another cool and offbeat place to visit near Lake Garda is Tenno, a little further up the mountains from the lake shore. Tenno is worth visiting for its namesake heart-shaped lake, and for the amazing Christmas Market in Canale di Tenno, a medieval hamlet with some really stunning architecture.

Book your Lake Garda tours here!

3) Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre by train Vernazza mini — Cinque Terre are also great in December!

In December, the coastal region of Liguria where Cinque Terre are located is usually quite warm, with daytime temperatures hovering around 15°C. It is indeed cold to swim or spend time on the beach, but it’s a great time to walk around the mountains and hills – something that Cinque Terre are famous for!

We recommend visiting Cinque Terre by train, as the villages are really tiny and there’s hardly any parking space. Start your visit in Monterosso, the westernmost of the five, and either walk or take the train from one to the other, allowing at lease a couple of hours to explore the sights.

In December, since the sun sets early (around 4.30 PM), it would be hard to visit all 5 Cinque Terre villages in one day, so we recommend staying overnight and exploring over a period of two or three days.

Please note that you need the Cinque Terre Card to access some of the paths between villages, including the Via dell’Amore, the path between Manarola and Corniglia that was opened in 2024 after being closed for 12 years.

Here’s a recap of the distance and elevation to hike between the Cinque Terre villages:

Monterosso-Vernazza: 4.3 km / 200 m elevation gain; Cinque Terre Card needed
Vernazza-Corniglia: 3.5 km / 250 m elevation gain; Cinque Terre Card needed
Corniglia-Manarola (via Volastra): 7.2 km /300 m elevation gain; Cinque Terre Card NOT needed
Manarola-Riomaggiore (Via dell’Amore): 900 m, no elevation, Cinque Terre Card needed + 10 euro ticket

4) Umbria

The Central Italian region of Umbria is far less busy than Tuscany, and most people tend to visit in spring and summer, but it’s also a great option to add to your December in Italy itinerary.

Umbria is rich in architectural history and traditions, including several beautiful hilltop villages. We suggest starting your visit of the region with the provincial capital of Perugia, which has a beautiful historic center and it’s a good base to explore surrounding towns.

A great place to visit is Assisi, home to the famous San Francesco Basilica. The tradition of presepi (nativity scenes) comes from Assisi, as Saint Francis was the first one to build a Nativity scene in the 13th century. In December you’ll find lots of Nativity scenes all over the historic centre, adding to the Christmas atmosphere.

Another wonderful town to visit is Orvieto, in the southern part of the region. Orvieto sits high on a cliff and has a picturesque historic centre, including a stunning Renaissance Duomo. The Umbria Jazz Winter Festival is something to look forward to. It features exhilarating jazz, gospel, and blues concerts and is held in Orvieto during the New Year holidays.

Book your Perugia tours here!

5) Matera

matera blue hour — Blue hour is a great time to enjoy the views in Matera!

Matera gained popularity in recent years, especially after being European Capital of Culture in 2019 and being one of the filming locations for the latest 007 movie – No Time to Die.

The town is well known for the Sassi, two districts with cave houses dug into the rock, inhabited since the Paleolithic. After decades of neglect, the Sassi were rediscovered and renovated during the second half of the 20th century, and now you’ll find restaurants, hotels and B&B, as well as many local homes.

Most people visit Matera in spring and summer – even though it’s in the region of Basilicata, it’s a popular stop on the itinerary of people visiting nearby Puglia. Winter is low season, it might be cold or even snow, but the atmosphere is just magical.

In December, you’ll find Christmas markets and festivals like the Presepe Vivente nei Sassi, when people dress up as Nativity characters and play scenes related to the birth of Christ in the most picturesque corners of the Sassi.

Make sure you check out our Matera guide for info on what to see and do!

Book your Matera tours here!

6) Puglia

Vico del Gargano, a cute village in Puglia

Puglia (also called Apulia) is Italy’s longest region, aka “the heel of the boot”. It took the tourism world by storm as a hot summer destination, but it’s even better to visit in December, the perfect time to experience southern Italy’s slow lifestyle.

There are different ‘subregions’ within Puglia – in the north you’ll find Gargano, known for its hills and coastline, with pretty villages to explore like Vieste and Vico del Gargano. Further south, between Bari and Brindisi, there’s Valle d’Itria, famous for its whitewashed villages and unique architecture. This is where you find the cone-shaped Trulli of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to have the full Apulian experience, you can spend Christmas in a Trullo.

In the far south there’s Salento, best known as a summer destination for its spectacular sandy beaches. It’s also worth visiting in December – coastal villages like Gallipoli and Otranto are pleasant to wander around, and Lecce is a Baroque delight.

There are lots of festivals to attend in Puglia in December. They include the Madonna della Madia festival in Monopoli on December 16th, honouring the patron protector of the town. This festival features fireworks and a procession when the Madonna’s image is carried on boats across the port to the Cathedral.

Another interesting festival is the Alba Dei Popoli in Otranto, to celebrate the New Year. The name translates as Dawn of the People because Otranto Italy’s easternmost place, and as such it’s the first place to see the sunrise. This festival is held on December 31st and it features live music, art exhibitions, and shows.

7) Sardinia

sailing cala gabbiani sardinia — Sailing the Ogliastra Coast in Sardinia

Sardinia is a great place to visit in December if you’re looking for winter sun. Don’t expect it to be warm enough for a beach holiday, but it’s a great time to visit if you want to go on stunning coastal hikes, or explore the island’s cuisine and historic/cultural heritage.

Sardinia is also primarily a summer destination, so flight tickets and accommodation are generally cheaper in December. However, remember what I said at the beginning of this article about the Christmas holidays – flights to Sardinia may also be full and more expensive during this period, so make sure you plan your visit at the beginning of the month.

Among the lovely sites to visit in Sardinia in winter are the Murals in Orgosolo, a town located in the mountainous region of Barbagia. Many of them have a political meaning, reflecting the town’s alternative and anti-establishment atmosphere.

That’s not all! Did you know that in Sardinia you can also see Grand Canyon of Europe? The canyon known as Su Gorropu can be found on the eastern coast of Sardinia, and winter is a great time to explore since it’s blisteringly hot in summer. Hiking across takes 1 hour and a half, including a climb to the top, where you get a magical view over the rock formations.

You’ll need a guide for this hike – book your Su Gorropu canyon tour here!

December Events and Festivals in Italy

Christmas

Christmas is widely celebrated in Italy, and it is the one day of the year most shops and businesses close to allow people to celebrate with their families. Some museums and attractions stay open, but many also close – so if you are hoping to visit specific sights, make sure you check whether or not they’re open.

Most Italians celebrate December 25th with a long lunch with family and friends. Some even start celebrating a day earlier, with dinner (usually seafood-based) on Dec 24th, Christmas Eve. Many people also attend Mass, either on

The best way to experience Christmas in Italy is being invited by locals, but if you don’t have any local friends you can have a look at restaurants open for Christmas lunch.

Santo Stefano

The 26th of December in Italy is Santo Stefano (Boxing Day), and it’s also a public holiday. It’s celebrated in a similar way to Christmas – lunches with family and friends that stretch into the afternoon (and possibly evening). It’s also the day when saldi (sales) traditionally start, so you might find shoppers out looking for deals.

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is also celebrated with family and friends, with (yes, you guessed it!) dinners lasting until midnight and beyond. Every country has its New Year tradition, and Italy’s is having cotechino (a large, slow cooked sausage) and lentils at midnight – lentils are believed to represent wealth.

Some people celebrate New Year’s Eve at home, but many also go out – so you’ll find restaurants advertising cenoni, set-menu dinners to welcome the New Year, usually including a glass of sparkling wine and a taste of cotechino and lentils.

Another way to spend the evening of December 31st is going to a street party – most cities in Italy organize one, usually with live music in the main square. Otherwise, just head to a club and dance the night away to welcome the New Year!

Looking for more month-by-month Italy guides? There you are!

Italy in December – Where to Go + Weather 2025