No matter what time of the year you visit, Italy is a magical place to travel to. However, the country takes on a distinctive charm of its own in winter. You can go on relaxed breaks in its amazing cities and spend your evenings in cozy wine bars or have an adventure on its majestic snow-capped mountains and exciting alpine ski runs..
And in case you are visiting Italy in December, embrace the season with passion like the Italians, and explore its many attractions with vigor, go shopping with flair, and satisfy your taste buds with dishes flavored with the harvests of the season!
6 Best Places To Visit In Italy In December In 2024
Having said that, take a look at these five best places to visit that are a must for every traveller while travelling to Italy in December. Make sure you don’t miss out any!
1. Sicily
The capital city of Sicily, Palermo,, is a good place to start your tour of the island and an incredible place to visit in Italy during winter. Exploring the city in December and early January is a wonderful experience as you will find countless nativity scenes and Christmas markets – all of which add to Palermo’s charm. For a medieval experience and a breathtaking beach, you can also travel to Cefalu, a picturesque coastal town in southern Italy, in December. If you are looking for a guaranteed winter sun and temperate climate in Italy in December, you should definitely travel to Sicily.
Places to visit: Go on a 30-minute ride to Termini Imerese from Palermo, watch the Christmas nativity play that the town holds on the streets, shop in the starry Christmas markets, and more
Also Read: Resorts In Italy
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2. Venice
If you are wondering where to go in Italy in December, you should definitely consider Venice. It is another lovely place to visit during the winter months. The air is clearer, and the sights and attractions are quieter than during the summer when the crowd can detract from the surroundings. From stunning baroque architecture to gondola rides and amazing food and wine, there is something for everyone in Venice. If nothing else, you can sip on a cup of coffee in St. Mark’s Square and relax as you watch the world go by in true Italian style!
Places to visit: Even through the fog, a gondola ride is a must when you are in Venice and is one of the things to do in Italy in December. In winter, the landscape becomes more mystical, and you do not have to worry about crowds.
3. Turin
If you plan to go skiing in Italy in December, you should definitely first make a trip to Turin, the northern city providing a gateway to the Alps. The city is where many skiers come before they head to the mountains for their ski trip. But Turin is a paradise in itself. The annual Luci d’Artista is a major highlight which is an event that celebrates art through light and you will see the city lit up in numerous imaginative and creative ways. If you are a food lover, you will fall in love with Turin as this is where the original ‘Eatly’ store, which showcases the finest Italian produce, is located. Do not forget to check out the flourishing restaurant scene, where chefs combine Italian favourites with a decidedly alpine flavour.
Places to visit : Visit Caffe Al Bicerin to enjoy Bicerin, a traditional Piedmontese drink. Indulge in this decadent concoction of chocolate, coffee, and cream.
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4. Rome
In winter, the beautiful capital city of Italy is quieter but spectacular indeed. Rome is truly one of the greatest places to visit in Italy in December. With fewer crowds, you can enjoy exploring attractions like the Roman Forum and the Vatican museums at a leisurely pace. Rome is famous for its many fashion stores, but you will also find plenty of opportunities for art and craft in the narrow, winding streets of the city. After a long day of sightseeing, you can enjoy a meal and drinks at one of its many restaurants and bars, which are equally lively and vibrant in winter, just like any other time of the year!
Places to visit: Go shopping! When you visit Rome in winter, you can cash in on the amazing holiday sales in stores across the city.
5. The Amalfi Coast
With a temperate climate, the weather in southern Italy in December is pleasant, making it an ideal place to visit on your holiday. You will have a lovely seaside experience in the Amalfi Coast, located in the Province of Salerno. You should definitely go on a road trip along the coast when the area has fewer crowd and is quieter. You can enjoy everything the Amalfi Coast offers at your own pace. You can go on hiking excursions and explore the villages and towns as they come alive with celebrations during the holiday season.
Places to visiy: Go exploring and look for Pansa Pasticceria in Piazza del Duomo in Amalfi. It has been preparing amazing pastries and sweets for two centuries, making it as historic as the cathedral next to it.
Related Post: Day Trips From Rome
6. Florence
Besides being a home to Italy’d rich culture depicted through it’s artwork and architecture, the city of Florence is known as the Athens or the Middle Ages. Playing an integral role in the world of fashion, this city is known to be amongst the top 15 fashion capitals of the world. A visit to this Tuscany capital will surely leave you astonished and you’ll keep returning for more. Mostly a place for the history buffs, tourists from all over the world come to this city to simply admire the tall historical masterpieces of architectural origin.
Must Have Experiences In December: Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Galleria dell’Accademia
Festivals In December In Italy
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There are many festivals that are celebrated during this season in Italy. One of the biggest being Christmas. Here are a few festivals that are a must visit in Italy.
- Merano Christmas Market celebrates the holiday mood from 26th November 2024 to 6th January 2024. Merano has many events and activities for the entire family to enjoy.
- Marché Vert Noël starts from 20th November 2024 to 6th January 2024. A Christmas market theme, let’s pop over to Aosta, where Marché Vert Noël is celebrated.
- Toys’ City in Como, from 27th November 2024 to 6th January 2024. A magical City of Toys is created as kids and their families hurry along to Città dei Balocchi
Related Post :Beach Resorts In Italy
Weather In Italy
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December is one of the coldest seasons in Italy. It is also a little damp during this season. Although it might be a little cold yet the crowd is little less which allows travellers to explore more. The prices of hotels and travels may also go down a bit .
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Planning an Italian holiday? Make sure you visit Italy in December as you can enjoy everything that the beautiful country has to offer at a leisurely pace and amidst a true festive environment. Hence, for a true holiday experience, book a trip to Italy , and travel carefree!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Italy In December
Which is the best place to travel in Italy in December?
Sicily, Venice and Rome are some of the best places to travel in Italy in December.
What is the advantage of going to Venice in December?
Visiting Venice in winter is even more alluring. It is less crowded, less busy transport and you can photograph around any corner. One can also enjoy dishes that are ideal for winter at the best places.
What is the speciality of Rome?
Rome travel – the eternal city is a place with centuries of history along with beautiful landscape. It also has famous fashion stores and numerous things to explore and see like the famous Trevi Fountain.
How is the weather in Italy in December?
December is the time when it snows in some parts of Italy. Italy’s southern regions are always warmer than the northern part. December isn’t always Italy’s coldest months but yes it is somewhat close.
What is there to do in Italy in December?
Some of the fun things to do in Italy in December are: 1. Celebrate the oldest fairs in Italy, Oh Bej! Oh Bej. You can expect festive foods and decorations, books and local crafts here. 2. Have a wonderful skiing experience in Sicily. 3. See Florence in a different light every evening from December 8th to January 7th as a part of Florence Light Festival. 4. Be a part of the awesome Christmas parade.
Does it snow in Florence Italy in December?
It is quite unlikely to experience snow in Florence Italy in December. If you want to see snow, visit Florence during the month of January or February. The city majorly experiences snowfall during this time.
Which are the major festivals celebrated in Italy in December?
Apart from Christmas, other popular festivals celebrated in Italy in December are Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, Saint Stephen’s Day.
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A mass-media graduate, Priyanka is a passionate writer and an avid traveler. Whether it’s about capturing the sunsets or hogging up some delicious food from different places, she never leaves a second to decide. Her mantra of keep going is “work, save, travel, repeat” which she lives by heart.
