What special Christmas events and festivities can I experience in Italy during December?

December transforms Italy's cities into festive wonderlands. Rome's St. Peter's Square becomes the center of Catholic Christmas celebrations with its life-sized nativity scene. Venice's Campo Santo Stefano turns into a traditional Christmas market while boats decorated with lights glide through the canals. The Duomo in Milan fills with the sounds of advent concerts and Florence's main square glows with an enormous Christmas tree. A typical visitor comment captures the spirit: "The Christmas atmosphere in Italy was absolutely magical especially in Rome where the Vatican celebrations made it unforgettable."

What is the weather like in Italy during December?

Italian winter weather shows strong regional differences. The northern regions including Milan and Venice see temperatures of 35-45°F (2-7°C) with occasional snowfall. Central cities like Rome and Florence stay more moderate at 45-55°F (7-13°C). Southern regions such as the Amalfi Coast remain mild reaching 50-60°F (10-16°C). As one guest at Il Poggio organic farm near Florence noted: "We stayed at the Il Poggio organic farm near Florence in December and despite the cooler weather the views of the rolling Tuscan hills were still spectacular."

What are the best indoor activities for rainy December days?

Italy's world-class museums provide shelter from winter weather. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence houses Renaissance masterpieces while Rome's Vatican Museums display centuries of art and history. Venice's Accademia Gallery offers intimate viewing experiences during low season. The Hotel Continental in Venice serves as a convenient starting point for museum visits. One visitor shared: "The rainy December day was perfect for exploring the Uffizi Gallery and enjoying long leisurely lunches in traditional trattorias."

Are December tours in Italy more expensive than other months?

Early December brings value pricing with tour costs up to 20% lower than peak summer rates ranging from 230-390 USD daily. However prices climb sharply during the Christmas and New Year period. Properties like Rome's Welcome Piram and Venice's Hotel Continental reflect this seasonal pattern. According to one traveler: "Early December was perfect for better rates while still enjoying the festive atmosphere."

What are the best indoor activities to enjoy in Italy during December?

Winter draws smaller crowds to Italy's cultural institutions. The Vatican Museums and Uffizi Gallery provide space to explore at a relaxed pace. Cooking classes in Bologna traditional art galleries in Florence and Venice's Doge's Palace offer enriching indoor experiences. The centrally located NH Hotel Milano President keeps visitors close to key attractions. As one guest observed: "We spent a wonderful afternoon at the Vatican Museums without the usual crowds and even got to take our time admiring the Sistine Chapel."

Is December a good time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

December reveals a different side of the Amalfi Coast. The streets of Positano and Sorrento empty of summer crowds though some restaurants operate limited hours. The Grand Hotel Vesuvio provides panoramic views of the winter seascape. One visitor reflected: "The Amalfi Coast in December was surprisingly pleasant with clear days perfect for photography and much lower tourist numbers."

What are the best cities to visit in Italy during December?

The winter season brings out unique charms in Italy's major cities. Rome fills with Christmas markets while Florence's wine bars offer cozy retreats. Venice's misty mornings create an otherworldly atmosphere without the usual tourist crowds. Milan sparkles with holiday decorations and shopping opportunities. The Hotel Veneto Palace in Rome provides a central base for winter exploration. As recommended by one traveler: "Rome was magical in December with all the Christmas decorations while Florence offered cozy wine bars perfect for escaping the winter chill."

Italy Tours in December 2026

10 best Italy trips in December 2026

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In-depth Cultural
Italian Scene (Winter)
4.5 (43 traveler reviews)
"quick response, well organized."
jingjing, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Rome, Sorrento, Naples, Cassino, Assisi, Venice, Verona, Como,Saronno,Pisa,Florence+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Costsaver
10% Off
From $1,825
US$1,643per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
23 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast Winter
4.3 (5 traveler reviews)
"The accommodation in itself was fantastic, with postcard worthy views, and we were very well looked after by our hosts."
Chloe, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Naples, Pompeii, Furore, Sorrento, Positano, Agerola,Ravello,Amalfi+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From
US$2,099per person
Price based on Private Double Room
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Best of Italy (Winter)
4.5 (109 traveler reviews)
"From our warm welcome in Rome to our departure shuttle to Rome airport, every detail is well planned and provided."
PaulHamel, traveled in May
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Cassino, Assisi, Venice,Verona,Milan,Como,Pisa,Florence,San Gimignano+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $3,875
US$3,488per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Italian Intermezzo (Classic, Winter)
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Milan, Verona, Venice, Pisa, Florence,Lake Trasimeno Regional Park,Assisi,Rome+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
10% Off
From $3,095
US$2,786per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
Simply Italy (Winter, Classic)
4.6 (61 traveler reviews)
"The trip was overall one of the best experiences of my life. The add ons where some of the highlights."
Kelly, traveled in July
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Rome, Florence, La Spezia, Milan, Venice, Naples, Amalfi
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From
US$2,418per person
Price based on Shared Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Italian Escape (Winter, Classic)
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, Positano
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From
US$945per person
Price based on Shared Room
8 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
22 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan: signature (4* hotels) low carbon tour by train
4.2 (12 traveler reviews)
"The trains were on time and the excursions we picked were great. Overall it was a fast paced great way to see a lot of Italy that we enjoyed!"
Laura, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Venice, Murano, Burano, Milan
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Meet and Greet Italy
10% Off
From
US$2,361per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
5 Day Naples including Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri Island, Pompeii & Vesuvius.
4.5 (8 traveler reviews)
"Impressed with their service. STM kept me organized and focused on enjoying my experience!"
Hamsakumari, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Capri, Anacapri, Pompeii,Mount Vesuvius+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $1,463
US$1,068per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Italian Espresso (Winter, Classic)
4.4 (26 traveler reviews)
"Maite made my time in Italy so much more wonderful that it already was. I'll never forget my trip with her!"
Ellen, traveled in April
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Como, Milan,Verona,Venice,Bologna,Vatican City+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
27% Off
From
US$1,705per person
Price based on Shared Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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$Barcelona to Rome Quest (Standard, Winter ( Until Mar \'27), Classic) Tour$
$Barcelona to Rome Quest (Standard, Winter ( Until Mar \'27), Classic) - 13 destinations$
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Explorer
Barcelona to Rome Quest (Standard, Winter ( Until Mar '27), Classic)
4.5 (21 traveler reviews)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Spain France Monaco Italy
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
5% Off
From $1,315
US$1,250per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
18 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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River Cruise
Advent Lights and Winter Charm: Set Course for Venice and its Lagoon (port-to-port cruise)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Venice, Island of Mazzorbo, Chioggia
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Michelangelo
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
5% Off
From
US$1,145per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
15 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Walking the Amalfi Coast
4.4 (315 traveler reviews)
"The hikes were challenging and the views were spectacular. Bomerano was also tourist free and served as a nice base for our daily outings."
Jacob, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bomerano, Amalfi, Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, Ravello,Pontone,Capri,Positano+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $2,773
US$2,505per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
Highlights of the Amalfi Coast
4.5 (107 traveler reviews) award winner
"the hotel was very comfortable and well-appointed, the food at both breakfast and dinner, which were included, was very good."
Linda, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bomerano, Positano, Pompei, Amalfi, Capri, Ravello
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
12% Off
From $2,578
US$2,280per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Food & Culinary
Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience
4.8 (78 traveler reviews)
"Perfect tour. Just what I wanted."
Robbie, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Brindisi, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Lecce,Alberobello,Ostuni,Maglie,Otranto+4 more
Age Range
Ages 20+
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Soleto Travel
20% Off
From $2,453
US$1,963per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Italian Sojourn with Leaning Tower of Pisa
4.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"Had a wonderful experience with tons of sightseeing, food and wine tasting, and beautiful scenery packed in!"
Dianne, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Pisa, Tuscany, Venice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central ItalyTuscany+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
8% Off
From $2,299
US$2,115per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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