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

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10 best Italy trips in December 2026

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City & Culture
Italian Scene (Winter)
4.4 (45 reviews)
"The highlights of all the cities visited and the optional experiences are wonderful extensions."
Nicholas, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Rome, Sorrento, Positano, Pompeii, Assisi, Mestre, Venice,Burano,Verona,Como,Pisa,Florence+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Costsaver
10% Off
From $1,825
US$1,643per person
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11 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
23 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast Winter
4.4 (6 reviews)
"The Agriturismo Sant'Alfonso was a real highlight - absolutely beautiful surroundings, amazing food and wonderful hosts."
Lauren, traveled in December
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
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Price based on Private Double Room
27 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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City & Culture
Tuscany, Milan & Venice (Winter, Classic)
4.4 (26 reviews)
"The tour was amazing, and I had such a great time. Maïté really cared that we had a good time."
Amanda, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Rome, Siena, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Como, Milan,Verona,Treviso,Venice,Burano,Bologna+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
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US$1,734per person
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City & Culture
Best of Italy (Winter, Classic)
4.6 (60 reviews)
"It was an active, fun-filled trip. I would recommend Contiki for group tours!"
Bianca, traveled in December
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Lake Como,Milan,Verona,Treviso,Venice,Bologna,Naples,Pompeii,Sorrento,Salerno,Amalfi+10 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
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US$2,545per person
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City & Culture
Best of Italy (Winter)
4.5 (110 reviews)
"best vacation I have been on in years, got to see the highlights of Italy. would definitely recommend a guided tour!"
jason, traveled in December
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Naples, Assisi,Venice,Burano,Verona,Milan,Varese,Como,Pisa,Florence,San Gimignano+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
12% Off
From $3,895
US$3,428per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
9 Day Italy by Train from Milan, Venice Mestre, Florence to Rome
4.8 (5 reviews)
"Your organization, coordination professionalism and communication/information sharing were excellent!"
Rose, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Milan, Mestre, Venice, Murano, Burano, Florence, Pisa, Rome
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
20% Off
From $2,767
US$2,214per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
6 Days from Naples: Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Positano & Capri Island
5.0 (1 review)
"I really appreciated the fact that I was staying next to the station, perfect for the tours and the metro!"
Elvire, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano, Capri
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
East Gate Tours LTD
25% Off
From $1,476
US$1,107per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
Florence: Amazing Tuscany & Cinque Terre | Independent tour including small-group daily tours | 8days/7nights
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Florence captured our hearts with its beauty, and Tuscany was even more amazing than we had imagined."
Alberto, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Cinque Terre
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central ItalyTuscany+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
RANIERI TOUR OPERATOR
25% Off
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US$2,190per person
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1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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City & Culture
Iconic Italian Cities
4.9 (18 reviews)
"I loved that everything was done for me as far as travel, hotels etc."
Mary, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Milan, Como, Bellagio, Venice, Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano,Siena,Rome+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
9% Off
From $2,166
US$1,971per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan: signature (4* hotels) low carbon tour by train
4.1 (11 reviews)
"Everything was great, having hotels, trains and tours booked for us made everything so stress free."
Audrey, traveled in June
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
9% Off
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US$2,385per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
2 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, Burano, Chioggia, Padua
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MS Michelangelo
Country Region
Northern ItalyVenetoProsecco+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CroisiEurope River Cruises
9% Off
From
US$1,445per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
11 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
15 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Italy City Break - 5 Days
4.4 (81 reviews)
"The places we visited were spectacular and full of historic importance to the each region and Italy as a whole."
Mabel, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Bologna, Venice,Montepulciano+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central Italy
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $1,905
US$1,219per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
14 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
28 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
5 Day Naples including Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri Island, Pompeii & Vesuvius.
4.3 (15 reviews)
"Great combination of tours to see the Amalfi coast."
Jake, traveled in April
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
35% Off
From $1,477
US$960per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Walking the Amalfi Coast
4.4 (319 reviews)
"A perfect vacation. I have no complaints and will use Tourradar again."
Shirley, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bomerano, Agerola, Amalfi, Pompeii, Ravello, Pontone,Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere,Herculaneum,Capri,Naples,Sorrento,Positano+6 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
11% Off
From $2,203
US$1,950per person
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Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
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Food & Wine
Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience
4.8 (80 reviews)
"The location is beautiful, right in the middle of the campania. The food (breakfast and diner) that Emilio served was very tasteful; he is an absolute chef!"
Anna, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Marina Serra, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Lecce,Alberobello,Ostuni,Maglie,Otranto,Porto Badisco,Brindisi+6 more
Age Range
Ages 20+
Country Region
Puglia South ItalyApulia+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Soleto Travel
11% Off
From
US$2,478per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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