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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Explorer
Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast Winter
4.4 (6 traveler reviews)
"The place we stayed out was other-worldly and all the excursions, food, and experiences were top-notch."
James, 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
From
US$2,099per person
Price based on Private Double Room
27 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Italian Scene (Winter)
4.5 (44 traveler 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, Venice, Mestre,Burano,Verona,Lake Como,Como,Varese,Pisa,Florence+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Costsaver
10% Off
From $2,375
US$2,138per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
23 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Italian Espresso (Winter, Classic)
4.4 (26 traveler reviews)
"Concise, Fun and organized. He is a valuable asset and I'm sure everyone in my tour will say the same."
Alexander, traveled in April
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
From
US$1,705per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Simply Italy (Winter, Classic)
4.6 (61 traveler reviews)
"He is funny, social, knowledgeable about the local culture and history, and most importantly, he is so relatable."
Anthony, traveled in July
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Rome, Siena, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre,Lake Maggiore,Milan,Verona,Treviso,Venice,Burano,Bologna,Pompeii,Naples,Sorrento,Salerno,Amalfi+12 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From
US$2,471per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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In-depth Cultural
Best of Italy (Winter)
4.5 (110 traveler reviews)
"Fantastic sites and great itinerary."
viviane, traveled in November
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Assisi, Venice,Burano,Verona,Milan,Varese,Como,Pisa,Florence,San Gimignano+8 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
8-day Best of Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice
4.4 (41 traveler reviews)
"It was our first time traveling out of the country and we could not have asked for a better experience."
Ronnie, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice,Montepulciano+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Carrani Tours
20% Off
From $2,078
US$1,662per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Italian Escape (Winter, Classic)
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Rome, Pompeii, Naples, Sorrento, Positano, Salerno
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
20% Off
From
US$974per person
Price based on Private Double Room
22 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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$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
20% Off
From
US$1,240per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
18 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Explorer
9 Day Italy by Train from Milan, Venice Mestre, Florence to Rome
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"An enjoyable and affordable way to experience some of Italy's most iconic cities."
Say, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Milan, Mestre, Venice, Burano, Murano, Florence, Pisa, Rome
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
10% Off
From $2,917
US$2,625per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 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
10% Off
From
US$1,161per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
15 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Italy City Break - 5 Days
4.3 (78 traveler reviews)
"The included meals werent the best, however, they forced us to mingle with others in the group."
Brandon, traveled in February
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
Price based on Private Double Room
14 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
28 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
5-day Best of Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice
4.4 (29 traveler reviews)
"The trip was worth it and by meeting new cool people made it even better. Plan to book more trips in the future."
Edline, traveled in November
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
Carrani Tours
20% Off
From $1,240
US$992per person
Price based on Private Double Room
14 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Highlights of the Amalfi Coast
4.5 (114 traveler reviews) award winner
"The accommodations were wonderful, the meals were top-notch, and the scenery was stunning."
Candace, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Bomerano, Agerola, Amalfi, Positano, Naples, Herculaneum,Pompeii,Sorrento,Mount Vesuvius,Capri,Ravello+5 more
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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Hiking & Trekking
Walking the Amalfi Coast
4.4 (317 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, 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
5% Off
From $2,203
US$2,100per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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