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
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
25% off
From $2,099
US$1,574per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $79
27 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
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City & Culture
Best of Italy (Winter)
4.5 (110 reviews)
"The tour allowed us to see a good range of sights. The activities were informative."
Guy, traveled in January
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
12% off
From $4,195
US$3,692per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Trafalgar offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $185
21 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Tuscany, Milan & Venice (Winter, Classic)
4.4 (26 reviews)
"The trip was amazing, we got to experience the culture of Italy and Martina helped us understand that."
Jodie, traveled in August
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
12% off
From
US$1,750per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $88
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City & Culture
Best of Italy (Winter, Classic)
4.6 (60 reviews)
"AMAZING trip, could not have asked for anything more. 200% recommend Contiki, this trip & Greg to anyone considering it."
Nadia, traveled in July
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
12% off
From
US$2,545per person
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Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $127
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Ancient Wonders
Classical Italy (8 destinations)
4.1 (186 reviews)
"The schedule and things included on the trip were well chosen and gave us a really good variety of things to see and experience."
Caitlin, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Venice, Murano, Mestre
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
12% off
From
US$768per 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
Italian Discovery
4.6 (130 reviews)
"Wonderful trip. Requires a lot of walking."
Jon, traveled in June
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Bologna, Venice, Mestre,Montepulciano,Vatican City,Pompeii,Sorrento,Capri+5 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Eskapas
7% off
From $3,105
US$2,888per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Florence: Amazing Tuscany & Cinque Terre | Independent tour with shared daily excursions | 8days/7nights
5.0 (2 reviews)
"I was warmly welcomed at the airport, and the transfer to the hotel was easy, even though I was exhausted after all those hours of flying!"
beniamino, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Florence, Cinque Terre, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa,Montalcino,Pienza,Montepulciano+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central ItalyTuscany+1 more
Operated in
English, Portuguese,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
RANIERI TOUR OPERATOR
7% off
From
US$1,989per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
7 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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City & Culture
9 Day Italy by Train from Milan, Venice Mestre, Florence to Rome
4.8 (5 reviews)
"Everything was perfect. When I asked to change the time for the car to take us to the airport, it was done quickly and efficiently."
ricardo, traveled in October
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Milan, Mestre, Venice, Murano, Burano, Florence, Pisa, Rome
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
30% off
From $2,675
US$1,872per 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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Ancient Wonders
Amalfi Coast (Winter, Classic)
3.0 (2 reviews)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Salerno, Amalfi
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
30% off
From
US$995per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Contiki offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $50
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$9 Days Rome and Naples: Hadrian\'s Villa to Capri By Train Tour$
$9 Days Rome and Naples: Hadrian\'s Villa to Capri By Train - 4 destinations$
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City & Culture
9 Days Rome and Naples: Hadrian's Villa to Capri By Train
3.4 (4 reviews)
"This trip was our first ever tour and STM has set the bar very high. The Itinerary was well thought out and exceeded our expectations."
Susan, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Rome, Pompei, Capri, Naples
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
30% off
From $2,040
US$1,428per 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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River Cruise
Advent lights and winter charm: heading to the heart of 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
20% off
From $1,118
US$894per 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 (82 reviews)
"Lucy was the absolute BEST!"
Gary, 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 $1,840
US$1,178per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
14 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
28 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
5 Day Naples including Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri Island, Pompeii & Vesuvius.
4.1 (18 reviews)
"Each company arrived on time, was extremely professional and knowledgeable in their area."
Lynn, traveled in May
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 $1,428
US$928per 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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Ancient Wonders
Highlights of the Amalfi Coast
4.5 (115 reviews) award winner
"Beautiful itinerary if you want to see most of the Amalfi coast in a limited time."
Phousonh, traveled in May
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
20% off
From $2,670
US$2,136per person
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Price based on Shared Room
26 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Ancient Wonders
Walking the Amalfi Coast
4.4 (319 reviews)
"Spectacular views at every turn. For me, this tour exceeded my expectations."
Lesley, traveled in April
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
20% off
From $2,350
US$1,880per person
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Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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