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
4.3 (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
25% Off
From $2,099
US$1,574per person
Price based on Shared Room
27 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Italian Scene (Winter)
4.5 (43 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, 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 Shared Room
11 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
23 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Best of Italy (Classic, Winter)
4.4 (19 traveler reviews)
"Amazing trip to Italy!! Loved not having the stress of planning the trip myself. Highlights were the visit to the Vatican and the dinner in Tuscany at Tre Pini."
Kristen, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Assisi, Sorrento, Capri,Pompeii+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
10% Off
From
US$3,895per person
Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
7 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
US$2,675per person
Price based on Shared 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 (109 traveler 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, 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 $4,125
US$3,713per person
Price based on Shared Room
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Simply Italy (Winter, Classic)
4.6 (61 traveler reviews)
"She was very knowledgeable and helped any way she could!"
Travis, traveled in September
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 $2,085
US$1,877per 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
15% Off
From $945
US$803per person
Price based on Shared Room
8 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
22 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
5 Day Rome And Florence By Train Including Pisa, Cinque Terre, Villa D’Este and Villa Adriana
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $1,476
US$959per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Easy Pace Italy (Classic, Winter)
4.8 (8 traveler reviews)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Rome, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, Verona, Venice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central Italy
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
35% Off
From
US$3,295per person
Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
23 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Italian Espresso (Winter, Classic)
4.4 (26 traveler reviews)
"She has a true talent for what she does and deserves the world. Could not recommend more highly!"
Kimba, traveled in August
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
10% Off
From $1,420
US$1,278per person
Price based on Shared Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ 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
20% Off
From $2,773
US$2,220per person
Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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Hiking & Trekking
Walking the Amalfi Coast (15 destinations)
4.4 (315 traveler reviews)
"All the trails they use are in All Trails. This is NOT a flat level hike."
Paul, traveled in June
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
20% Off
From $2,398
US$1,920per person
Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
26 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)
"Everything was super well organised. Communication was excellent."
LYNDA, traveled in August
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 $1,490
US$968per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 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)
"Emilio and his family are so lovely. Very welcoming and friendly and Emilio is also an amazing cook."
Mary, traveled in July
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 $2,499
US$1,999per 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
21% Off
From $1,899
US$1,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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