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 2025

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In-depth Cultural
Best of Italy (Winter)
4.5 (109 traveler 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, 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 $6,825
NZ$6,143per person
Price based on Shared Room
28 Dec, 2025
8 spaces left
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Explorer
Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast Winter
4.3 (5 traveler reviews)
"The food was excellent! I will highly recommend this tour to any friends looking to tour the amalfi coast!"
hannah, 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
NZ$3,139per person
Price based on Shared Room
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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 $1,753
NZ$1,578per person
Price based on Shared Room
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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
14% Off
From $6,161
NZ$5,292per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Winter paradise in the Dolomites: Alta Badia and Sella Ronda
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Innsbruck, Badia, Val Gardena
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Northern ItalyTrentino Alto-AdigeSouth TyrolItalian AlpsThe DolomitesAlps+5 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
14% Off
From
NZ$1,796per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
5-day Best of Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice
4.5 (25 traveler reviews)
"The inclusion of tours and hotels and transportation makes travel so easy! The cost is also amazing!"
Gina, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice,Montepulciano+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Carrani Tours
14% Off
From
NZ$1,774per person
Price based on Private Double Room
27 Dec, 2025
10+ spaces left
29 Dec, 2025
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Classical Italy
4.1 (169 traveler reviews)
"Our Italy tour was AMAZING and worth every penny! We could not have had a better tour experience!"
Jennifer, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Venice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
14% Off
From
NZ$1,285per person
Price based on Private Double Room
21 Dec, 2025
10+ spaces left
28 Dec, 2025
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Italy : Cities and Lakes W/top sightseeing & train rides 4 Star
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Everything was organized and we got reminders and updates via WhatsApp which was also beneficial."
Andres, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Rome
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
14% Off
From
NZ$3,790per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
20 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Standard 8 nights Italy
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"The trip was amazing, the team was great, always attentive and supportive."
Verónica, traveled in October
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Rome
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
14% Off
From
NZ$3,273per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
20 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Iconic Italian Cities
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The tour was good with some good selections of places to visit."
Patrick, traveled in May
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Rome
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
14% Off
From
NZ$3,691per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
20 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
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Explorer
Italy City Break - 5 Days
4.4 (73 traveler reviews)
"A very busy trip exploring main cities. A taster for future travel."
Catherine, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Tuscany,Montepulciano+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $3,068
NZ$1,963per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
5 Day Naples including Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri Island, Pompeii & Vesuvius.
4.5 (8 traveler reviews)
"The Isle of Capri trip was excellent and well organized, with more than 4 hours on the island."
Louise, 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
30% Off
From $2,463
NZ$1,724per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2025
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
6 Day Milan including visit to Verona, Lake Garda, Florence, Pisa, Lake Como, Bellagio, & Lugano.
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Perfect tour for a single traveler."
Jan, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Milan, Verona, Lake Garda, Florence, Pisa, Lake Como,Bellagio,Lugano+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Lakes
Italian Lakes District
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
30% Off
From $2,887
NZ$2,021per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
20 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Explorer
Rome, Florence, Venice: essential (3* hotels) low carbon tour by train
4.2 (5 traveler reviews)
"I enjoyed the experience and the choice of hotels was very good. I would recommend it to anyone with a bit of confidence to try it."
Robert, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Venice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Meet and Greet Italy
20% Off
From $2,919
NZ$2,335per person
Price based on Private Double Room
19 Dec, 2025
8 spaces left
20 Dec, 2025
8 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Italian Triple Centre with A World Wonder
5.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"The team do manage to respond to it promptly and not having a disruption on the plans."
Michelle, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Rome, Florence, Pisa, Tuscany, Venice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Central ItalyTuscany+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
20% Off
From
NZ$3,691per person
Price based on Private Double Room
20 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
21 Dec, 2025
10 spaces left
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