Italy often is a warm-weather destination. You might picture yourself among rolling hills covered in vineyards or sprawled out on a tropical beach, enjoying the turquoise Mediterranean. But December can be a good time to travel to the country; winter activities are at a peak and holiday festivals are kicking off.
Winter Activities
- Northern Italy's mountains bring legions of travelers in winter. Aprica, a ski-resort town, has several lodges and hotels, along with several ski runs, ice skating rinks and snowboarding courses. After a long day on the slopes, you can enjoy a hearty meal in town or a trip to the shops and boutiques. The ski area at Val Gardena, in the Dolomites, is another choice for winter activities. Ski lifts are open throughout December, as are toboggan and snowboarding runs. Sleigh rides and a town-wide Christmas dinner are among the holiday celebrations.
Holiday Markets
- Europe's holiday markets are a favorite shopping choice for Christmas gifts -- and Italy's markets are no exception. The medieval town of Trento sets up stalls under the towering Buonconsiglio Castle, where artisans sell crafts, art, wine and food items. In Milan, the Christmas market at the town center and the Brocantage Antiques Fair are held each weekend in December. Florence, too, has its own market, along with the Florence Noel, held during the first week of December. At this event, you can shop for local items and sample local produce, wine and other goods, attend parades, and view lights and decorations.
- Festivals
- Religious festivals are common throughout Italy in December. December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a national holiday in Italy. You can sample tasty local food at the sausage and polenta festival in Galdo at St. Bartolomeo, held annually on this feast day. Siracusa residents in Sicily celebrate the feast day of St. Lucia on December 13. Townspeople hold a procession through the town and volunteers carry a large statue of the saint before holding a mass at the basilica named in her honor. Milan celebrates its patron saint, St. Ambrose, on December 7. On this date, you can attend special Masses and shop at a large market in the town center.
Travel Tips
- If you're traveling to Italy in December, expect airfare to drop significantly from pricier summer rates. The exception is for travel to ski resorts, which raise prices in conjunction with high demand all winter long. Travel close to Christmas can be pricey, too, especially if you're planning to fly to Rome; visitors flock here from around the world for Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. You should reserve hotel and resort rooms well in advance, as this holiday time can bring competition for these rooms.
