Weather
December in Italy may not be as cold as it is in January, but that isn't saying much. For example, if you're arriving in Rome, expect the average temperature to be 50°F (10°C). Of course, temperatures fluctuate depending on the region, but you can expect ranges of between 25-45°F (-4-5°C) in the north, 40-55°F (5-13°C) in Central Italy, and 55-60°F (13-16°C) in the south of the country. This means there's snow the farther north you travel, with some cities and towns straddling the line between heavy snows and sunny weather. Milan, for example, is typically dry with clear skies early in the month and blanketed with snow toward the end.
Crowds & Costs
December does fall in the low season, with the exception of a noticeable increase in tourism during Christmas. That means you benefit from low-season prices on airfare and hotels, which can be even 50% lower than in high season. That said, there are two exceptions to this: ski/snowboarding resorts in the north of Italy will be charging high-season prices now that they're officially open, and during the week of Christmas, costs will also spike.
Certain restaurants and hotels will be closed for the offseason in many popular spring and summer destinations, such as the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre.
Where to Go
If you're a winter sports enthusiast, head straight for the slopes. However, know that ski conditions in December aren't quite as ideal as they are in January (although they're still pretty good). One of the best places in the country for early-season skiing is the Alpine resort Cervina, located in the Valle d'Aosta region of northwest Italy. Its higher altitude (6,725 ft/2,050 m) means there are good conditions by December; in fact, it's often open by the end of October.
And what better city to make your base of operations in Italy in December than Rome? With between three and seven days, you could have a great time in the capital, as the city is alive during this holiday month despite the cold and slushy weather. If you're a committed Catholic (or even just a sucker for pageantry), head to the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. If you plan on attending this event, you'll need to get your tickets as far in advance as possible (the Vatican gives them out for free).
And if you plan on traveling around the country during your holiday, the best overland way to do this is by train. The other forms of public transport in Italy are unreliable.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
If you find yourself in Rome during December, then eschew the outdoor excursions for the indoor sights and museums. No matter the weather outside, you can marvel at the Sistine Chapel or the Vatican Museum in perfect peace—and with fewer crowds to boot. This is a good rule of thumb, no matter where you find yourself in Italy.
Traveling to Florence? Enjoy the shorter lines at the Uffizi Gallery. You could also head to Milan and the Pinacoteca di Brera Gallery to view an equally impressive collection of Renaissance art. And you don't have to worry about museums keeping irregular hours—in Italy, the museums are open 363 days per year.
If you're in Italy later in the month, definitely head to the piazzas (plazas) in whatever town or city you happen to find yourself and stroll the outdoor Christmas markets. The chestnut-roasting vendors will be out in force, and it's a great time to sample some vin brulé (hot mulled wine). Chocoholics should make a beeline for the streetside cafés, most of which will be selling cups of rich and creamy cioccolata calda (hot chocolate).
Events in December
Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Nationwide (December 8). Italians celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary each year. Of course, this is a national holiday, meaning all public offices and many businesses are closed. Special masses are held in churches, and in Rome, there's a celebration in which the Pope lays a floral wreath on the Madonna statue at Piazza Mignanelli.
Christmas Eve/Christmas, Nationwide (December 24/d25). Christmas Eve and Christmas are celebrated in much the same way as they are in many English-speaking countries, with Italians spending time with their families. Although businesses and offices are closed for this national holiday, it's actually a relatively low-key affair. That's because the main Christmas holiday in Italy is Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6 and signifies the end of Italy's 12 days of Christmas.
Traveling to Italy in December? Check out these great itineraries
Explore Rome - 5 Days. Discover historic and modern highlights of the Eternal City in this 5-day tour. Hear stories of gladiators in Rome's ancient Colosseum, tour the iconic Pantheon, and visit the Vatican Museum to see the world-famous Sistine Chapel.
Food & Wine in Italy - 11 Days. Eat like royalty, drink like a Roman, and explore Italy's top cultural and historic sites on this packed 11-day trip.
More Helpful Information
Italy in November
Italy in January
Best Time of Year to Visit Italy
How Many Days to Spend in Italy