25 Magical Things to See and Do in Italy in Winter

Are you planning to visit Italy in Winter? Italy in winter offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and cozy experiences without the summer crowds with magical experience, from snow-capped mountains to cozy cafes and festive celebrations. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the slopes at its over 290 ski resorts, cultural immersion in historic cities, or simply a peaceful winter retreat, Italy has something for everyone.

We’re put together a list of 25 things to see and do in Italy during the winter months.

Table Of Contents

1. Ski the Dolomites
2. Explore Venice's Misty Canals
3. Soak in Thermal Baths in Tuscany
4. Attend Carnival in Venice
5. Visit Rome's Museums Without the Crowds
6. Indulge in Winter Comfort Food
7. Shop the Winter Sales
8. Admire the Nativity Scenes in Naples
9. Attend an Opera at La Scala in Milan
10. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Florence
11. Ice Skating in Milan's Piazza Gae Aulenti
12. White Truffle Hunting in Piemonte
13. Witness the St. Agatha Festival in Catania, Sicily
14. Relax in the Snow-Capped Aosta Valley
15. Explore the Christmas Markets in Bolzano
16. Attend the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival in Orvieto
17. Visit the Snow-Covered Sassi di Matera
18. Ski Cross-Country in Val di Fiemme
19. Celebrate Carnevale in Viareggio
20. Sip Hot Chocolate in Turin's Historic Cafés
21. Witness the Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento
22. Take a Cooking Class in Bologna
23. Enjoy Winter Whale Watching in Liguria
24. Visit the Snow-Covered Ruins of Pompeii
25. Attend the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas Fair in Milan

1. Ski the Dolomites

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, transform into a winter wonderland from December to March. With over 1,200 km of slopes, it’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Best time to visit: January to February for optimal snow conditions
Required time: At least 3-5 days to explore different slopes
Pricing: Ski passes range from €50-€70 per day
How to get there: Fly into Venice or Innsbruck, then take a bus or rent a car
Where to stay: Best towns to stay in Veneto at the foothills of the Dolomites

2. Explore Venice’s Misty Canals

Winter in Venice is hauntingly beautiful. The mist rolling off the canals creates an ethereal atmosphere, perfect for photographers and romantics alike.

Best time to visit: Early morning for the most atmospheric views
Required time: 2-3 days to explore the main sights
Pricing: Gondola rides cost around €90 for 30 minutes
How to get there: Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport or take a train to Venezia Santa Lucia
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Venice

3. Soak in Thermal Baths in Tuscany

Escape the cold in Tuscany’s natural hot springs. The steam rising from the warm waters against the chilly air creates a magical experience.

Best time to visit: Any time during winter, but avoid weekends for fewer crowds
Required time: Half-day to full-day excursion
Pricing: Public baths from €10-€20, luxury spa treatments from €100
How to get there: Rent a car in Florence or join a guided tour
Where to stay: Best towns to stay in Tuscany or stay in Florence

4. Attend Carnival in Venice

Experience the world famous Venice Carnival, typically held in February. The city comes alive with elaborate masks, stunning costumes, and festive events.

Best time to visit: Two weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday (dates vary yearly)
Required time: 3-5 days to fully immerse in the festivities
Pricing: Many events are free, masks can cost €20-€200+
How to get there: Fly into Venice or take a train
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Venice, , book accommodation well in advance

5. Visit Rome’s Museums Without the Crowds

Winter is the perfect time to explore Rome’s world class museums and ancient sites without battling throngs of tourists.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for the quietest experience
Required time: 3-5 days to see major museums and sites
Pricing: Combo tickets for multiple sites available from €20-€40
How to get there: Fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport or arrive by train
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Rome

6. Indulge in Winter Comfort Food

Savor hearty Italian winter dishes like ribollita in Tuscany, polenta in the north, or a steaming plate of pasta alla carbonara in Rome.

Best time to visit: Anytime, avoid touristy areas for authentic experiences
Required time: Plan for long, leisurely meals – 1.5 to 2 hours
Pricing: Expect to pay €20-€50 per person for a good meal
How to get there: Explore local neighborhoods on foot or by public transport
Where to stay: Best towns to stay in Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna and Sicily, or stay in cities like Rome , Florence and Naples

7. Shop the Winter Sales

Take advantage of Italy’s winter sales, typically starting in early January. Find great deals on Italian fashion and design.

Best time to visit: First week of January for the best selection
Required time: Dedicate at least a full day for shopping
Pricing: Varies widely, but expect discounts of 30-70%
How to get there: Major cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence are best for shopping
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Milan, Rome and Florence

8. Admire the Nativity Scenes in Naples

Naples is famous for its elaborate nativity scenes, or presepi. Visit Via San Gregorio Armeno to see artisans at work.

Best time to visit: December through early January
Required time: Half-day to full-day exploration
Pricing: Free to view, handcrafted figures can cost €25-€200+
How to get there: Fly into Naples International Airport or arrive by train
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Naples

9. Attend an Opera at La Scala in Milan

Experience world-class opera at Milan’s legendary La Scala theater. The winter season offers some of the best performances.

Best time to visit: Check the schedule and book well in advance
Required time: One evening, arrive early to admire the theater
Pricing: Tickets range from €10 (standing room) to €250+ for premium seats
How to get there: Fly into Milan Malpensa or Linate Airport, or arrive by train
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Milan

10. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Florence

Ring in the New Year with concerts in the piazzas, fireworks over the Arno River, and a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

Best time to visit: December 31st and January 1st
Required time: At least 2 days to enjoy the festivities and recover
Pricing: Many events are free, dinner reservations can cost €100+ per person
How to get there: Fly into Florence Airport or arrive by train
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Florence

11. Ice Skating in Milan’s Piazza Gae Aulenti

Glide across the ice with the futuristic skyline of Milan as your backdrop. This seasonal rink offers a magical winter experience in Italy’s fashion capital.

Best time to visit: December to early March
Required time: 1-2 hours
Pricing: €10+ for entry skate rental
How to get there: Take the metro to Garibaldi FS station
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Milan

12. White Truffle Hunting in Piemonte

Winter is prime truffle season, why not experience the thrill of hunting for white truffles in the forests of Piemonte (Piedmont)

Best time to visit: November to January
Required time: Half-day to full-day excursion
Pricing: Guided truffle hunts start from €150 per person
How to get there: Fly to Turin, then drive or take a tour to Alba or nearby towns
Where to stay: Best towns to stay in Piemonte

13. Witness the St. Agatha Festival in Catania, Sicily

Join one of Italy’s largest religious festivals, honoring Catania’s patron saint with parades, fireworks, and traditional sweets.

Best time to visit: February 3-5th annually
Required time: 2-3 days to fully experience the festival
Pricing: Free to attend, budget for food and accommodations
How to get there: Fly into Catania-Fontanarossa Airport
Where to stay: Best places to stay in Catania and in Sicily

14. Relax in the Snow-Capped Aosta Valley

Nestled in the Italian Alps, Aosta Valley offers stunning winter landscapes, ski resorts, and charming mountain villages.

Best time to visit: December to March for winter sports
Required time: 3-5 days
Pricing: Ski passes around €40-€50 per day
How to get there: Fly to Turin or Milan, then take a bus or rent a car
Where to stay: Best towns to stay in the Aosta Valley and Turin, or stay in Milan

15. Explore the Christmas Markets in Bolzano

Experience the magic of traditional Christmas markets in Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, known for its unique blend of Italian and Austrian cultures.

Best time to visit: Late November to early January
Required time: 1-2 days
Pricing: Free entry, budget for shopping and food
How to get there: Train from Verona or Venice, or fly to Bolzano Airport
Where to stay: Best towns to stay in Veneto, or stay in Venice

16. Attend the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival in Orvieto

Enjoy world-class jazz performances in the atmospheric medieval town of Orvieto during this annual winter festival.

Best time to visit: December 28 to January 1
Required time: 2-3 days
Pricing: Ticket prices vary, some free concerts available
How to get there: Train from Rome or Florence to Orvieto
Where to stay: Best places to stay in Oriveto, or stay in Tuscany, Rome or Florence

17. Visit the Snow-Covered Sassi di Matera

Explore the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, under a dusting of snow for a truly magical experience.

Best time to visit: January to February for a chance of snow
Required time: 1-2 days
Pricing: Many sights are free, guided tours from €20
How to get there: Fly to Bari, then take a train or bus to Matera
Where to stay: Best places to stay in and near Matera

18. Ski Cross-Country in Val di Fiemme

Experience some of Italy’s best cross-country skiing in the Dolomites’ Val di Fiemme, home to world-class trails and stunning scenery.

Best time to visit: December to March
Required time: 2-4 days
Pricing: Trail passes around €10-€15 per day
How to get there: Fly to Verona, then take a bus or rent a car
Where to stay: Best places to stay in and near Verona

19. Celebrate Carnevale in Viareggio

Join the vibrant Carnival celebrations in Viareggio, known for its elaborate parades featuring massive papier-mâché floats.

Best time to visit: February (dates vary annually)
Required time: 1-2 days
Pricing: Parade tickets around €20, many free events
How to get there: Train from Pisa or Florence
Where to stay: Best places to stay in Florence

20. Sip Hot Chocolate in Turin’s Historic Cafés

Warm up in Turin’s elegant historic cafés, sampling the city’s famous thick hot chocolate and other sweet treats.

Best time to visit: Any time during winter
Required time: Half-day café-hopping tour
Pricing: €3-5 for hot chocolate, more for pastries
How to get there: Fly or take a train to Turin
Where to stay: Best places to stay in Turin

21. Witness the Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento

Experience the early signs of spring at Sicily’s Almond Blossom Festival, featuring folklore performances and local specialties.

Best time to visit: Late February to early March
Required time: 2-3 days
Pricing: Many free events, budget for food and accommodation
How to get there: Fly to Palermo, then take a bus or train to Agrigento
Where to stay: Best places to stay in Agrigento and in Sicily

22. Take a Cooking Class in Bologna

Learn to make hearty winter dishes in the culinary capital of Italy, perfecting your pasta-making skills.

Best time to visit: Any time during winter
Required time: Half-day to full-day classes available
Pricing: Cooking classes range from €70-€150
How to get there: Fly or take a train to Bologna
Where to stay: Best places to stay in Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region

23. Enjoy Winter Whale Watching in Liguria

Spot fin whales and other marine life in the Ligurian Sea, with winter offering some of the best viewing opportunities.

Best time to visit: December to March
Required time: Half-day excursion
Pricing: Boat tours from €50 per person
How to get there: Fly to Genoa, then travel to coastal towns like Imperia or Savona
Where to stay: Best places to stay in Genoa and the Riviera region

24. Visit the Snow-Covered Ruins of Pompeii

Experience the ancient city of Pompeii under a rare blanket of snow, offering a unique perspective on this famous archaeological site.

Best time to visit: January to February for a chance of snow
Required time: Full day
Pricing: Entry fee around €16
How to get there: Train from Naples to Pompeii Scavi station
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Naples

25. Attend the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas Fair in Milan

Explore Milan’s oldest and most beloved Christmas market, featuring local crafts, food, and festive atmosphere.

Best time to visit: First week of December
Required time: Half-day to full-day
Pricing: Free entry, budget for shopping and food
How to get there: Held near Castello Sforzesco, easily accessible by Milan’s public transport
Where to stay: Best neighborhoods to stay in Milan

Italy’s winter offerings are diverse and enchanting, from Alpine adventures to cultural festivals and culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking snowy landscapes, festive celebrations, or cozy retreats, Italy provides a ton of experiences to make your winter trip unforgettable. Remember to pack warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, and an appetite for adventure as you explore the magic of Italy in winter.

Check out our other guide for more Things to See and Do in Italy

Visiting other parts of Italy? Check out our other ‘Best Towns and Neighborhoods to Stay’ pages for a deeper look into the different regions and cities across Italy!