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.
- 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.
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!
Rome | Venice | Florence | Tuscany | The Italian Riviera, Liguria & Cinque Terre | Naples | Amalfi Coast | Milan | Lazio, Umbria & Campania | Lake Como | Emilia-Romagna & Bologna | Marche & Abruzzo | Valle D’Aosta & the Northwest Alps | Piemonte & Turin | Sicily | Puglia, Basilicata & Calabria | Sardinia | Veneto
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