Perfect Christmas Holiday Destinations In Italy

If you have been thinking of planning a getaway over the winter break then Italy is a great option, no matter your needs. Head south for mild winter weather, hit up the Alps or any of the many other mountain destinations for skiing, explore the cities under twinkling lights, enjoy the hearty local cuisine to warm you up, take in the events and customs of Christmas time in this largely Catholic country, or take in some of the most famous tourist attractions without peak-season queues. No matter what kind of holiday you want, Italy can provide it.

Milan

Italy's fashion capital is beautiful in and around Christmas. For a week in early December, the city plays host to Oh Bej! Oh Bej!, a Christmas market that takes place by the Castello Sforzesco and dates back to the 13th century. It sees more than 400 exhibitors, who are selling typical handmade Christmas decorations, sweets, and winter delicacies, descend upon the square and is a perfect winter activity. Throughout the month, the streets are lined with lights and stores put on impressive Christmas displays. Most things close on the 25th and the 26th but then it is business as usual and, if you stay until the 6th of January, you'll get to partake in sales shopping in one of the world's most stylish cities...what could be more ideal for a fashionista looking to get away during winter?

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Venice

For the romantics out there, Venice is the ideal winter destination. During the winter months, things are a little quieter and the city has a certain charm when the weather is colder, making the canals look still and glassy and beautiful. The beautiful palazzi and gondolas are draped in lights that make the water glitter, the sound of choirs drifts out of the doors of the endless churches, unique handmade gifts and decorations are sold, and concerts and events take place all across the city, even during public holidays. Depending on when Easter is, the events of the famous festival of Carnival can take place from early February to to March and it is one of the biggest parties in the world – one for the bucket lists!

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Florence

Florence, meanwhile, is home to many different Christmas markets that take place in the run up to the holiday and the days afterwards; the most famous being the Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce. It's also a great time to sightsee as tourist crowds are smaller and most of the major museums and attractions are open bar Christmas day. During New Year's the city has famous celebrations, with concerts in many of the piazzas, fireworks displays over the Arno and Piazzale Michelangelo, plenty of bars and restaurants to explore and much more besides. For an unforgettable memory of ringing in the new year, it's hard to beat.

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Rome

Religious Christians need to see Rome over Christmas at some point in their lives. As the epicentre of the Catholic faith and steeped in centuries of art and tradition, it is a beautifully spiritual place, and Christmas Eve mass in St Peter's Basilica is an extraordinary thing. There is lots that everyone else can enjoy too: the giant Christmas trees at the Vatican, Spanish Steps and the Colosseum, the many Nativity scenes that are often intricate and sometimes feature live animals, the market at Piazza Navona, ice-skating, ballets, concerts and more!

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We have also written a guide to the ski destinations in Italy and Christmas market destinations in Italy so be sure to check those out too!

So, no matter what kind of things you are interested in, Italy in winter delivers!