Tuscany in December: The Magic of a Winter Visit

Timeless Wanderers Posted September10,2025

What to Expect When Visiting Tuscany in December

We love visiting Tuscany in December, when the crowds have gone and the region settles into a calm, wintry charm.

Mornings often start with a soft mist over the rolling hills, and evenings invite cozy moments by the fire in a quiet piazza or a countryside villa.

Daytime temperatures hover around 6–11 °C (43–52 °F), just cool enough for sweaters, scarves, and a steaming cappuccino in a tucked-away café.

For us, December is the perfect time to explore Tuscany at a slower pace.

Museums and galleries in Florence, Siena, and smaller towns feel more intimate without the summer crowds, and off-season hotel and villa rates make it easier to enjoy a little extra comfort.

The countryside may be quieter after the harvest, but wineries still welcome visitors for small tastings, and local trattorias serve hearty seasonal dishes—think ribollita soup, roasted chestnuts, fresh truffles, and a warming glass of Chianti.

As the month goes on, the festive spirit begins to sparkle.

Towns string up lights, Christmas markets appear in Florence, Arezzo, and Montepulciano, and thermal baths like Bagno Vignoni or Saturnia are especially inviting in the cool air.

For us, December is a chance to see Tuscany at its most authentic—peaceful, cozy, and quietly magical.

Weather in Tuscany in December

December in Tuscany is cool and crisp, but rarely severe.

Temperatures: Expect daytime highs of 7–12 °C (45–54 °F) and nighttime lows of 1–4 °C (33–39 °F).
Coastal areas like Pisa stay slightly milder, while hill towns such as Siena or San Gimignano feel chillier.
Rain: Showers are possible, averaging 7–9 rainy days in the month, often as light drizzle.
Snow: Rare in cities, but higher elevations—like Monte Amiata or Abetone in northern Tuscany—can see dustings or skiable snow.
Daylight: Around 9 hours of daylight, so plan sightseeing earlier and embrace cozy evenings.

Packing Tips: Bring a warm coat, scarf, gloves, waterproof shoes or boots, and layers for indoor/outdoor comfort. A compact umbrella is essential.

Why Visit Tuscany in December?

1. Festive Atmosphere without Crowds
Christmas markets twinkle across Florence, Siena, and tiny villages, but you’ll never face the heavy summer crowds.

2. Value for Money
With the exception of Christmas and New Year’s week, hotels and agriturismos offer off-season rates, making it an ideal time for luxury stays or longer visits.

3. Seasonal Flavors
Hearty ribollita soups, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and the first press of extra-virgin olive oil dominate menus—comfort food at its best.

4. Cultural Immersion
Locals are in holiday mode, and museums, galleries, and churches remain open with shorter lines.

Festivals and Events in December

Christmas Markets & Festivities

Florence’s Weihnachtsmarkt (Santa Croce) – A German-style Christmas market selling crafts, ornaments, and spiced wine in Piazza Santa Croce from late November through mid-December.
Siena’s Piazza del Campo – Medieval market atmosphere with handmade gifts and Tuscan specialties.
Arezzo’s Christmas City – The whole town becomes a Christmas village with lights, nativity scenes, and artisan stalls.

Religious Celebrations

Immacolata Concezione (December 8) – A national holiday when lights are switched on and nativity scenes unveiled.
Christmas Eve & Day (December 24–25) – Midnight Mass in Florence’s Duomo or Siena’s Cathedral is unforgettable.
Santo Stefano (December 26) – A quiet day when families gather and some museums close.

New Year’s Eve

Capodanno is celebrated with fireworks in Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo, Siena’s Piazza del Campo, and coastal towns like Livorno.

Tuscany’s Countryside in December

The rolling hills trade golden vines for misty valleys and clear winter skies.

Vineyards are dormant, but wineries still welcome visitors for tastings.

Olive oil producers bottle the “olio nuovo,” the freshly pressed oil from the November harvest—December is perfect for sampling.

For a winter twist, head to Monte Amiata or Abetone for skiing or snowshoeing.

These small resorts provide a quiet alternative to the Alps, great for families or beginners.

Florence in December

Florence slows during the holidays.

Fewer tourists mean shorter lines at the Uffizi and Accademia, making art-filled days easy to plan.

Streets sparkle with lights, and window displays rival any big European city.

Highlights:
- Stroll Via de’ Tornabuoni for luxury shopping and festive decor.
- Admire the massive Christmas tree and nativity scene in Piazza del Duomo.
- Warm up with thick Tuscan hot chocolate at Caffè Rivoire.
- Explore special exhibitions—December is prime time for major art shows.

Where to Stay in Florence in December

Because it’s low season, you can often score great deals at top hotels:

Luxury: Portrait Firenze – Riverside suites with Arno views.
Boutique: Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni – Elegant rooms, rooftop terrace perfect for winter sunsets.
Mid-range: Hotel L’Orologio – Stylish, central, and cozy for winter stays.
Budget: SoprArno Suites – Artistic vibe and warm hospitality.

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Winter City Break
Day 1: Florence – Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, evening Christmas market stroll.
Day 2: Day trip to Siena for the market and Gothic architecture.
Day 3: Lucca’s city walls by bicycle and hot chocolate in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

5-Day Countryside Escape
Days 1–2: Florence highlights.
Day 3: Chianti for winery tastings and olive oil sampling.
Day 4: Val d’Orcia—Pienza and Montepulciano under a winter mist.
Day 5: Hot springs soak in Bagno Vignoni.

Dining in December

Seasonal dishes not to miss:

Ribollita – Slow-cooked bread and vegetable soup, perfect for chilly nights.
Pappardelle al Cinghiale – Wide pasta ribbons with wild boar ragu.
Castagnaccio – Chestnut flour cake, a holiday specialty.
Vin Brulé – Italian mulled wine served at Christmas markets.

Book restaurants for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve well in advance; prix fixe holiday menus are common.

Practical Tips for December Travel

Transportation: Trains and buses run on holiday schedules during Christmas and New Year’s. Check timetables ahead of time.
Closures: Many museums and shops close on December 25 and January 1.
Language: Basic Italian greetings—Buon Natale! (Merry Christmas)—go a long way.
Timing: For the quietest visit and lowest prices, aim for the first two weeks of December before the Christmas rush.
Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in December.

Day tours of Tuscany

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Tuscany?

Yes—expect festive markets, fewer crowds, and excellent hotel deals. Just dress warmly and plan around holiday closures.

Will I see snow?

Snow is rare in major cities but possible in hill towns and ski areas like Abetone or Monte Amiata.

Are attractions open?

Most museums and major sights remain open except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Always double-check specific dates.

How expensive is Tuscany in December?

It’s one of the most affordable months outside of the Christmas–New Year holiday week, when prices can rise slightly.

What should I pack?

Warm layers, waterproof shoes, a coat, scarf, gloves, and a small umbrella.

Final Thoughts

Tuscany in December offers a blend of culture, cuisine, and quiet winter beauty.
You’ll sip Chianti by a crackling fire, wander medieval streets lit by festive lights, and explore Florence’s masterpieces without the summer crowds.

Whether you’re chasing Christmas markets or planning a romantic countryside escape, December invites you to see Tuscany at its most enchanting.

PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE

These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – Going is a great search engine if you are flexible about your travel destination and dates. Sign up for their newsletter and get the latest deals on destinations around the world. GOING is our new go to.

CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.

TRAINS –RAIL EUROPE– is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.

BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way. FLIXBUS is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.

ACCOMMODATIONS

BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.

HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.

TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.

ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.

Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.