Visiting Tuscany in December (2026): Weather, Christmas Markets & Things to Do
Timeless Wanderers: Updated August 10, 2026
What to Expect When Visiting Tuscany in December
December marks the beginning of Tuscany’s winter season, but it’s also when the region starts preparing for Christmas.
The first half of the month is generally quiet, making it an excellent time to explore Florence, Siena, Lucca, and Tuscany’s hilltop towns before the holiday crowds arrive.
As Christmas approaches, the atmosphere changes.
Town squares are decorated with festive lights, Christmas markets begin to open, and seasonal events bring many of Tuscany’s historic centres to life.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 6–11°C (43–52°F), while evenings can be much colder, so warm clothing is essential if you’re planning to spend time outdoors after dark.
December is also a wonderful month for food lovers.
Restaurants serve hearty winter dishes, seasonal desserts such as panforte and ricciarelli, and Tuscany’s famous red wines pair perfectly with cooler weather.
If you’re planning to visit wineries, museums, or smaller attractions, remember that winter opening hours may differ from summer, particularly in the countryside.
For us, December offers the best of both worlds.
Early in the month, you can enjoy Tuscany at a relaxed pace, while the weeks leading up to Christmas bring festive markets, decorations, concerts, and traditions that make this one of the most enjoyable times of year to visit.
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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?
December is one of our favourite months to be in Tuscany because it offers two completely different experiences.
Early in the month, the region is wonderfully peaceful.
You can wander through Florence, Siena, Lucca, and the hilltop towns without the crowds that arrive later for Christmas, making it a fantastic time for sightseeing and photography.
As Christmas approaches, Tuscany gradually comes to life.
Town squares glow with festive lights, Christmas markets begin to open, seasonal concerts fill historic churches, and cafés become warm places to escape the winter chill.
It’s also one of the best months to slow down and enjoy Tuscany’s food.
Long lunches, hearty winter dishes, local wines, roasted chestnuts, and traditional Christmas sweets become just as memorable as the sightseeing.
December can also offer excellent value, particularly during the first half of the month, when accommodation prices are often lower than during spring or summer.
If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a countryside villa or boutique hotel, this can be one of the most affordable times to do it.
For us, December isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next. It’s about enjoying Tuscany at a slower pace, experiencing its Christmas traditions, and seeing a side of the region that many visitors miss.
Read Our Full Guide On
Best Things to Do in Tuscany (2026 Guide)
Festivals and Events in Tuscany in December
December is one of the most festive months to visit Tuscany.
Christmas markets, religious celebrations, seasonal concerts, and New Year’s Eve events bring towns and cities across the region to life.
Florence Christmas Market
Florence’s Weihnachtsmarkt in Piazza Santa Croce is one of Tuscany’s best-known Christmas markets.
Inspired by traditional German markets, you’ll find wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, artisan crafts, seasonal food, mulled wine, and festive treats.
It’s the perfect place to soak up the Christmas atmosphere before exploring the city’s beautifully decorated streets.
Siena Christmas Market
During early December, Siena’s famous Mercato nel Campo transforms Piazza del Campo into one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric Christmas markets.
Local producers and artisans sell traditional foods, wines, ceramics, sweets, and handmade gifts, making it a wonderful place to experience authentic Tuscan Christmas traditions.
Arezzo Christmas City
Arezzo is often considered Tuscany’s Christmas capital.
Throughout December, the historic centre is filled with festive lights, Christmas markets, seasonal entertainment, artisan stalls, and one of Italy’s most popular Christmas Villages.
Religious Celebrations
December is an important month in Tuscany’s religious calendar.
The Immacolata Concezione on 8 December marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas season, with many towns switching on their Christmas lights and unveiling nativity scenes.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, churches across Tuscany hold beautiful services, with Midnight Mass at Florence’s Duomo and Siena Cathedral among the most memorable.
Santo Stefano (26 December) is a public holiday throughout Italy. Many families spend the day together, and some museums, shops, and attractions may operate on reduced hours or remain closed.
New Year’s Eve
If you’re staying until the end of December, Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) is celebrated with concerts, fireworks, and public events across Tuscany.
Florence, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Livorno all host celebrations, with Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo offering one of the most spectacular places to watch the fireworks over the city.
Tuscany’s Countryside in December
December brings a different kind of beauty to the Tuscan countryside.
The vineyards may be dormant, but misty mornings, rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and crisp winter skies create a landscape that’s just as memorable as the colourful seasons of spring and autumn.
Many wineries remain open throughout December, offering relaxed cellar tours and tastings of Chianti, Brunello, and Vino Nobile, often with far fewer visitors than during the busy harvest season.
It’s also one of the best times to sample olio nuovo—the freshly pressed extra-virgin olive oil produced after the autumn harvest.
Many farms offer tastings paired with local bread, cheeses, and seasonal produce.
If you’re hoping to experience a little snow, head for Monte Amiata or Abetone, where Tuscany’s small ski resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
They may not have the size of the Alps, but they’re perfect for families, beginners, or anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxed winter day in the mountains.
Florence in December: Christmas Lights, Markets & Museums
Florence is one of our favourite places to visit in December.
The city’s Renaissance streets take on a festive atmosphere, with Christmas lights, beautifully decorated shop windows, and one of Tuscany’s most popular Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Croce.
It’s also an excellent time to visit Florence’s famous attractions.
Outside the Christmas and New Year period, you’ll usually find shorter queues at the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, and the Duomo, making sightseeing much more enjoyable than during the busy summer months.
As evening falls, Florence becomes even more atmospheric.
Walk across Ponte Vecchio, admire the Christmas tree beside the Duomo, browse the festive stalls, and finish the day with dinner in a traditional trattoria serving hearty Tuscan winter dishes.
Tours of Florence
Joining a tour can help save you time waiting in line, allow you to learn more about Florence from a knowledgeable guide, and introduce you to sights that you may not be able to do on your own.
Here are some of the best tours in Florence.
This small group tour is the perfect way to get the most out of your visit to the Uffizi Gallery.
Climb the dome, visit the Baptistery, and tour the Opera del Duomo Museum with an experienced guide on this small group tour.
Take a guided tour of the Uffizi and Accademia.
Go shopping in the central market in Florence and then learn how to cook a Tuscan meal. This tour gets nothing but rave reviews.
Take a food tour of Florence or a 2-hour guided sightseeing bike tour.
Day Trips from Florence
Where to Stay in Florence in December
Because it’s low season, you can often score great deals at top hotels:
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Luxury: Portrait Firenze – Riverside suites with Arno views.
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Boutique: Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni – Elegant rooms, rooftop terrace perfect for winter sunsets.
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Mid-range: Hotel L’Orologio – Stylish, central, and cozy for winter stays.
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Budget: SoprArno Suites – Artistic vibe and warm hospitality.
Where to Stay in Florence, Italy (2026) for more hotel recommendations and insights!
Other accommodation in Tuscany.
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day City Break
Day 1: Florence – Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, sunset market stroll.
Day 2: Day trip to Siena for the market and Gothic architecture.
Day 3: Lucca city walls by bicycle and a Aperitif 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 golden sunset.
Day 5: Hot springs soak in Bagno Vignoni.
How to Spend 7 Magical Days in Tuscany by Car
Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in April.
Dining in December
Seasonal dishes not to miss:
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Ribollita – Slow-cooked bread and vegetable soup, perfect for chilly nights.
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Pappardelle al Cinghiale – Wide pasta ribbons with wild boar ragu.
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Castagnaccio – Chestnut flour cake, a holiday specialty.
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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
P.S. We did this tour on our last trip to Florence and absolutely loved it. We spent the evening tasting local food and wine while our guide shared stories and history from the city. We’ve tried a lot of tours in Florence, but this one is still one of our favourites. Food Walking Tour with Local Steak and Tuscan Wine
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.
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Do You Need Travel Insurance for Tuscany?
(Short Answer: Yes — It’s Still a Smart Idea)
Travel insurance isn’t legally required to visit Tuscany, but it’s one of the smartest things you can have when travelling in Italy.
Even in a relaxed destination like Tuscany, things can go wrong — from delayed flights and lost luggage to medical issues, rental car damage, or unexpected trip cancellations. And while Italy has excellent healthcare, medical treatment for visitors can still be costly without proper coverage.
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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.