Dark and chilly December brightens up in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, attracting visitors to Tuscany’s decked-out villages, towns, and cities. This is a great month to hit the slopes, wander a holiday market, and feast on local Tuscan delicacies.
## Tuscany in December: A Comprehensive Guide
December in Tuscany offers a unique and enchanting experience, a time when the region transforms into a festive wonderland. While the weather might require a bit more planning, the rewards of fewer crowds, captivating Christmas markets, and the genuine warmth of Italian hospitality make it a memorable time to visit.
**Weather in Tuscany in December**
The Tuscan weather in December can be best described as variable, a mix of sunshine and showers, with temperatures generally ranging between 4 and 12 degrees Celsius (40-54°F). While this is an average, it’s essential to remember that conditions can differ throughout the region. You can anticipate that the nights will be noticeably colder, and the mountain areas will likely experience temperatures hovering around freezing.
The coastal areas of Tuscany, however, benefit from a milder Mediterranean climate. This means you can expect slightly warmer temperatures along the coast, although you should still be prepared for rain, with approximately 15 days of rainfall throughout the month.
Packing for a trip to Tuscany in December requires a thoughtful approach. An umbrella is a must-have to shield yourself from the frequent showers. Sunglasses are also essential for when the sun does make an appearance. Warm layers are crucial, not only for outdoor explorations but also for indoor comfort. It’s worth noting that Italian homes are legally required to maintain temperatures below 20°C (68°F), so having warm clothing indoors is highly advisable. Consider packing essential winter gear like a warm coat, gloves, and a hat to stay comfortable during your travels.
It’s crucial to remember that the days are shorter in December. Plan your activities accordingly, making sure to schedule any indoor activities for the later part of the day when natural light is limited. If you plan to rent a car for your Tuscan adventure, exercise caution when driving after dark or in the early morning hours as roads may be icy, particularly in elevated areas.
**Crowds and Costs in Tuscany in December**
December in Tuscany is generally considered the off-season for tourism. This translates into significant advantages, such as cheaper airfare and accommodations compared to the peak travel seasons. However, it’s essential to plan ahead, especially if your trip coincides with the lead-up to Christmas. As Italian tourists begin their holiday travels, demand increases, and travel prices tend to spike. Booking your reservations in advance is highly recommended to secure the best deals and availability.
December also marks the beginning of the ski season in Tuscany. Keep in mind that ski resorts will likely be charging high-season prices. However, even with these increased prices, Tuscan ski resorts tend to be relatively less costly than the more popular resorts located further north in Italy.
It is crucial to check transportation schedules before travelling. As Christmas approaches, you should bear in mind that transportation services may operate on reduced holiday schedules. Double-checking the operating hours for museums, monuments, and churches is also recommended to avoid any disappointment.
**Where to Go in Tuscany in December**
There is something to see and experience in every part of Tuscany in December, especially with the commencement of the festive Christmas season, which begins with Advent (the fourth Sunday before December 25).
Florence, the captivating capital of Tuscany, is an excellent base of operations, or at least a starting point for your holiday. The city boasts a wide array of fabulous restaurants, world-class museums, and an enchanting atmosphere created by seasonal decorations and festivities that begin to appear throughout the city. These include Christmas markets, concerts, and traditional nativity scenes.
Other charming cities, towns, and villages throughout Tuscany, such as Siena, Lucca, and Arezzo, celebrate Christmas with genuine enthusiasm and offer their own unique festive experiences.
Although the ski conditions in December are not as ideal as later in the season (January and February), there is still a good chance to enjoy some time on the slopes or engage in snowshoeing activities. Consider a visit to the Abetone resort, situated outside the charming town of Pistoia. This resort offers a variety of runs and peaks that reach up to 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). Alternatively, if you find yourself further south in the Val d’Orcia region, you can experience Monte Amiata on a more modest scale. This is a perfect spot for beginners but all levels of skiers and snowboarders are welcome.
Another fantastic way to warm up during the cooler December days is to visit one of the numerous thermal spas or heated pools that are scattered throughout Tuscany. Bagno Vignoni, located in southern Siena, is renowned for its captivating Roman-era pool situated in the center of the main square. Other alluring outdoor options include Casciana Terme near Pisa, Saturnia and Petriolo nestled between the provinces of Siena and Grosseto, or Venturina, located along the Etruscan coast in the southwest region of Tuscany.
For convenient and efficient exploration of Tuscany, renting a car or travelling by train are your best options. These modes of transportation will allow you to see as much of the region as your schedule permits, maximizing your time and allowing you to experience the diverse beauty of Tuscany.
**What to Do in Tuscany in December**
Take advantage of the occasionally inclement weather in December to explore Tuscany’s impressive museums without the usual long lines and crowds.
Discover some of the world’s most significant works of art housed within Florence’s renowned Uffizi Gallery. Alternatively, explore the Bargello Museum, which houses a stunning collection of sculptures from celebrated artists like Cellini, Donatello, and Michelangelo.
Next, venture to Siena’s Gothic Duomo to admire its remarkable collection of treasures, or visit the Duomo of San Gimignano to see its impressive frescoes depicting scenes from the New and Old Testaments.
While you are enjoying indoor activities, consider making a reservation for a night at the Opera. Florence’s modern Opera House is a wonderful option, or for a more intimate experience, venture inside St. Stefano church in Siena or the Church of San Giovanni in Lucca for a truly magical evening.
To punctuate your outdoor sightseeing, take a break in a historic caffè and immerse yourself in an authentic vintage setting while enjoying a warming beverage. Try Café dell’Ussero in Pisa, or Caffè dei Costanti in Arezzo (which has the added bonus of being a filming location for the beloved movie “La Vita è Bella”).
As Christmas approaches, every hamlet, town, and city in Tuscany hosts its own festive market, offering an abundance of Christmas cheer in their respective piazzas (plazas or squares). No matter which town or city you are in, take a leisurely stroll through the numerous stalls to find the perfect gift or souvenir. And because Tuscany is known for its exceptional cuisine, be sure to sample some of the local specialties, such as *brigidini*, *befanini*, and *copate senesi*, to name just a few.
The Piazza del Campo in Siena hosts the Mercato del Campo, one of the region’s largest and most impressive markets. It dates back to the Middle Ages and features over 100 stalls selling crafts, local delicacies, and exquisite wines. Also keep an eye out for the enchanting live nativity scenes (or *presepi*) that are displayed throughout the region, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Towards the end of December, the focus shifts from Christmas to New Year’s celebrations. Most towns across the region, including Pisa, Siena, Cortona, Livorno, and Arezzo, ring in the New Year with an array of exciting festivities, such as live musical performances, theatrical productions, medieval re-enactments, and dazzling fireworks displays. If you plan on dining out on New Year’s Eve, booking in advance is essential. Prepare to be served a traditional meal that typically includes *cotechino* or *zampone* and lentils, believed to bring good luck in the coming year.
**Events in Tuscany in December**
* **Feast of the Immaculate Conception:** Every year on December 8th, Italians celebrate the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. Because this is a national holiday, all public offices are closed, as well as many businesses. You should expect special masses held in churches.
* **La Fiaccole della Notte di Natale:** The town of Abbadia San Salvadore continues the 1000-year-old tradition of bonfires and torch-lit parades throughout the town to honor Christ’s birth every December 24th.
* **Christmas Eve & Christmas Day:** The 24th and 25th of December are celebrated in much the same way as they are in many English-speaking countries, with Italians spending quality time with their families. Although businesses and offices are closed for this national holiday, it’s actually a relatively low-key affair. That’s because the main Christmas holiday in Italy is Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6th and signifies the end of Italy’s 12 days of Christmas.
* **St. Stefano’s Day:** December 26 marks a national holiday that honors the martyrdom of St. Stephen, and sees people heading out of their homes to celebrate with their friends and families. Expect closures throughout the country.
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