Things to Do in Como in December

December Weather in Como

9°C (48°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Romantic Christmas market atmosphere - Como's Piazza Duomo transforms into an intimate holiday market with local crafts and hot wine, without the massive crowds of Milan or Venice
Villa gardens accessible without summer crowds - Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta offer peaceful winter walks through terraced gardens, plus indoor art collections when weather turns harsh
Peak truffle and winter cuisine season - Local restaurants serve seasonal specialties like brasato al Barolo and fresh tartufo bianco at their best, with cozy fireside dining
Dramatic Alpine views enhanced by snow - The surrounding mountains wear snow caps, creating stunning reflections on the lake that are impossible to see in warmer months

Considerations

Most lake ferry services suspended - Only essential routes between Como, Bellagio, and Menaggio operate, cutting your transportation options by 70% compared to summer
Many attractions close or reduce hours - Villa Monastero and numerous lakeside restaurants shut down completely from December 20-January 6, limiting dining and sightseeing options
Unpredictable fog can ruin scenic plans - Heavy fog rolls in from the Alps 40% of December days, obscuring mountain views and making driving treacherous on winding lakeside roads

Best Activities in December

Como Cathedral and Historic Center Walking Tours

December is ideal for exploring Como's medieval center and Gothic Duomo without summer's oppressive crowds. The narrow cobblestone streets take on a magical quality with Christmas decorations, and you can actually appreciate the cathedral's intricate facade details. Indoor portions provide warmth during cold snaps, and the Christmas market in Piazza Duomo adds seasonal charm.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, or join small group walking tours (typically €25-35 per person) that include indoor access to cathedral areas usually closed to visitors. Book through local tourist office or see current guided options in booking section below.

Villa del Balbianello Winter Garden Tours

This James Bond filming location offers a completely different experience in December. While outdoor gardens are dormant, the villa's interiors showcase period furniture and art collections. The lakefront terraces provide dramatic winter photography opportunities when fog lifts, and you'll have near-private access to one of Lake Como's most famous villas.

Booking Tip: Open Thursday, Saturday, Sunday only in December. Entry €22 ($24) including villa interior. Combine with boat transfer from Lenno (€7-10 each way) for full experience. Weather-dependent, so confirm day-of operations.

Bellagio Winter Village Experience

December transforms Bellagio from crowded tourist trap to authentic Italian village. Local shops stay open for holiday shopping, cafes offer seasonal drinks like bombardino (brandy with hot coffee and cream), and you can actually walk the narrow streets comfortably. The famous Bellagio steps make for dramatic winter photography.

Booking Tip: Reach via limited winter ferry service (€4.60 each way, 2-3 departures daily) or drive via SS583 (45 minutes from Como). Many restaurants close mid-December, so research current openings. See current tour options combining multiple lakeside villages in booking section below.

Swiss Border and Alpine Village Day Trips

December snow transforms nearby Swiss villages like Lugano and St. Moritz into winter wonderlands just 1-2 hours from Como. The contrast between Italian lake culture and Swiss alpine traditions is most pronounced in winter months. Many travelers miss this cross-border opportunity that's logistically easier in December due to reduced lake traffic.

Booking Tip: Full day tours typically €65-95 including transport and guide. Swiss franc needed for purchases. Passport required for border crossing. Weather-dependent for mountain roads - book through operators with winter driving experience.

Cooking Classes Featuring Winter Seasonal Dishes

December is peak season for Northern Italian winter cuisine - polenta with wild mushrooms, hearty stews, and festive panettone preparation. Local cooking schools offer intimate classes (4-8 people) focusing on seasonal ingredients unavailable in warmer months. Classes move entirely indoors, perfect for December's weather.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes range €75-120 per person including meal and wine pairings. Book 7-10 days ahead as winter classes are smaller and fill quickly. Look for classes including local market visits for seasonal ingredient selection.

Textile Museum and Silk Factory Heritage Tours

Como's silk industry heritage becomes the focus when outdoor activities are limited. The Museo della Seta and active silk factories offer fascinating indoor experiences showcasing centuries of textile craftsmanship. December is when many factories prepare next year's collections, offering behind-the-scenes access typically unavailable in busy seasons.

Booking Tip: Museum entry €10, factory tours €15-25 per person. Most factories require advance booking and operate Tuesday-Friday only. Combine with shopping for silk scarves and ties at wholesale prices directly from producers.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through January 6

Mercatini di Natale Como Christmas Market

Como's main Christmas market fills Piazza Duomo with wooden chalets selling local crafts, regional wines, and holiday treats. Features live nativity scenes and traditional Italian Christmas music. Much more intimate than major German Christmas markets but authentically Italian.

December 31 - January 1

Festa di Sant'Antonio New Year Traditions

Local celebration featuring traditional Lombard folk music and regional food specialties. Centered around Como's historic center with emphasis on local traditions rather than tourist entertainment. Includes midnight bell ringing from the Duomo.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof boots with good grip - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily exploring the historic center

Layering system with wool or fleece mid-layer - temperature swings 8°C (15°F) between morning fog and afternoon sun require adaptable clothing

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - December rain comes suddenly and Italian umbrellas cost €15-25 in tourist areas

Warm hat and gloves for ferry rides - even short 15-minute crossings feel brutal in December wind with high humidity

Waterproof daypack with internal organization - December drizzle can ruin electronics and documents during outdoor sightseeing

Comfortable walking shoes for indoor attractions - you'll spend more time in museums and villas, requiring different footwear than summer sandals

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster, and you'll rely heavily on navigation in foggy conditions

Cash in small denominations - many seasonal vendors and small cafes don't accept cards, especially during Christmas market season

Prescription glasses backup - fog and rain make contact lenses impractical for extended outdoor time

Light scarf that packs small - essential for entering churches and provides warmth without bulk when temperatures drop suddenly

Insider Knowledge

Ferry schedules reduce to skeleton service after December 15 - download Navigazione Laghi app for real-time updates and plan alternative bus routes via ASF Autolinee

Restaurant reservations become critical mid-December - many establishments close unexpectedly for family holidays, and remaining options fill with locals celebrating

Fog typically lifts between 11am-2pm - schedule photography and scenic activities for midday window when visibility improves dramatically

Local trains to Milan run every 30 minutes instead of hourly in December - use December down-time for day trips to metropolitan attractions when Como activities are limited

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming summer ferry routes operate - most scenic lake connections shut down, stranding tourists who didn't research winter timetables

Packing only light layers - December humidity makes 5°C (41°F) feel much colder than dry climates, requiring proper winter clothing

Planning full outdoor itineraries - fog and rain will disrupt 40% of your outdoor plans, so build in flexible indoor alternatives like museums and cooking classes