Things to Do in Lake Como in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Lake Como
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuinely quiet - December sees roughly 60-70% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning you can actually experience iconic spots like Bellagio and Varenna without fighting through crowds. Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta feel almost private during weekday mornings.
- Hotel rates drop significantly - luxury properties that charge 400-600 EUR per night in July typically run 150-250 EUR in December. Even lakefront rooms with those postcard views become accessible to travelers on moderate budgets.
- Christmas markets transform the towns from mid-November through early January. Como's Piazza Cavour market, Bellagio's illuminated waterfront, and the artisan stalls in Menaggio offer local crafts, vin brulé (mulled wine), and roasted chestnuts without the tourist trap pricing you'd find in German or Austrian markets.
- Clear winter light creates exceptional photography conditions - when the clouds break, you get that sharp, crystalline quality that makes the pre-Alps look almost theatrical. The low sun angle between 10am-2pm is particularly good for capturing the lake's depth and the surrounding peaks dusted with snow above 1,200 m (3,937 ft).
Considerations
- Many businesses close entirely - roughly 40% of restaurants, gelaterias, and shops in tourist-heavy towns like Bellagio and Varenna shut down from mid-November through mid-March. You'll need to research what's actually open before you arrive, and dining options shrink considerably after 8pm.
- Ferry schedules are severely reduced - the main Navigazione Laghi service runs on winter timetables with 50-60% fewer departures. Some smaller villages lose service completely. The romantic idea of hopping between towns becomes logistically challenging, and you'll spend more time waiting at docks in the cold.
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - that 64 mm (2.5 inches) of rain doesn't fall evenly. You might get three gorgeous days followed by two days of persistent drizzle and fog that drops visibility to 100 m (328 ft) across the water. The mountains disappear, and the lake loses much of its visual drama.
Best Activities in December
Villa tours and indoor cultural experiences
December is actually ideal for exploring Lake Como's historic villas because you can take your time without summer crowds. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and Villa Melzi in Bellagio have heated indoor galleries showcasing neoclassical sculpture and period furnishings. The reduced visitor numbers mean you can spend 20-30 minutes in a single room without feeling rushed. Most villas stay open through mid-December before closing for the season, so confirm operating schedules for late December visits. The cool temperatures make walking through multi-room exhibitions comfortable rather than stuffy.
Como and Lecco Christmas markets
Lake Como's Christmas markets run from late November through January 6 and offer a genuinely local experience rather than tourist spectacle. Como's Piazza Cavour market features regional food producers selling panettone, local cheeses, and lake fish preparations you won't find elsewhere. Lecco's market near the waterfront is smaller but less crowded, with better pricing on handmade crafts. The markets typically operate 10am-8pm on weekdays, extending to 10pm on weekends. The lake setting makes these markets feel distinct from inland Italian Christmas markets - you're sipping vin brulé while looking at water and mountains rather than medieval squares.
Scenic mountain cable car rides
The Brunate funicular from Como town operates year-round and becomes particularly worthwhile in December when clear days offer snow-capped Alpine views without summer haze. The 7-minute ride climbs 500 m (1,640 ft) to Brunate village, where you can walk to the Faro Voltiano lighthouse for panoramic lake views. December's lower humidity means visibility can extend 40-50 km (25-31 miles) on clear days. The funicular runs every 15-30 minutes depending on season, and the hilltop village has several cafes for warming up with coffee or hot chocolate. Worth noting that fog can completely obscure views, so check morning conditions before committing to the trip.
Local cooking classes and food workshops
December is prime season for learning to make regional winter dishes - pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with cabbage and cheese), polenta with braised meats, and traditional Christmas baking. Several agriturismi and cooking schools around the lake offer half-day workshops that include market visits or ingredient sourcing. These experiences work particularly well in December because you're cooking dishes that actually make sense for the season, and indoor activities provide perfect backup plans for rainy days. Class sizes tend to be smaller in winter, giving you more instructor attention.
Bellagio and Varenna village walking tours
The famous lakeside villages are genuinely more pleasant to explore in December's cooler temperatures and reduced crowds. You can walk Bellagio's stepped streets and waterfront without the shoulder-to-shoulder summer congestion, and actually get photos of the colorful buildings without tourists in every frame. Varenna's Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lovers' Walk) along the water becomes atmospheric rather than crowded. The 2-3°C (36-37°F) temperatures are perfect for walking - cool enough that you're comfortable moving but not so cold that you can't stop to admire views. Rain is the main consideration, so bring waterproof layers and flexible timing.
Wine tasting in Valtellina region
December is harvest completion time in the nearby Valtellina wine region, about 60 km (37 miles) northeast of the lake. This area produces distinctive Alpine wines from Nebbiolo grapes grown on terraced slopes, and winter is when winemakers have time for unhurried tastings. The drive from Como takes roughly 90 minutes through mountain scenery that becomes increasingly dramatic as you gain elevation. Many cantinas offer tastings paired with local bresaola (air-dried beef) and cheeses. This works as an excellent full-day excursion when lake weather is poor, since you're heading inland where conditions often differ.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas Markets across lake towns
Multiple towns host Christmas markets from late November through January 6, with Como's Piazza Cavour market being the largest and most established. Smaller markets in Menaggio, Lecco, and occasionally Bellagio offer more intimate experiences with local artisans. Markets typically feature wooden chalets selling crafts, regional foods, and warming drinks. The lakeside settings distinguish these from inland markets, and pricing tends to be more reasonable than famous German or Austrian Christmas markets. Evening visits after 5pm offer the best atmosphere when lights are fully illuminated and locals finish work.
New Year's Eve celebrations
December 31 brings special dinner events at restaurants and hotels throughout the lake region, typically featuring multi-course menus with local specialties and sparkling wine. Como's waterfront hosts public celebrations with midnight fireworks over the lake, though these are modest compared to major city displays. Many restaurants require reservations weeks in advance for New Year's Eve, and expect to pay 80-150 EUR per person for set menus. The atmosphere is festive but not overwhelming - this isn't a party destination like Venice or Rome for New Year's.