Whether you’re dreaming of an enchanting Christmas break, craving a snowy outdoorsy adventure, or just looking to avoid the tourist crowds, you’ll find plenty of places to visit in northern Italy in winter that will tick all your boxes. Let’s find the perfect one for you!
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Weather
Though some areas tend to be warmer and others colder, you can expect the temperatures to range between -2°C (28.4°F) and 10°C (50°F), ideal for those seeking a proper wintery getaway.
Fall is usually more rainy, and winter is more about snow, but that also varies weekly and from region to region, as northern Italy is huge.
I, for example, visited Turin in December, and it started snowing heavily after almost a week of cold weather with a beautifully sunny blue sky, so check the forecast in advance to know what to expect.
Places to Visit in Northern Italy in Winter
Misurina
By Joanna from Over Here
Misurina is a stunning village located on Lake Misurina in the Dolomites. As the lake sits at an altitude of 1,754 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
In winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice skating. The area around the lake also has excellent trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
One of the most popular snowshoe trails goes around the iconic Three Peaks of Lavaredo (Tre Cime di Lavaredo). You can rent snowshoes, skis, or sleds at most hotels in Misurina.
The small Misurina-Auronzo ski area offers a quieter and less crowded experience compared to the more famous Cortina d’Ampezzo ski resort, even during peak season.
There is also a learning area at the Loita ski school. With natural snow throughout the season, Misurina is a reliable winter sports destination.
The views are stunning, stretching from the Three Peaks to the surrounding mountains: Cadini, Cristallo, Sorapiss, Tofana, and the Cortina range.
Lake Como
By Yukti from Travelwithme24x7
Lake Como lies in the foothills of the Alps, making it a perfect winter destination. You will feel the lake’s tranquility and peacefulness as you escape the bustling summer crowds.
Lake Como has a rich history dating back to Roman times. It was once a favored retreat for aristocrats and affluent people. The historic villas and gardens around the lake add a touch of timeless elegance to this cute town in Italy.
Winter at Lake Como provides a unique experience with its snow-capped mountains and clear, crisp air. The picturesque towns around the lake, such as Bellagio and Varenna, are covered with snow, making them a winter wonderland.
The festive spirit comes alive with Christmas markets in Como, offering local crafts, seasonal treats, and an enchanting ice-skating rink.
You can also enjoy hiking trails with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains and explore iconic villas like Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, which remain open during winter.
As Lake Como is snowy in winter, you should pack appropriate warm clothing. Being less crowded, you can stay in the best hotels at reasonable rates.
San Vigilio
By Taylor from Brown Eyed Flower Child
Located in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, San Vigilio di Marebbe is a leading ski town and one of the best places in Northern Italy to visit during winter.
One of the ultimate things to do in San Vigilio is skiing or snowboarding at Kronplatz, one of the best unknown ski resorts in Europe! Kronplatz is near the Austrian border and offers 74 miles (119 km) of incomparable terrain for all abilities, plus 32 modern ski lifts.
In addition to enjoying winter sports here, you must also visit the incredible mountain huts that serve traditional Ladin dishes. Residents of South Tyrol do everything they can to preserve their culture and old language. Additionally, the mountain has fun après-ski parties!
The best place to stay in San Vigilio di Marebbe is Hotel Teresa, which offers incredible experiences to its guests, especially in the winter.
What is also great about staying at this lovely boutique hotel is that the owners cook delicious, homemade Ladin meals for guests to savor. The top foods to try are speck, spinach spätzle, smoked pork, and panettoncino.
During the holiday season, a small Christmas market is held in San Vigilio, where you can shop from local vendors, sip heartwarming mulled wine, and enjoy traditional treats.
Other fantastic winter activities to experience at this breathtaking location are hiking, tobogganing, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing in Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park.
You must also experience the Schneeskulpturen Festival in town. It’s where you can see the most incredible ice sculptures from leading worldwide sculptors!
Ponte di Legno
By Isabella from Boundless Roads
If you’re passionate about skiing or snowboarding, my favorite destination in the Alps is Ponte di Legno, a quaint village in the Brescia province where I spent many winters here during my youth, and despite now living abroad, I return every time I am in Italy. So I may be biased, but it’s indeed a renowned winter destination in Europe.
The ski area has recently expanded to include the towns of Ponte di Legno, Tonale, Temù, and the Presena Glacier, collectively offering 100 kilometers of slopes.
These slopes are interconnected by 28 ski lifts and range in elevation from 1,121 to 3,000 meters, making it a true paradise for snow enthusiasts.
This region is ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, from seasoned experts to beginners and even children. Two ski and snowboard schools with professional instructors are available to teach novices or help more advanced skiers enhance their skills.
However, even if you are not fond of skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy.
You can go cross-country skiing, take winter hikes, mountain bike, ice skate, or enjoy spa treatments at the Tana dell’Orso Hotel. For an unforgettable experience, try a night snowmobile tour with a dinner under the stars.
On the slopes, you’ll find various restaurants where you can rest, refuel with local specialties, and take in the magnificent views.
The village of Ponte di Legno is a gem, offering an elegant atmosphere with local pubs and restaurants perfect for enjoying delicious food and great wine after a day on the slopes.
To get there, having a car is advisable, although public transportation is available from the nearest airports, Bergamo, Milan, and Verona.
Shuttle services can take you to the town. Make sure you ask your resort if they can pick you up at the bus station or book a taxi for you because there aren’t many available.
Milan
Lombardy‘s capital can cater to different types of travelers as it boasts a contrast between history and modernity, with old cathedrals, world-class art museums, and traditional trattorias standing alongside luxury boutique shops, trendy cafes, and high-end bars.
You can admire the magnificent Duomo di Milano, Castello Sforzesco, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper mural at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and a minute later, go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, have an aperitivo at a rooftop bar, and roam the Fashion District.
If you visit Milan in December, you’ll get to see a whole other side of this big city, reflected through beautiful Christmas trees scattered around, gorgeously decorated shops, and wintertime delicacies such as the infamous cake Panettone, originated in Milan.
You can also enjoy the charming Christmas market surrounding the Duomo (my favorite!), explore the historic Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Fair, be in awe of the artisanal abundance at the Artigiano in Fiera, or take a winter day trip from Milan.
Another notable celebration is the Ambrosian Carnival, taking place in February, with parades, music and dance performances, and traditional costumes and masks.
Read more:
- Things to do in Milan on a rainy day
- Secret places in Milan
- 4 days in Milan
- Road trips from Milan
- Milan or Turin
Turin
I fell in love with Piedmont‘s capital. It is one of the largest cities in Italy, the historic seat of the House of Savoy, a destination for chocoholics and foodies, and the birthplace of brands like Lavazza, Fiat, and Eataly.
It offers dozens of things to do, yet somehow, it’s still under the radar of so many people. One thing that makes it such a great winter break is its indoor spaces.
When you want to escape the weather, you can tour amazing UNESCO-listed royal palaces like the Palazzo Reale and visit intriguing museums for all ages like the Egyptian Museum or National Museum of Cinema (housed in the iconic Mole Antonelliana building).
You’ll also find cozy historic cafes that serve the delicious local coffee-chocolate drink called Bicerin, restaurants with mouthwatering Piedmontese comfort food, and indoor markets.
If you decide to visit Turin in December, you’ll see that it’s not as heavily decorated for Christmas or not as abundant in Christmas events as other cities are, but you can still relish the holiday spirit thanks to a few markets and trees, many decorated shops, nativity scenes, and unique light installations called Luci D’Artista.
Given that the majestic Alps are visible from many spots across the city, you can also opt for wintertime outdoor activities in the surrounding area, including skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.
Read more about Turin:
- Where to stay in Turin
- Long weekend in Turin
- Is Turin worth visiting?
- Chocolate in Turin
- Turin travel tips
- Hidden gems in Turin
Aosta Valley
Italy’s smallest region is known for its soul-cleansing natural scenery, best enjoyed from spring to fall if green mountains and blue sky are your favorite combo.
But Aosta Valley is also a famous Italian winter destination thanks to ski areas like Breuil-Cervinia (connected to Valtournenche and Zermatt), Courmayeur Mont Blanc Funivie, and La Thuile.
It also offers plenty of other seasonal activities, such as winter hiking, snowshoeing, ski mountaineering, ice skating, and more – not just in renowned places like the stunning Gran Paradiso National Park but all across the region.
Other fun things to do in Aosta Valley include admiring its medieval castles and fortresses, visiting cute Alpine hamlets, and enjoying an attraction I absolutely adored – the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, where you can marvel at the most scenic views of the Mont Blanc massif.
If that’s not enough, you can also have a more relaxing vacation in wellness centers and resorts that work 365 and allow you to relish the region’s natural thermal springs.
Read more:
Venice
By Joanna from The World in My Pocket
Venice is one of the most visited cities in Italy, but, in winter, its streets become empty. It’s almost magical to explore Venice in winter, when the fog takes over the canals, and there are barely any people in the narrow alleyways between the buildings.
Whilst the weather might not be the best, Venice is still beautiful when it rains. Just make sure to bring an umbrella, waterproof boots (in case of aqua alta), and warm layers.
Winter is the season when aqua alta happens in Venice. If you are into photography, this phenomenon which floods St Mark’s Square, helps take amazing reflective photos of the city.
During the cold season, you can also experience the real Venice, without the hoards of tourists. You can walk alone on the empty streets, especially around Dorsoduro.
Here you will also find the most affordable places to eat, with some of the best restaurants in Venice. Don’t miss going for cicchetti at a small bacaro, where a glass of wine or prosecco doesn’t cost more than 3 euros.
San Cassiano
By Zoe from Together In Switzerland
One wintery destination that you should next consider visiting is San Cassiano.
During winter, this snowy location becomes a great place for activities like snowshoe hiking, snowboarding, and skiing. You can also enjoy a little shopping and dining at the chalet-style restaurants.
San Cassiano is part of the Alta Badia, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites. It’s a beautiful destination that we feel everyone should experience once.
The village is quite small but cozy, with a few shops and museums, such as Museum Ladin Ursus Ladinicus, that provides insight into the region’s Ladin culture and history. You can even pick up a little of the local Ladin language!
San Cassiano also has a few good restaurants. You should order a cake at Café Ploner and enjoy dinner at Wine Bar Emoziun.
We visited this location during winter as we wanted to try snowboarding in San Cassiano with lessons. Snowboarding was not so popular here compared to skiing, but it was a really good place to learn with the local school and beginner slopes.
However, even as a non-skier or snowboarder, you can take the gondola from San Cassiano to the peak, where you can experience the stunning Dolomites views, have a bite to eat at the higher mountain restaurant, and even enjoy the after-skiing partying.
There are also a child-friendly tobogganing route and winter snowshoe hiking options.
Bologna
By Maria of MapAndCamera
Bologna is often underestimated by tourists, but a 2-3 day visit to the city is well worth it. Best of all, a trip to Bologna won’t break the bank. There are plenty of free things to do in Bologna; something you don’t often find in Italy.
Winter is a wonderful time to visit Bologna. There are fewer tourists, accommodation prices are lower, the climate is mild, and it rarely snows.
Bologna’s old town is a magnificent blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The most impressive landmark is the Porticoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The porticoes are almost 40 km of covered walkways from different periods and in different styles. Some are wooden and rustic, while others are decorated with beautiful frescoes. They shade for pedestrians in summer and shelter from rain and snow in winter.
From the end of November to the end of January, the city becomes even more beautiful with elaborate Christmas decorations. Shop windows, streets, squares, and even the porticoes are adorned.
Next to the Neptune Fountain, a large Christmas tree is lit up with lights and decorations. Street musicians play around the tree, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Under the Portico dei Servi, the stalls of the Christmas market open. It is a wonderful place to soak up the Christmas atmosphere and shop for Christmas gifts.
Bologna is also known as the culinary capital of Italy. Winter brings more nutritious dishes, and there is no better place than Bologna to try traditional dishes like tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth) and the seasonal treats panettone and torrone.
Trento
By Paul from Paulmarina
Trento is the historical capital of the Trentino province in Northern Italy. The city was an essential gateway of the Habsburg empire between Verona in the south and the Alps to the north.
Today, the old town is mainly visited for its Medieval and Renaissance architectural visual appeal. Venetian-style architecture converges with northern building aesthetics, which is particularly pronounced in the palazzo murals.
The Christmas market in Trento has been taking place from mid-November to the 7th of January since 2014 in the Piazza Fiera and the Piazza Cesare Battisti.
They are surrounded by the Renaissance splendor, which gives it all an exceptional vibe. Known as an entry point to the Dolomites, Trento makes for a perfect base for every traveler in winter.
Downhill skiing and country cross-skiing are some of the most popular winter sports in the region. Other fun activities include ice skating and sledding.
If you are seeking a romantic experience, I can recommend a horse sled ride through this winter wonderland.
Collect more first-time visitor tips for Trento.
Bressanone
By Zi from Italy Finds
If you’re looking for a magical winter getaway, Bressanone in the Dolomites is the perfect spot. This charming town comes alive in the Dolomites in winter, with its picture-perfect snowy landscapes and festive atmospheres.
Bressanone is one of the oldest towns in the region and gives you a historical vibe, especially when the buildings and streets are draped in snow.
During the winter, Bressanone lights up with its famous Christmas markets. You can stroll through stalls selling handcrafted items and traditional treats while enjoying a cup of hot mulled wine. The markets are perfect for feeling festive and finding unique holiday gifts.
But there’s more to Bressanone than just markets. If you love skiing, you’re in luck. The town is close to the Plose ski area, where you’ll find slopes for all levels. You can ski or snowboard while enjoying incredible views of the Dolomite mountains.
Don’t forget to bundle up because it gets cold!
Langhe, Piedmont
By Ossama from Awesome Traveler
If you are looking for places to visit in Italy in winter, then Langhe, Piedmont, should be on your bucket list.
It is known for its wines, cheese, and truffles. Therefore, you can join a tasting tour, which offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
The best types of wine that are being produced in the area are Barolo and Barbera, and one of the best spots to visit is the village of Barbaresco, known for its delicious Barbaresco wine.
This riparian town also offers some of the best activities in winter in Northern Italy, such as snow skiing, snowshoeing, riding a snowmobile, and alpine coasters.
Langhe is a hilly area located east and south of the 276-kilometer-long (171 miles) Tanaro River, which boasts scenic beauty and charming towns along the bank, such as Alba, Asti, and Alessandria.
They are known for their medieval architecture, historical landmarks, and local traditions. Therefore, you can join local winter events and festivals to enjoy some wine and food and learn about cultural heritage.
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