The Best Winter Activities to Experience in Italy

It’s a season of magic and wonder with winter activities in Italy. From snow-covered Alps to festive markets, explore Italy’s ultimate winter wonderland during the “off-season.” Visiting Italy during the winter has many advantages, such as smaller crowds, budget-friendly prices, festive celebrations, and major opportunities for winter sports. Winter also brings a magical atmosphere to Italy. This quieter period unveils a distinct charm you won’t find any other time of the year. The glow of holiday lights and the enticing aroma of roasting chestnuts filling the small streets create unforgettable moments.

Enjoying the Slopes

If you love the snow… skiing would probably be top on your list. Italy’s ski resorts offer some of the best slopes in the world, attracting international vacationers and resident day-trippers.

From the big names of the Alps like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Courmayeur to the often-cheaper resorts of Abruzzo, there’s something to suit every budget and skill level. If you’re not a skier (like me) and not confident on skis, why not try sledding? Then again, my idea of winter activities is sipping on some mulled wine (vin brulé) or hot chocolate (cioccolata calda) at a lodge while friends enjoy their idea of exercise.

An unusual event occurs in February in South Tyrol at Kastelruth (at the top of the Dolomites). The event is the Südtrol Moonlight Classic Seiser Alm. It’s a 15 and 30-km cross-country skiing race held in the middle of the night.

Winter Activities and a Sense of Peacefulness

I could be persuaded to ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through the beautiful, serene countryside in the Dolomites, with the gentle jingle of bells adding to the ambiance. If I had something warm to drink and tons of blankets to keep me from thinking how cold I could be… this might be the only way to get me out in the snow. But that’s just me.

Ice Sculpturing

Held in January In the South Tyrolean towns of San Candido and San Vigilio di Marebbe, there is an annual International Festival of Ice Sculptures. These towns become outdoor art galleries containing imaginative exhibits carved from ice. During the event, thirty or so artists from around the world compete with saws and shovels—temperatures at this time of year range from 0° to -8°. You can imagine the fantastic creations… but you know you won’t find me watching the live event.

Soak in Hot Springs 

If you need to warm up after a day on the slopes, head to one of Italy’s famous hot springs. Now, this is what I’m talking about regarding winter activities! Through Tuscany and Umbria, you’ll find the best natural springs, from the steaming turquoise terraced pools of Saturnia to the snow-like calciferous formations found in Bagni San Filippo. It’s said that the hot springs in Saturnia are the most picturesque in Italy.

Visit the Numerous Christmas Markets

If you’re craving mulled wine and other Christmas treats, head to one of the northern and central Italy markets. The festivals in the Dolomites area are very similar to the markets in Austria, while the ones in Verona and Florence have more German flair. Italy’s Christmas markets are found in every small town across the peninsula. You’ll see small log cabin booths filled with artisan crafts. Hot chocolate laced with rum and whipped cream goes great with giant Bavarian pretzels. If you come across a booth with Bombardino’s – have one if you like eggnog. They are beyond amazing, and you’ll be warm in moments. Trust me.

Seeing a Christmas Display

If you think you already know what a nativity scene is, be prepared for Italy to blow away your expectations. Living presepi (pronounced pre -seh-peh) in towns like Matera to nativities made of sand (link to our Rome post) and ice will stretch the limits of your imagination. And if you want to experience Christmas lights, it’s hard to rival the giant illuminated Christmas tree that lights up an entire hillside in Gubbio.

Winter Activities… Watch For the Sales

Sales (saldi) are strictly regulated in Italy, with just two times a year when shops slash prices. The winter sales begin on January 4th, and run from mid-February till late March, depending on where you are in the country.

Step Back Into the Seventeenth Century

Also, in February/early March, depending on the year, Venice becomes transformed with Carnevale. Venice’s is the most famous, but towns and cities across the country have their own impressive carnevale traditions. We’ve attended Carnevale in Viareggio for several years with their giant papier-mache floats.  

In Conclusion of Winter Activities

Winter in Italy is more than just a season—it’s a rare opportunity to connect with the country in a way few travelers experience. From skiing the pristine slopes of the Alps to wandering medieval towns dusted in snow, this is a time when Italy reveals its quieter, more intimate side. Picture yourself savoring a rich, creamy hot chocolate in a café as soft snow falls outside or marveling at the festive markets that light up the piazzas with holiday cheer. These experiences can’t be replicated at any other time of year. Visiting Italy in winter isn’t just a trip—it’s a feeling, a memory, and a story waiting to be told. Do you have one to share?