Italy, Europe

Lake Como in December

Como town is festive with lights and markets, but the central lake villages are sleepy and many hotels are shut.

TradeoffsCold, highs near 45F (7C)

Lake Como Varenna, Italy — Lake ComoPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Lake Como. Como town is festive with lights and markets, but the central lake villages are sleepy and many hotels are shut.

Weather: Cold, highs near 45F (7C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Lake Como

December is cold, with highs near 45F (7C). Como town is festive with lights and markets for Citta dei Balocchi, but the central lake villages are sleepy and many hotels are shut. Villas are closed and ferries run a thin winter timetable. Prices are low outside the holidays.

This month suits couples and families who want a festive Italian city trip rather than a lake holiday. Early December is quieter and cheaper than the holiday weeks, and the lights are just as pretty. If you want villas, gardens, and ferry hopping, plan for April through October.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Lake Como this month.

Citta dei Balocchi

Como's Christmas festival brings lights, markets, and events, the best reason to visit in winter.

Winter views from Brunate

The funicular ride gives a clear view of the lake and snowy peaks on cold, bright days.

Cozy dinners

Warm trattorias in Como town are perfect on a cold night.

What to pack for December

A warm coat
Gloves and a hat
Waterproof boots
An umbrella

Our timing tip

Visit Como's Christmas lights in the early evening on a weekday, when crowds are lighter.

Book Lake Como for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Lake Como
Opens a hotel search for Lake Como in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Lake Como
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Lake Como
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Lake Como for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Citta dei Balocchi, Como

Late November to early January

Como town's Christmas festival of lights, markets, and events. The best reason to visit the lake in winter.

Things to do in Lake Como

Full guide

Villa del Balbianello

On a wooded point near Lenno, reached by boat or a walk. Visits are limited and it typically closes one weekday, so check the schedule.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Villa Carlotta

Famous for its azaleas and rhododendrons from roughly mid April to mid May. Right on the ferry line at Tremezzo.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Bellagio

The lake's centerpiece town. Arrive by the first ferry or stay the night to see it without the day crowd.

Tickets and tours →

Varenna and Villa Monastero

The prettiest arrival by boat on the eastern shore, and the lakeside garden walk at Villa Monastero.

Tickets and tours →

Lake ferries (Navigazione Laghi)

A day pass on the central lake is the best value way to see it. Faster hydrofoils cost more.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Greenway del Lago

An easy walking route through the villages of the western shore, roughly from Colonno toward Griante, using ferries or buses back.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Sleep in Varenna, Bellagio, or Menaggio rather than day-tripping from Milan. The villages are quiet before 10am and after the last day-trip ferries leave.
Do the most famous villas at opening, then spend midday on the less-visited shores like the eastern shore north of Varenna or the far southern arm near Lecco.
Avoid weekends in June through September if you can. Milanese day-trippers fill the ferries and lidos on Saturdays and Sundays.
Take the slow ferry instead of the hydrofoil when lines are long. It stops more often but usually has more room and better deck views.

Know before you go

Most of the major villas, including Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, open from about mid to late March to early November, and are closed in winter. Confirm dates each year.
Many of the grand lakefront hotels in Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Cernobbio close from about November to March.
Ferries run all year but with a much thinner winter timetable; the fast hydrofoils and some routes are seasonal.
Lidos (swimming clubs) generally open from late May or June to early September.

Lake Como in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Lake Como?

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Lake Como. Como town is festive with lights and markets, but the central lake villages are sleepy and many hotels are shut.

What is the weather like in Lake Como in December?

Cold, highs near 45F (7C).

Is Lake Como crowded in December?

December is one of the quieter months in Lake Como; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Lake Como in December?

Citta dei Balocchi, Como (late november to early january).