Things to Do in Turin in December

December Weather in Turin

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Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets from November 28th through December 24th transform the city with 80+ wooden chalets selling local crafts and mulled wine at Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo
Minimal tourist crowds at major attractions - Palazzo Reale and Egyptian Museum have 15-20 minute entry waits vs summer's 90+ minutes
Winter aperitivo culture peaks in December with cozy indoor venues offering €8-12 buffet spreads from 6-8pm when outdoor terraces close
Perfect weather for Turin's famous chocolate shops and caffè culture - temperatures of 5-8°C (41-46°F) make hot bicerin and gianduiotto tastings essential rather than optional

Considerations

Persistent fog (nebbia) blankets the city 18-20 days in December, reducing visibility to 100-200m (328-656 ft) and making mountain views impossible
Many outdoor attractions close early - Superga Basilica funicular stops at 5pm vs 8pm in summer, cutting sightseeing hours short
December rainfall creates slippery conditions on Turin's marble sidewalks and cobblestones, particularly dangerous around Quadrilatero Romano's narrow streets

Best Activities in December

Royal Palace Complex Indoor Tours

December's cold weather makes Turin's opulent royal residences perfect refuge activities. Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, and the Armory see 70% fewer visitors than summer months. The heated galleries showcasing Savoy dynasty artifacts become cozy sanctuaries when fog blankets the city. Palace courtyards look magical with occasional December snow dusting.

Booking Tip: Book timed entry tickets 5-7 days ahead online for €12-15 per palace. Combined royal residence passes offer better value at €25-30. Reserve morning slots before fog typically rolls in around noon.

Egyptian Museum Extended Visits

Turin's world-class Egyptian Museum becomes a December haven with climate-controlled galleries perfect for 3-4 hour explorations. December's short daylight hours (8:30am-4:45pm) align perfectly with indoor cultural immersion. The museum's café provides warm refuge between gallery visits.

Booking Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets online for €15-18. December sees 60% fewer crowds, so afternoon slots (2-4pm) offer nearly private viewing experiences. Audio guides included with premium tickets.

Christmas Market Food Tours

December transforms Turin into Piedmont's winter food capital. Christmas markets feature regional specialties like agnolotti del plin, brasato al Barolo, and seasonal panettone. Cold weather enhances appreciation for warm street food, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. Market stalls operate daily 10am-8pm through December 24th.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market exploration costs €15-25 per person for substantial tastings. Professional food tours typically range €45-65 including 6-8 tastings. Book weekend tours 10-14 days ahead as locals crowd markets Friday-Sunday.

Alpine Day Trips to Sestriere

December brings early ski season to Piedmont Alps, 90 minutes from Turin. Sestriere and surrounding Via Lattea ski area typically opens early December with reliable snowmaking. Day trips combine morning skiing with afternoon return to Turin for dinner. Mountain weather stays clear when Turin fog persists.

Booking Tip: Day trip packages including transport and lift tickets range €85-120. Book midweek departures for €25-30 savings. Check snow conditions 48 hours ahead - early December can be limited terrain.

Barolo Wine Region Winter Tastings

December harvest season ends bring newly bottled Dolcetto and Barbera releases. Langhe hillside wineries offer intimate indoor tastings with harvest stories. Foggy valley views create atmospheric backdrop for cellar tours. Winter hours mean concentrated 2-3 winery visits per day trip.

Booking Tip: Winery visits with tastings cost €20-35 per person. December requires advance booking as many operate weekend-only schedules. Transportation day tours range €75-95 including 3 wineries and lunch.

Po River Winter Walking Routes

December fog creates mystical atmosphere along Po riverbanks. Parco del Valentino and Borgo Medievale become ethereal winter wonderlands. River paths remain clear when city center cobblestones turn icy. Morning walks (9-11am) often catch fog lifting dramatically over medieval castle replica.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free - download offline maps as December fog affects GPS accuracy. Guided historical walks cost €12-18 per person, typically 2 hours including castle entry. Wear waterproof boots for damp riverside paths.

December Events & Festivals

Late November through December 24th

Mercatini di Natale Christmas Markets

Traditional wooden chalets fill Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo with handcrafted gifts, regional foods, and warming drinks. Local artisans sell everything from Piedmont cheeses to hand-knitted alpaca goods. Evening illumination creates magical atmosphere against baroque architecture backdrop.

Early December through January 15th

Luci d'Artista Light Installations

Contemporary artists illuminate Turin's streets and piazzas with large-scale light sculptures. Mario Merz's neon Fibonacci sequence numbers climb Mole Antonelliana while other installations transform ordinary streets into outdoor galleries. Best viewed during December's extended darkness.

December 31st

New Year's Eve Concerto in Piazza Castello

Free outdoor concert featuring Italian pop and classical musicians draws 40,000+ revelers. Fireworks launch from multiple city points at midnight. Surrounding bars and restaurants offer special menus and champagne packages.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof boots with good grip - marble sidewalks become skating rinks when wet, especially around Piazza San Carlo's polished stones

Layering system including thermal base layer - indoor heating varies dramatically from 15°C (59°F) in churches to 25°C (77°F) in modern museums

Compact umbrella for December's light but persistent drizzle - large umbrellas become unwieldy in Quadrilatero Romano's narrow medieval streets

Warm scarf and hat for morning fog walks - humidity makes 3°C (37°F) feel like -2°C (28°F)

Power bank for smartphone - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster, crucial for navigation in fog

Moisturizing cream - indoor heating and outdoor humidity create skin irritation for most visitors

Dark colored clothing - Turin's December air quality leaves light fabrics visibly dirty after full days outdoors

Cash in small bills - Christmas market vendors and traditional cafés often don't accept cards for purchases under €10

Prescription glasses backup - fog condensation makes contact lenses uncomfortable during temperature transitions

Wool socks and foot warmers - stone floors in palaces and museums stay cold despite heating systems

Insider Knowledge

Torinesi do their serious Christmas shopping before December 15th, then focus on food markets and social gatherings - follow this pattern to avoid crowds and find better selections

Fog typically lifts between 11am-1pm revealing stunning Alpine views - time mountain photography and Mole Antonelliana visits for midday clarity

Many family-run restaurants close December 24-26 and January 1-2, but tourist areas stay open with limited menus - book New Year's Eve dinner by December 20th

Turin's tram system runs on reduced Sunday schedules throughout December holidays - download offline maps and expect 15-20 minute delays on weekends