Piemonte in December: Europe’s Most Romantic Christmas Getaway

In December, Piemonte returns to its usual laid-back pace as the frenzy of truffle season winds down. Towns and villages light up with nativity scenes and twinkly lights, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to glimpse it covered in a blanket of snow. 

But even without a dusting of the white stuff, the crisp air and snow-capped mountains give the whole region fairytale vibes, and those visiting can snag off-season rates on flights, hotels, and tours.

It’s a great time to head to the mountains for spa getaways and early-season skiing, or explore the region’s many Christmas markets and events. It’s also perfect for quieter, cosy winery visits when owners are less rushed and can give more personalised attention. 

If you’re visiting Piedmont this December, this guide covers weather, what’s on, and what to do. 

What’s the Weather Like in Piedmont, in December?

December is a cold month in Piedmont, with temperatures averaging 4°C (39°F), depending on altitude. In the plains around Turin and the Po Valley, fog is common, especially in the early mornings, giving the landscape a muted, atmospheric feel.

Snowfall is unlikely at lower elevations but can sometimes fall in the hills and is frequent in the Alps, where ski resorts usually open in December.

After the damp autumn months, December is noticeably drier and crisper, making it a good time for scenic walks, winery visits, and Christmas market hopping—as long as you pack warm layers.

Be aware that daylight hours are short (roughly 8–9 hours), and wind chill can make temperatures feel colder than they appear.

Is It Still Truffle Season in December?

White truffle season officially runs until early January, but December availability depends on the weather—including cold snaps, rainfall, and soil moisture.

The Alba truffle fair usually ends in early December, but white truffles are still plentiful during the first half of the month, so you have time to join a truffle hunt and sample as many truffle-based dishes as possible. Once the fair is over, you’ll still find white truffles on sale in Alba’s specialist shops. 

Many restaurants offer festive truffle menus throughout Christmas and New Year, but prices sometimes rise slightly depending on demand, and they may switch to winter black truffles towards the end of the month. 

Although not as pungent as its white counterpart, the black truffle still has a wonderful flavour that fuses perfectly with Piedmont’s hearty winter dishes like tajarin, or even a simple uovo in camicia—literally an “egg in a shirt”, or poached egg.  

If you’re visiting Alba for the truffle fair, save yourself some planning time with this 3-day itinerary.

Festivals & Christmas Markets in December 2025

The harvest season may be over, but the party doesn’t stop in Piemonte as Christmas markets and winter fairs take the place of harvest festivals. 

In Italy, Christmas markets don’t necessarily finish on Christmas Day, because La Befana (Epiphany) on January 6th is still an important part of the festive season. 

With both Christmas and La Befana celebrated, many events continue into early January, filling that usual lull between Christmas and New Year.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best Christmas markets and regional fairs in Piedmont this December.

Christmas Markets in Piedmont, Italy

Magic Christmas Village, Govone: The entire medieval village of Govone transforms into a family-friendly Christmas fest as part of a programme of events across the Roero. Open every weekend throughout December.

Visiting Il Magico Paese di Natale at Govone? This practical guide will help you plan your trip.

Mercatino degli Angeli, Sordevolo: Held on December 7th, 8th, and 14th, this charming market showcases local artisans along with Alpine comfort dishes such as polenta with mountain cheese and risottos made from regional produce. Expect live Christmas music, festive atmosphere, and a visit from Santa. Entry is €3 (free for children under 12).

Biella Christmas Market: Set inside a former Carmelite monastery, this artisan market is ideal if you’re after a quieter festive experience and beautifully made gifts. It runs every day throughout December, opening 8.30 am–12 pm and 3.30 pm–5.30 pm.

Ivrea “Luci in Città”: Throughout December, Ivrea turns into a Christmas village with a market every Sunday, plus an elves’ village on December 7th, a special festive event on Monday December 8th, and Santa Claus arriving on a motorbike on December 14th.

Natale è Reale, Turin: Hosted inside the elegant Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, this family-friendly Christmas market features an elves’ village, meet-and-greets with Santa, and letter-writing for children. Adults can browse local handcrafted gifts and enjoy Christmas street food. December 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th.

Luci d’Artista: Every December, Turin transforms into an open-air light show with Luci d’Artista, part of the wider “Natale a Torino” celebrations, which include Christmas markets and festive events across the city.

Visiting the Langhe this December? These 10 luxury hotels will help you explore wine country in style.

December Food Festivals in Piedmont, Italy

Fiera Fredda: The 456th “Cold Fair” at Borgo San Dalmazzo celebrates one of Piedmont’s most humble yet beloved delicacies: the snail, or Lumaca Helix Pomatia Alpina. Running from December 4th-8th, the event includes a photo competition and dishes such as snails with mushrooms, snails with bagna cauda, and snails cooked in Nebbiolo.

Fat Ox Fair, Carrù: This is one of Piedmont’s oldest and most curious food festivals. On the second Thursday of December, the streets of Carrù become a cattle market, where the star of the show is the Frissona Piemontese ox—which can weigh up to one tonne. Food stalls serve bollito misto (boiled meat) from 5 am until the evening—make sure you pack the dental floss. In 2025, it takes place on December 11th.

Winter Activities in Piedmont

Winter Sports

Piedmont’s ski areas offer excellent value compared to the more famous Alpine resorts—and they also tend to be less crowded. Bardonecchia, Sestriere, Limone Piemonte, and the Monte Rosa area all open for the winter season, attracting a mix of Italians and in-the-know travellers. 

Alongside skiing and snowboarding, many resorts offer snowshoeing, spa hotels, and hearty Alpine dishes like fonduta, polenta conscia, and gnocchi alla bava.

Wine Tasting

December is one of the best months for winery visits. Producers have more time now that harvest and truffle season are over, and many offer fireside tastings or festive pairings. Expect fewer crowds and a slower pace—ideal if you want a more personal experience.

Spa and Wellness Breaks

Fancy a mountain escape that doesn’t involve strapping on snow boots? Head to one of the region’s many spa hotels with views of snow-dusted peaks or rolling vineyards. 

Many resorts feature outdoor hot tubs, steam rooms scented with mountain herbs, and treatments that use local ingredients. These spa stays pair beautifully with gentle walks, good food, and long afternoons by the fire.

Visiting The Lakes

While too cold for swimming, the lakes—Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, and Lake Mergozzo—are quiet but picturesque in winter, and Orta San Giulio’s medieval centre perched on the lake looks like something out of Frozen. Although many tourists leave in winter, locals live here year-round, so you’ll find many shops and restaurants still open.

City Breaks

Turin, with its ornate cafés, chocolate shops, museums, and Natale a Torino displays and events, makes an ideal winter city escape. Alba and Asti remain lively with food shops, wine bars, and festive events taking place across the hills.

New Year’s Eve in Piemonte

Traditionally, Italians observe New Year’s Eve with the cenone di capodanno—a leisurely dinner that leads up to the midnight toast.

Most restaurants serve a set menu that finishes with lenticchie con cotechino, symbolising luck and prosperity—book well in advance as tables fill quickly.

Cities often have fireworks, while smaller towns tend to be quieter, with many people celebrating at home or with family.

Practical Tips for Visiting Piedmont in December

Pack for cold, changeable weather: Bring warm layers, waterproof shoes, a scarf, gloves, and something windproof. If you’re planning a truffle hunt, expect mud and possibly frost.

Be prepared for fog: The plains can experience thick morning fog. If you’re driving, leave extra time and use fog lights when needed.

Driving in the hills: The Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato have winding roads that can be icy in early mornings. Snow tyres or chains are required by law throughout the winter months.

Holiday schedules: Shops, wineries, and restaurants may close on December 24th-26th and January 1st, or run reduced hours. Make restaurant and winery bookings ahead of time, especially for weekends and the festive period.

Book experiences early: Truffle hunts, festive menus, and spa hotels can book out quickly in December. Reserve in advance, especially around public holidays.

Cash and cards: Most places accept cards, but small Christmas markets and rural cafés sometimes prefer cash.

A Winter Escape with Italian Warmth

If you’re looking for a winter escape with a little Italian flair, you can’t beat Piedmont in December. 

With fewer crowds, snow-capped peaks, festive markets, and winter dishes that warm you from the inside out, you’d have to be the Grinch to not fall in love with this magical corner of Italy at Christmas.

Need help with the logistics? Here’s how to get to—and around—Piedmont.