Things to do in Volterra in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Volterra. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 40—53°F (4—12°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Volterra during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend a traditional Tuscan cooking class, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center to see the Christmas lights and decorations, take a guided tour of the Volterra Cathedral, and more!

Volterra has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Volterra. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Volterra in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Volterra in December

Top experiences in December
Attend a traditional Tuscan cooking class
Tuscany is known for its delicious cuisine, and December is the perfect time to learn how to cook traditional Tuscan dishes. You can attend a cooking class in Volterra to learn how to make dishes such as ribollita (a hearty vegetable and bread soup), pici pasta with wild boar ragu, and castagnaccio (a chestnut flour cake). Not only will you get to enjoy a delicious meal at the end of the class, but you'll also take home new skills and recipes to impress your friends and family back home.
Take a leisurely stroll through the historic center to see the Christmas lights and decorations
The historic center of Volterra is a charming and atmospheric place to explore at any time of year, but it takes on an extra special feel during the holiday season. In December, the streets are adorned with twinkling Christmas lights and festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the beautifully decorated shop windows, and soak up the festive ambiance.
Take a guided tour of the Volterra Cathedral
The Volterra Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture and is a must-see attraction in the city. In December, you can take a guided tour of the cathedral to learn about its history and admire its beautiful interior, including its intricate marble pulpit and stunning frescoes. The cathedral is also home to a nativity scene during the holiday season, adding an extra touch of Christmas spirit to your visit.
Take a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside to see the winter landscapes
The Tuscan countryside is known for its stunning natural beauty, and December is a great time to take a scenic drive to admire the winter landscapes. You can drive through rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, and stop at picturesque villages along the way to take in the views and snap some photos. The winter light and crisp air create a unique atmosphere that is perfect for a leisurely drive through the countryside.
Attend the Volterra Christmas Market
The Volterra Christmas Market is a magical experience that takes place in the historic center of the city. Here, you can browse through a variety of stalls selling handmade crafts, local food and wine, and traditional Christmas decorations. The market is also filled with the sounds of live music and the scent of roasted chestnuts, creating a festive atmosphere that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
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Attend a traditional Tuscan wine tasting at a local winery
Tuscany is famous for its wine, and December is a great time to sample some of the region's best vintages. You can visit a local winery in Volterra to take a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars, and then enjoy a tasting of their wines, including Chianti, Vernaccia, and Sangiovese. Many wineries also offer special holiday-themed tastings, where you can sample mulled wine and other festive treats.
Sample traditional Tuscan Christmas dishes at a local restaurant
December is the perfect time to indulge in traditional Tuscan Christmas dishes, such as panforte (a dense, chewy fruitcake), cenci (fried pastry strips dusted with powdered sugar), and ricciarelli (almond cookies). Many local restaurants in Volterra offer special holiday menus featuring these delicious treats, giving you the opportunity to experience the flavors of the season like a true local.
Explore the Etruscan ruins in the surrounding countryside
Volterra is surrounded by beautiful countryside that is dotted with ancient Etruscan ruins, making it the perfect destination for history enthusiasts. In December, you can take a guided tour of these archaeological sites to learn about the fascinating history of the Etruscan civilization and explore the remains of their ancient settlements, tombs, and temples.
Take a day trip to nearby Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and other iconic landmarks
Volterra is located just a short drive from the city of Pisa, making it easy to take a day trip to see its famous landmarks. In December, you can visit the iconic Leaning Tower, the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, and the historic center of Pisa, which is beautifully decorated for the holiday season. You can also enjoy a festive atmosphere in the
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Holidays in Volterra in December
December
  • The Feast of St. Ambrose (December 7)
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • St. Stephen's Day (December 26)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Volterra in December

Temperatures on an average day in Volterra in December

The average temperature in Volterra in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 53°F (12°C) to a low of 40°F (4°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Volterra, August, has days with highs of 89°F (31°C) and lows of 67°F (20°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 51°F (10°C) and lows of 38°F (3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Volterra in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
53°F
highs
40°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
18%
Chance of rain
0.073 in
Amount
12.1 mph
Wind speed
80%
Humidity
9.0 hrs
Daylight length
7:40 AM
Sunrise
4:42 PM
Sunset
51%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 53°F (12°C) and a low of 40°F (4°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Volterra in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Volterra has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Volterra that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Volterra for December.
Palace of the Priors
1. Palace of the Priors
4.5
(448)
City Hall
Sights & Landmarks
Dating back to the 13th century this civic building with a bell tower has art & a fresco inside.
Roman Theatre
2. Roman Theatre
4.4
(3778)
Archaeological site
Sights & Landmarks
Elaborate ancient complex including a theater & thermal plant, with excavated columns & mosaics.
Etruscan Museum "Mario Guarnacci"
3. Etruscan Museum "Mario Guarnacci"
4.4
(1786)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Public museum since 1761 showcasing ancient archaeological items such as pottery & sculpture.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
4. Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
4.4
(674)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Palazzo Incontri Viti
5. Palazzo Incontri Viti
4.6
(274)
Art museum
Museums
Volterra Museum of Torture
6. Volterra Museum of Torture
4.1
(1887)
History museum
Museums
Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista
7. Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista
4.3
(194)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Piazza dei Priori
8. Piazza dei Priori
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Medieval town center square lined with palatial buildings including its 13th century city hall.
Porta all'Arco
9. Porta all'Arco
4.6
(337)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Parco Archeologico "Enrico Fiumi"
10. Parco Archeologico "Enrico Fiumi"
4.3
(791)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Volterra City Museum and Art Gallery
11. Volterra City Museum and Art Gallery
4.5
(219)
Museum
Art Museums
Balze
12. Balze
4.1
(477)
Nature & Parks
Ancient Ruins
Fortezza Medicea
13. Fortezza Medicea
3.8
(32)
Fortress
Sights & Landmarks
Rossi Alabaster Volterra
14. Rossi Alabaster Volterra
4.3
(59)
Craft store
Sights & Landmarks
Chiesa di San Francesco
15. Chiesa di San Francesco
4.5
(97)
Church
Concerts & Shows
Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo
16. Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo
5.0
(6)
Church
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Volterra?

Get inspired for your trip to Volterra with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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