Things to do in Stresa in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Stresa. The weather is usually really cold, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 26—39°F (-3—4°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Stresa during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a cooking class to learn traditional holiday recipes, attend a holiday concert or performance, take a cable car ride to Mottarone, and more!

Stresa 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 Stresa. 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 Stresa 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 Stresa in December

Top experiences in December
Take a cooking class to learn traditional holiday recipes
In December, you can immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions of Stresa by taking a cooking class to learn how to make traditional holiday recipes. You can visit a local cooking school or restaurant to participate in hands-on classes that teach you how to prepare festive dishes such as risotto, tortellini, and other Italian holiday specialties. You can learn about the history and significance of these dishes, and perhaps even enjoy a festive meal with your fellow classmates at the end of the class.
Attend a holiday concert or performance
Stresa comes alive with holiday concerts and performances in December, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local cultural scene. From classical music concerts to festive choral performances, there are plenty of events to choose from. You can enjoy the beautiful music and talented performers, and perhaps even participate in a sing-along or join in a traditional holiday dance. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories during your visit to Stresa.
Take a cable car ride to Mottarone
In December, a cable car ride to the summit of Mottarone offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape and the glistening waters of Lake Maggiore. The journey takes you through a winter wonderland of pine forests and alpine scenery, and once you reach the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. You can also partake in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, making it a thrilling and memorable experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sample traditional Italian holiday treats
December is the perfect time to indulge in traditional Italian holiday treats in Stresa. From panettone and pandoro to torrone and panforte, there are plenty of delicious sweets to try. You can visit local bakeries and pastry shops to sample these festive delicacies, and perhaps even take a cooking class to learn how to make them yourself. The rich flavors and aromas of these holiday treats are sure to delight your taste buds and give you a true taste of Italian Christmas traditions.
Take a scenic drive through the countryside
In December, the countryside surrounding Stresa is blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque winter landscape that is best explored by car. You can take a scenic drive through the rolling hills and charming villages, stopping to admire the snow-covered vineyards, historic churches, and quaint farmhouses along the way. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of the countryside in winter is truly enchanting, and you can capture stunning photographs of the snowy scenery and local wildlife.
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Visit the Borromeo Palace and Gardens
The Borromeo Palace and Gardens are a must-see attraction in Stresa, and in December, they are adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights. The grand palace is beautifully decorated for the holiday season, and the meticulously manicured gardens take on a magical quality. You can stroll through the enchanting grounds, taking in the stunning views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains, and marvel at the elaborate holiday displays throughout the estate.
Take a boat tour of Lake Maggiore
In December, the stunning Lake Maggiore takes on a magical quality, with the snow-capped mountains and charming lakeside towns creating a picturesque winter wonderland. A boat tour allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery from a unique perspective, and you can visit the Borromean Islands, explore charming villages, and admire the grand villas along the shoreline. The crisp winter air and peaceful atmosphere make for a truly memorable experience on the lake.
Attend the Christmas markets in Stresa
In December, Stresa comes alive with festive Christmas markets that offer a unique shopping experience. You can browse through stalls selling handmade crafts, local delicacies, and traditional Christmas decorations. The atmosphere is filled with holiday cheer, and you can enjoy live music, entertainment, and delicious food and drinks. It's a great opportunity to find unique gifts for your loved ones and immerse yourself in the local holiday traditions.
Take a guided tour of Stresa's historic landmarks
In December, you can take a guided tour of Stresa's historic landmarks to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the town. You can visit iconic sites such as the Villa Pallavicino, the Church of San Vittore, and the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, and
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Holidays in Stresa 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 Stresa in December

Temperatures on an average day in Stresa in December

The average temperature in Stresa in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 39°F (4°C) to a low of 26°F (-3°C). Some would describe it as really cold, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Stresa, July, has days with highs of 74°F (24°C) and lows of 58°F (14°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 37°F (3°C) and lows of 23°F (-5°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Stresa in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
39°F
highs
26°F
lows

General weather summary

Really cold, humid but cool
Feels like
19%
Chance of rain
0.117 in
Amount
8.0 mph
Wind speed
69%
Humidity
8.7 hrs
Daylight length
7:58 AM
Sunrise
4:42 PM
Sunset
52%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 39°F (4°C) and a low of 26°F (-3°C), it generally feels really cold, humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Stresa in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Stresa has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Stresa 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 Stresa for December.
Palazzo dell'Isola Madre
1. Palazzo dell'Isola Madre
4.7
(1036)
Museums
Art Galleries
Baroque island palace with terraced gardens, grottoes, artworks by old masters & rare peacocks.
Cableway Stresa Mottarone
2. Cableway Stresa Mottarone
4.3
(1688)
Mountain cable car
Transportation
Gondola rides with an in-between stop at a botanical garden & panoramic views of Lake Maggiore.
Park Villa Pallavicino
3. Park Villa Pallavicino
4.6
(4743)
Park
Outdoor Activities
Mid-19th-century, neoclassical residence with extensive parkland home to deer, foxes & raccoons.
Garden Alpinia in Alpino
4. Garden Alpinia in Alpino
4.0
(791)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Asian & alpine plant species on a high-altitude, natural plateau with Lake Maggiore panoramas.
Alpyland
5. Alpyland
4.5
(3388)
Amusement park
Sights & Landmarks
Family attraction atop the Mottarone with views from its rides that are suitable for all ages.
Chiesa di San Vittore
6. Chiesa di San Vittore
4.4
(63)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Bar LungoLago
7. Bar LungoLago
4.2
(263)
Bar
Outdoor Activities
Church of Saints Ambrose and Theodule
8. Church of Saints Ambrose and Theodule
4.4
(79)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Stresa
9. Stresa
Transportation
Tramways
Stresa is a resort town on Italy’s Lake Maggiore. Landmark buildings include Villa Pallavicino, with its gardens and zoo, and the Grand Hôtel des Îles Borromées, where author Hemingway once stayed. Boats run from the waterfront to the Borromean Islands, home to palazzos, villas, a fishing port and the Museum of Dolls and Toys. Overlooking the lake, Monte Mottarone features a bobsled rollercoaster and botanic gardens.
Epoque antichità e restauro di Paolo Fumagalli
10. Epoque antichità e restauro di Paolo Fumagalli
3.7
(3)
Antique store
Shopping
Lake Maggiore
11. Lake Maggiore
4.7
(3238)
Lake
Nature & Parks
In view of the Alps, this sprawling lake features charming islands & historic lakefront villas.
Church of Saint Victor
12. Church of Saint Victor
4.3
(11)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Associazione Turistica Pro Loco di Stresa
13. Associazione Turistica Pro Loco di Stresa
4.1
(67)
Tourist information center
Visitor center
La Sirenetta di Stresa
14. La Sirenetta di Stresa
4.0
(4)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Villa Ducale
15. Villa Ducale
4.2
(17)
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Oratorio del SS. Crocifisso
16. Oratorio del SS. Crocifisso
2.5
(2)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Stresa?

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

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