Things to do in Syracuse in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Syracuse. The weather is usually moderately chilly with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 52—61°F (11—16°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Syracuse during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided tour of Syracuse's historic sites in December, participate in a traditional Sicilian cooking class in Syracuse, take a boat tour of the Syracuse coastline in December, and more!

Syracuse 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 Syracuse. 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 Syracuse 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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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Syracuse in December

Top experiences in December
Take a guided tour of Syracuse's historic sites in December
Syracuse is home to a wealth of ancient ruins, historic buildings, and archaeological sites that are especially captivating in the winter months. A guided tour of the city's landmarks, such as the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Ortygia Island, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of Syracuse. The cooler temperatures and smaller crowds in December make it an ideal time to explore the city's historic sites with a knowledgeable guide.
Participate in a traditional Sicilian cooking class in Syracuse
Sicilian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse influences, and taking a cooking class in Syracuse is a fantastic way to learn how to prepare traditional holiday dishes. From making fresh pasta and seafood specialties to baking Sicilian sweets, you can immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the region. Many cooking classes also include a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients, providing a comprehensive and hands-on experience.
Take a boat tour of the Syracuse coastline in December
While the weather may be cooler in December, a boat tour of the Syracuse coastline offers a unique perspective on the city's stunning natural beauty. You can admire the picturesque coastal landscapes, historic landmarks, and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea from the comfort of a boat. Whether you opt for a leisurely cruise or an adventurous sailing excursion, exploring the Syracuse coastline by boat is a refreshing and unforgettable experience.
Explore the Christmas markets in Syracuse
During December, Syracuse comes alive with Christmas markets offering a variety of local crafts, gifts, and traditional holiday treats. The markets are a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts while soaking up the festive atmosphere. You can also sample delicious Sicilian street food and warm up with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate. It's a wonderful way to experience the holiday spirit in Syracuse.
Attend the Feast of Santa Lucia in Syracuse
The Feast of Santa Lucia is a traditional celebration in Syracuse that takes place on December 13th. It is a religious festival dedicated to Saint Lucy, the patron saint of the city. The celebration includes a procession through the streets, music, and food stalls offering traditional Sicilian dishes. It's a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of Syracuse during the holiday season.
Sample traditional Sicilian holiday sweets in Syracuse
Sicily is known for its delicious desserts, and the holiday season brings a variety of special treats to enjoy. From cannoli and cassata to almond pastries and marzipan fruits, there are plenty of sweet indulgences to savor in Syracuse during December. Many bakeries and cafes in the city offer festive holiday treats that are perfect for enjoying with a cup of espresso or a glass of sweet wine.
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Holidays in Syracuse 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 Syracuse in December

Temperatures on an average day in Syracuse in December

The average temperature in Syracuse in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 61°F (16°C) to a low of 52°F (11°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Syracuse, August, has days with highs of 88°F (31°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 59°F (15°C) and lows of 48°F (9°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Syracuse in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
61°F
highs
52°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze
Feels like
17%
Chance of rain
0.065 in
Amount
14.6 mph
Wind speed
72%
Humidity
9.7 hrs
Daylight length
7:03 AM
Sunrise
4:43 PM
Sunset
60%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 61°F (16°C) and a low of 52°F (11°C), it generally feels moderately chilly with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Syracuse in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Syracuse has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Syracuse 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 Syracuse for December.
Island of Ortigia
1. Island of Ortigia
4.8
(6150)
Island
Nature & Parks
Charming island with historic, stone buildings, squares, a temple, shops, eateries & a small beach.
Syracuse Cathedral
2. Syracuse Cathedral
4.7
(8712)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Catholic cathedral built in the 7th century, with an imposing baroque facade & statuary.
Greek Theater
3. Greek Theater
4.5
(8832)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Greek outdoor theater with seasonal performing arts events & sweeping views.
Ear of Dionysius
4. Ear of Dionysius
4.5
(8633)
Nature & Parks
Historical place
Sinuous ancient cave with exceptional acoustics, in legend a prison built by the tyrant Dionysius.
Neapolis Archaeological Park
5. Neapolis Archaeological Park
4.3
(19457)
Archaeological site
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark, vast natural park featuring an ancient Greek theater, church, caves & other Roman relics.
Fontane Bianche Beach
6. Fontane Bianche Beach
4.1
(5670)
Lido
Outdoor Activities
Urban cove backed by hotels & cafes with umbrellas & loungers to rent, plus calm water for swimming.
Arethusa Spring
7. Arethusa Spring
4.5
(12050)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient, storied fountain next to the ocean with many papyrus plants & resident waterfowl.
Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi
8. Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi
4.3
(2135)
Archaeological museum
Museums
Museum with extensive Greek & Roman finds from around Sicily, including a noted coin collection.
Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime
9. Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime
4.5
(6019)
Basilica
Sights & Landmarks
Striking, modern church with 16 chapels & a statue of the Virgin Mary said to have once shed tears.
Caffe' Apollo
10. Caffe' Apollo
4.2
(464)
Cafeteria
Sights & Landmarks
Riserva Naturale Cavagrande del Cassibile
11. Riserva Naturale Cavagrande del Cassibile
4.6
(7549)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Lush nature reserve with canyons carved by the Cassibile river & Mediterranean flora & fauna.
Catacombe di San Giovanni
12. Catacombe di San Giovanni
4.4
(3148)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
System of underground tunnels with tombs & sarcophagi, beneath a church dating to the 6th century.
Piazza Duomo
13. Piazza Duomo
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Open-air plaza surrounded by grand, historic buildings, including the Cathedral of Syracuse.
Fountain of Diana
14. Fountain of Diana
4.6
(6343)
Fountain
Sights & Landmarks
Built by Giulio Moschetti in 1907, this classic fountain features a statue of the goddess Diana.
Castello Maniace
15. Castello Maniace
4.4
(7043)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Overlooking the sea, this 13th-century military fort has grand stone walls, circular towers & views.
Lido Arenella - by Villa Babej
16. Lido Arenella - by Villa Babej
4.2
(1820)
Lido
Outdoor Activities
Sandy stretch with lounger & umbrella rentals, plus a restaurant, pizzeria & ice cream parlor.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Syracuse?

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

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