The Ultimate Christmas Packing Guide for Italy in Winter

Last winter I hopped on a plane to the land of pasta and pizza, better known as Italy, and added another chapter to my tradition of spending Christmas in different corners of the world. I had already celebrated the holidays in Sweden, the UK, and France, so by then I liked to think I had European winter packing down to a science. For me, the secret is filling my suitcase with pieces that are both festive and functional. Travelling over the holidays can sometimes bring a little pang of missing home, but pulling on my quintessential Christmas sweater wherever I go is how I keep the festive spirit alive.

I’ve put together what I think is the ideal Italy winter packing list; warm enough for the chill, yet still fun and stylish. Many packing lists I’ve seen for Italy in winter seem a bit flat, as if warmth has to come at the expense of personality. For me, that’s never the case. Even on the road, I like my outfits to have a little festive spirit woven in. So think of this handy-dandy post and guide as your cheat sheet to staying warm, comfortable, and still feeling stylish in all those cobbled piazzas.

Table Of Contents

1. Weather in Italy at Christmas
2. First Rule: Layers Are Everything
3. The Middle Ground: Sweaters & Everyday Warmth
4. The Outer Layer: Coat & Rain Protection
5. Shoes You’ll Thank Yourself For
6. Don’t Forget the Accessories
7. A Few Extra Things I Was Glad I Brought
8. What Not to Bring
9. Packing List for a Week in Italy at Christmas
10. Sample Outfits

Weather in Italy at Christmas

Winter in Italy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Up north in Milan, Venice, or the Dolomites, temperatures often hover just above freezing, and damp air or snow can make it feel even colder. Central Italy, including Florence and Rome, is a bit milder, with daytime highs around 7 to 12 degrees and evenings that call for layers. Rain is common, and it has a way of turning even a mild day into one that feels icy cold. Further south in Naples or Sicily, winters are softer, but don’t expect beach weather; it’s more of a breezy chill that still calls for a coat and scarf.

On our last trip, we spent time in Florence and Venice, so the tips here are based on that experience. If the places you’re headed are slightly warmer, feel free to leave the underlayers behind.

First Rule: Layers Are Everything

Italian winters aren’t Siberian cold, but they’re sneaky. Days hover between 7–12°C, but at night, it dip close to freezing, and dampness seeps in faster than you’d expect. Add to that the constant shift between cold piazzas and overheated cafés or museums, and layering becomes essential. One minute you’ll be bundled up, but the second you step onto a packed train, you’ll want to shed it all!

Under-layers were the unsung heroes of my trip. I relied on thermal tops and leggings that slipped easily under jeans and pants or dresses yet trapped heat like magic. Even a little cami under your outfit might come in handy if you really need to strip down! Uniqlo makes some of the best options: affordable, durable, and high-quality.

I also packed fleece-lined tights (basically stockings with a cozy fleece interior). They look sleek under dresses or skirts while keeping your legs toasty even when the wind whips through narrow streets. Without these underlayers, no coat in the world will keep you comfortable.

The Middle Ground: Sweaters & Everyday Warmth

One of the most useful winter travel tips for Italy is to pay attention to the fabrics you pack. If you can, choose wool or cashmere sweaters. They breathe, regulate your body temperature, and keep you warm without overheating. The one time I packed synthetic knits, I regretted it; they trapped sweat, didn’t let me breathe, and once I cooled down, I felt even colder since it felt like I had been trapped in a rainstorm. Two or three sweaters are plenty. I rotated between a patterned crewneck with a cute winter motif and a thick, cashmere red turtleneck. You can find really high quality wool sweaters at thrift stores so don’t feel like you need to spend a mint and buy something brand new. If the patterns sweaters aren’t you’re thing, you can just swap this out for a classic and chic cable knit.

I’m also a fan of lightweight merino turtlenecks, elegant enough for dinner, but just as good with jeans for daytime wandering. I brought along one in black and white stripes and another in plain black, which always feels effortlessly chic. Since I was traveling for just over two weeks, I tucked a few slim, packable vests into my bag. They added a surprising amount of warmth across the chest and gave me extra outfit combinations without adding bulk. Little pieces like this make it feel as though you’ve packed a full wardrobe without weighing yourself down with unnecessary extras.

For bottoms, I know people often warn against jeans because they’re not the warmest. But with heat-tech leggings underneath, they’re practical and perfect. I also brought a few skirts and a maxi dress. With fleece-lined tights or underlayers, they were just as warm as pants and gave me a break from jeans or pants every day. If skirts aren’t your thing, you can easily swap them for an extra pair of trousers since they mix and match with tops just as well. One advantage of bringing a dress in winter is its versatility; with the right style, you can layer sweaters or long-sleeve shirts over it, instantly turning it into a bonus skirt.

The Outer Layer: Coat & Rain Protection

Your winter coat isn’t just the piece you’ll wear the most; it’s also the one that shows up in every photo, so choose it carefully. I wore a knee-length vintage green checkered wool coat that felt both chic and practical. Wool remains one of the best fabrics for winter, warm, breathable, and stylish all at once. If you want extra protection from rain, consider layering with a shell or picking a coat with a hood. The good news is that there are endless wool coat styles out there, from sleek and modern cuts to more structured, military-inspired looks. I loved wearing a green coat during the Christmas season. It paired beautifully with a red scarf, giving just the right festive touch without feeling over the top, and the colour still works perfectly in spring and fall without looking out of season.

An umbrella is another must. Rain showers sneak up often, especially in Venice or Florence, and the damp air lingers. Narrow streets mean a small, sturdy travel umbrella works best. Skips the large golf umbrellas as you’ll be a pain to those around you!

Shoes You’ll Thank Yourself For

The first time I spent Christmas in Europe, I made the mistake of packing boots with slippery soles. Cobblestones and rain turned them into a nightmare. What really works is a pair of waterproof boots with solid tread, either ankle or mid-calf height, depending on your comfort. I also like having sneakers or slip-ons for lighter walking or indoor days. I didn’t enjoy walking through museums in heavy winter boots, so I made sure to wear sneakers on the days I planned to visit galleries or museums.

One little trick that made a big difference was swapping out standard boot liners for fleece or wool insoles. They take no extra space in your suitcase, but add serious comfort and warmth for long days on stone streets. As for heels, don’t bother. They won’t get worn. Leave them behind. If you’re worried about what to wear for a nicer dinner out, a simple pair of plain black boots can still look chic, and you’ll notice plenty of locals choosing stylish comfort over anything impractical. I also made sure to pack several pairs of fine wool socks to keep my feet warm without that dreaded sweaty feeling inside my boots.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

Accessories can be the difference between cozy and miserable. A warm scarf, gloves, and a hat are essentials, and it’s worth choosing ones you’ll actually wear. Phone-friendly gloves are a win, and I always pack two pairs in case one gets wet. I also brought two hats: one slightly heavier for colder days, both with a subtle Christmas touch. Since I wore a hat almost every day, it was nice to have options.

Hand warmers felt like a small luxury, especially in museum lines or Christmas markets at night. And sunglasses might surprise you, but even in winter, the glare off wet streets can be harsh. As much as I love carrying cute purses, I know that when travelling in Italy, as in many countries, pickpocketing can still be a concern, even in winter. A crossbody bag is the smartest choice to keep your belongings secure and avoid letting pickpockets ruin your day. But honestly, crossbody bags are the best option (I’m partial to Baggu because I love a good print). They let you keep your hands in your pockets for warmth without juggling a bag, and they also keep your hands free if you need to hold an umbrella.

A Few Extra Things I Was Glad I Brought

Lip balm and hand cream saved me from the dry winter air. I’d actually recommend buying them once you arrive, since European beauty products are often better quality and a fun little souvenir in themselves. Just make sure you pick them up on your first day so you have them handy. A high-quality portable charger was another essential; the cold drained my phone battery much faster than usual. And a foldable tote proved invaluable for Christmas Market shopping and for carrying the extra layers I was constantly peeling off inside overheated cafés.

What Not to Bring

Some things just aren’t worth the space. On one of my first Christmas trips, I packed more than one coat, but wore the same wool coat every day. Bulky sweaters beyond two or three only take up room, and you’ll probably want to buy one in Italy anyway. Excessive jewelry is another waste; it stays hidden under hats, scarves, and coats. Thin socks don’t hold up against the damp cold, and fancy shoes or formal wear are simply impractical. Unless you’re going to a gala, Italy in winter is chic but casual.

Packing List for a Week in Italy at Christmas

Sample Outfits

• Thermal top + jeans + sweater + wool coat + scarf + boots
• Thermal leggings + dress + vest + fleece tights + coat + gloves
• Heat-tech underlayers + skirt + cashmere turtleneck + wool coat

Packing for Christmas in Italy doesn’t have to be complicated. A few smart layers, some cozy accessories, and a little festive touch will keep you warm and comfortable without weighing you down. Choose pieces you actually enjoy wearing, and you’ll be ready for foggy mornings in Venice and glittering nights in Florence. Wishing you plenty of cozy moments and good food!!!!

Happy Travels, Adventurers.