Cinque Terre vs Lake Como in December

I would think that the Cinque Terre will be a pretty grim place in December.

Thank you, that is what I am worried about and not much being open. Googling seems that more will be open in Lake Como in December in reference to restaurants, shops and christmas lights and such also. Thank you for your response!

I have been to neither in the winter but based on summer visits, I think a larger town in the Lake Como region will have a lot more going on in the winter. Have you seen this video from December 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVgduPfuXu0? I've gotta say though that I would look elsewhere and skip both options.

I would do neither at that time of year but re-think the schedule. Rural areas are pretty grim in overcast rainy weather -- cities are great winter destinations. To me the pleasure of the CT was the hiking -- not going to be scenic or pleasant in the rain and fog. And the pleasures of Lake Como are boating on the lake and sitting out on terraces to enjoy the lake view --- in December that is likely to be cold and unpleasant. I'd spend more time in places with more indoor delights like Florence.

Neither! High probability of rain then in both areas. Plus, you can't hike or boat then, which are highlights of that area.

I'd do Florence, Rome, maybe Sorrento. Florence and Rome usually have a small Xmas Market too.

I concur -- save both for summer or fall trip. IF you have to do one or the other, then pick Como. What is your flight schedule?

Thank you-yes unfortunately we were originally due to travel in April but we moved it due to COVID and actually picked December because we had planned on renewing our wedding vows in Verona on our trip to Italy, and since we had to reschedule we thought why not do our actual anniversary which is in December now this time!

We don't mind the cold, and honestly would enjoy just the view from the hotel and walking the town/seeing the christmas lights and markets (I saw online pictures). So therefore, thought it would be okay to visit at this time!

Thanks for all the responses so far!

How about Paris instead? It's great in winter; I've been there three times in winter and loved it.
Or if you are really wanting Italy, then I'd pick Rome for a winter visit.

Verona has a great Christmas Market, Deo Volente, the pandemic is over with. Why not there plus the Dolomites, which are spectacular in Winter.

I’ve been to both, in late December. Granted it was in 2001. We spent two nights in Varenna, then two nights in Manarola. I would chose Cinque Terre. Both places will have some places closed. We had no problem finding open shops and restaurants in the Cinque Terre. We had beautiful, clear, cold weather. The vineyards had illuminated nativity scenes, and the villages were beautifully decorated. It was really magical. The sunsets were stunning. Knowing how popular it has become in 20 years, I would absolutely go off season.

Varenna was much more quiet. It was our first stop on our trip, and were pretty jet lagged so we didn’t do a ton. We took the ferry to Bellagio, explored and shopped. We ate dinner at our hotel so we didn’t have to search for open restaurants.

We were in Lake Como during "shoulder season", April, and one day it rained heavily and started hailing. The wind was wild and then the electricity went out; the French doors leaked the rain into the room. There is no view when it's raining all day. [We were lucky that our other days were nice, clear but very windy.]
I would also recommend a location with more indoor options, or going to the xmas markets [incredible!], in Germany, France, and /or Switzerland.
Safe travels!

Thank you for everyone who has responded so far. In regards to Paris-we went 3 years ago and loved it but have always planned for Italy to renew our vows. Majority of our trip will be elsewhere, so this will just encompass 2 days of our stay.

Thanks to everyone for the tips, will have to do some more thinking and researching on what takes place for each area during December as far as activities and maybe even holiday decorations as well as we thought that might be something fun to see in case a lot of things are closed down!

Our landlord in Bellagio on Lake Como whom we rented from several times , told us how foggy and rainy it was that time of year.

Well, if you have to be there in December I would consider maximizing the benefits of being there in December and try to be there closer to Christmas as there are some incredible things to see and experience in CT at that time. The town of Tellaro lights up with candles everywhere, scubadivers will emege with a statue of baby Jesus on their way to the church. In Manarola you can experience the Presepe di Manarola where the mountain above the village turns into the largest lighted nativity scene in the world.

I’ve never been to CT but i’ve stayed for many summers in the nearby towns. If you are planning your travel for december, i would advice against CT, and in general against any seaside town in Italy, as many residents there are “stagionali”: it means that they work no stop during the summer season and take longer vacations during winter, closing their shops/restaurants/etc. You might end up in a ghost town.

Lake Como is a decent choice for a winter vacation, but if you want the Italian lake vibes, plus you are planning to head to Verona next, you really want to consider Sirmione as an option.

It is a medieval, walled town on the Garda lake, and it takes about half an hour from there to reach Verona. For a short stay it has a lot to offer: premium thermal bath to get away from cold (see: Terme Di Catullo), the ruins of the Catullo mansion, famous latin poet, if you’re into Roman history (see: Grotte di Catullo), german-style Christmast markets, or you can just wander around and enjoy the medieval vibes the town and its castle offer. If you’re not on a budget the Villa Cortine hotel has an amazing garden and a strategic location (not sure about the actual service, as i didn’t stayed in there, but for real just the garden is worth half the price), otherwise there are a lot of AirBnB apartments at decent price.

Excuse my poor english, just my two cents from a local point of view. :)

Wow that was great advice thank you so much to everyone! Will definitely look into all of your suggestions and recommendations I really appreciate all of the help!