Cinque Terre winter day trip

We traveled between the villages by local train. I doubt boat trips will run in December, hope I am wrong.
We have been to Santa Margherita Ligure twice and love it there. Visit nearby Camogli too.

SueB,

I also very much doubt that the boats will be running in December, as they're somewhat "weather dependent" even in good weather. The local trains will be your best method of getting between the towns. They may not run as often in the winter (I didn't check). As you noted, many of the tourist businesses such as restaurants will be closed for the winter, but you'll at least be able to have a look at the towns.

Thanks for the comments. I thought the train between each town would be more likely in December. Do you think time in each village is reasonable in one day, or are there any villages most similar where i could choose 1 over another. Should we plan to stay into the evening to see a town under lights, and return to Lucca later.

Yes, you'll be taking the trains in the December as the ferries stop running in early November. I've not done this but should you happen to be in Manarola on December 8th (I'd be sure to have an advance accommodation reservation) ...

https://www.bestofcinqueterre.com/en/nativity-in-manarola-presepe

The thing to be aware of is that a lot of places will be closed up. If you get a sunny day, I guess it's worth a shot, but I would not spend that time on a train when you could be doing something more suited for the season.

As long as you have another place to visit if the weather isn't optimal, it could work. The question is whether you want to use up a day for it. Sunset's around 4.30 pm in December. It's around 2.5 hours by regional trains (probably 2 changes) to either end of the CT (Monterosso/Riomaggiore) in the morning. So you'd arrive about 9.30. That gives you 7 hours. One or more of the trails between the towns may be closed due to weather damage. I don't think any boats run in winter, My impression from a brief overnight visit years ago is that the villages are unremarkable, and if most places are closed, then really, why bother. The attraction is the views from the trails (better from the water, but that doesn't help you), on a sunny day. If it's not sunny, I doubt it would be at all worth going. The trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola is easy walking and doesn't take very long, then still pretty easy but longer to Corniglia. My experience was that the views were best along the trail.

The trail from Riomaggiore to Manarola is easy walking and doesn't
take very long,

That "trail", a largely paved section of the "Blue path", has been closed to rockfall damage for years now. It's not expected to open again until sometime in 2024. An alternative is to walk up to to the upper reaches of some of the villages for nice views. Some of the cemeteries are above the towns. The old churches are interesting to peek into as well.

If you are planning time in Santa Margherita Ligure, it feels inefficient to backtrack to Lucca after visiting 5 Terre, then head to Santa Margherita the next day passing through the 5 Terre again.
I would remove one night from Lucca, add it to Santa Margherita, and plan to do that 5 Terre day trip from Santa Margherita. The train ride will be much shorter. If weather does not cooperate, consider visiting Genoa.

Kathy, that just shows how long it's been since my visit.

Been a good while for me too, Chani, but I try to keep a finger on the region out of interest. :O)

Yep, that particular stretch, known as the Via dell'Amore, has been largely closed since 2012 when falling rock seriously injured some Australian hikers. Then they had to come up with the money (which took forever) needed to stabilize the terrain and extend the tunnel section, and then organize the actual work. As you've seen what that terrain looks like, you know that it's no small feat just getting equipment in to do that!