Italy Crowds in December

from what i've gathered it's always going to be bustling in the large cities, but not near as obnoxious as during the summer months.

Dee...the only time I've been to Italy was in the wintertime and it was at exactly the timeframe you mention...and we did that on purpose to avoid the crowds we had heard about. Rome, we had reservations for the Borghese Gallery but you probably could still walk up and wait. At the Vatican, we just walked right in on Christmas Eve Day and all over Rome places were open and I had an awesome lunch while looking at the Pantheon with light crowds. Florence we had reservations for the Uffizi and the Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze that displays the Statue of David..again, light crowds. The same crowd conditions existed everywhere we went and we went all over everything north of Rome. The only time it got busy in the streets was New Year's Eve in Rome...dont miss that, and bundle up...it's cold and stays cold.
Ciao !

Dutch - thanks for the info!! We're definitely glad to hear that. We'll still make a few reservations to avoid wasting any time in lines, but I feel a little less pressured now about it. Thanks for the info =) NYE in Rome, sounds crazy just to hear it. I'm so excited!

Around that time frame I'd say the crowds thin out... right before the holidays the crowds are more connected to lots of shoppers mixed in as well. Last Saturday I went to a museum in Florence (granted, the Museo dell'Opera is not the most popular) but there were no lines whatsoever. Afterward, I walked around the Duomo to the Baptistery, people in front in the square was light.
New Year's Eve in Florence means music concerts in the main squares with different types of music (classical, gospel, funky, ska) and fireworks so there are a lot of people about. Definitely gets cold so cover up. In comparison to NYC - no comparison at all, at least for Tuscany and not even in Florence which is the most popular city.

It's especially helpful for us to have input from local residents. Thank you!

Absolutely, Kent! Thanks for your input Lourdes. I will be spending New Years Eve and New Years Day in Rome. But I would LOVE to hear about Christmas in Florence! I arrive from Milan on Christmas Day. Thanks!!
Dee

In Italy, most things are closed on XMAS Day. It is a religious holiday so the churches are open - like St. Peter's Basilica - but in Rome, the Vatican Museums, the Colosseo, Forum, State Museums, etc. are all closed on XMAS Day. It's a great day for walking through whatever city you're in... and just exploring. Some of the "tourist" shops are open (aren't they always), but most "local" small businesses are closed. Because XMAS falls on a weekend this year, I think many local shops will be closed on Sunday. Our street in Prati was always a "ghost town" on XMAS day. Fortunately, our favorite local restaurant was open for a few hours... but only if you made a reservation in advance. XMAS in Italy reminds me of the US back in the 1960's - Not too much was open. On New Year's Eve in Rome, it is quite a festive atmosphere. There are many events, many concerts, and too much to see - so set your priorities! On New Year's Day, again the town is shuttered. Here's a post of our pictures and sights during the holiday season and NYE: http://tinyurl.com/ycda3w3

Thanks Ron! I had actually already been to your site when I was research NYE in Rome! It was very helpful. Thanks again,
Dee