We will be arriving December 20, 2010-January 8, 2011. Trying to put together a plan. In the Lakes area..will anything be open? I have read in books that most everything shuts down outside Milano for the entire month of December. This is our first trip to Northern Italy..and want to experience the holiday season with the locals. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
I wouldn't waste your time in the Lakes area. My understanding is that Lake Como in particular pretty much shuts down after November. I assume the same would be true of the other lakes in the region.
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
Nothern Italy is one of the most densely populated parts of Europe. While you may not want to go swimming, everything is in fact open outside of Milan after December. You will certainly find people, shops, stores, restaurants, up and running in December, in fact you may find it preferable then as there are fewer tourists. Obviously going to Lake Garda or Lake Como in July is different, but towns certainly don't shut down, people live there and will be out and about enjoying the holidays. Plus there will be Christmas lights everywhere, an added plus....
Posted by
OP
Renton, WA, USA
240 posts
Claire, Thanks for the great insight. Any ideas for lodging, restaurants, shopping, etc.??