Rome, Venice, Florence in December and January

I like those cities in the winter, although Venezia can get pretty chilly.

In Roma, keep an eye out for the motorcycle Santa parade on the 24th or 25th (elves ride in sidecars).

Your hotel can probably help with restaurant suggestions and reservations for the 25th. Museums will be closed that day. Some places close on the 26th as well.

We have traveled extensively in Italy in winter. December is my favorite month in Venice. Yes, chilly, but warm coats, gloves, layers and you'll be fine. Florence is great for indulging in museums. Reserve in advance where possible, i.e., Uffizi, Accademia.

We were on a trip in Rome for Dec 22-31 one year and traveling in Italy the entire month of December. (We later moved there and spent several winters, 2012-2016). The 24th - 26th take some planning, but there's plenty to do. The 24th we spent the morning at the Borghese, shopped, had lunch, rested up, went to church at 6:30 PM, then dinner at 8:30, followed by a nice walk to see more lights. The city is so decked out at Christmas! A very nice day. A very Roman thing to do is have a fish-based multi-course feast on the 24th (reserve in advance). The 25th we cooked a nice American breakfast, then took a walk through the Ghetto where it was pretty much business as usual. Lots of people were out and about . The ghetto was a great choice for dinner, too, but make a reservation because a lot of Italians dine out for Christmas! There are two precipi (nativity scene) museums open on Christmas Day so we visited one in early evening, taking in the lights at Piazza Venezia as well. The 26th we took a self-guided walking tour up the Gianicolo to Villa Doria Pamphilj, then toured the Palatine and Forum in the afternoon. We were exhausted! The point is, with planning, there is plenty to do even if some sites aren't open. Just walking (check out the book "24 Great Walks in Rome" for ideas ) is entertainment. As the holidays approach there will be lists of restaurants open, special exhibits, etc. One blog to watch is www.parlafood.com. Katie always lists great ideas, especially for dining. I also like www.romerevealed.com for ideas and current events. Oh, and on the 26th, Via Fori Imperiali is closed to traffic and is thronged with Romans enjoying the passagiata. Quite the scene.

As to accommodations, we rented an apartment near Campo dei Fiori and it was perfect! Great to have a small kitchen, washer, and space to hang out.

Also take a look at http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/everything-you-need-to-know-about-spending-the-holidays-in-italy.html and http://italyexplained.com/traveling-to-italy-in-winter/.

5+ years ago I spent NYE in Florence. It was a fun time and some of the restaurants have special menus for the occasion. I was by myself so I was free to roam and didn't seek out any special parties, however, I did come across a number of enoteca's that were quite lively. True to most Euro outdoor party scenes, flares were lit which ended up smoking out the crowds that gathered for the fireworks above the train station, SMN. Firecrackers, sparklers, roman candles, etc were lit in front of the cathedral into the morning so, where ever you're planning on staying, make sure it's away from any piazza as teenagers/twenty-somthings will be drinking and liting off fireworks late into the night. Overall, it was very harmless and good fun, the kids pretty much stayed in the piazzas while the adults were in restaurants.

There's plenty of tour operators running in the Winter, Italy doesn't shut down, it may slow-down but, it doesn't shut down. Weather-wise prepare for freezing conditions at night, Florence more so than Rome; insulated jackets, wool sweaters, scarfs, hats, gloves, yup, bring it. I believe Rome is at the same latitude as Chicago, with Florence being more north so think, Toronto. The good thing is you won't build-up much of a sweat if you have to do a bunch of walking. All the cobblestone and stone building facades, do a great job of holding in the cold, when the sun is up and clear, everyone is looking for a sunny spot to warm up, otherwise everyone is bundled up in their leather and Montcler down jackets. During NYE I ran into a couple of American girls who had some Jim Beam, while not my drink, they were nice enough to let me have a swig and it helped give me a temporary warm-up. Italian cafe's DO NOT do to-go cups so, don't get an ideas of doing the American-thing of walking around with a hot cup of coffee, it'd be best to bring some booze over.

Thanks. I know Italy doesn't shut down but I noticed many tour companies only run May - October. I spent a month in Italy several years ago but it's my boyfriend's first time. So he's interested in doing a few tours, mostly in Rome.

The suggestion for exploring the ghetto on Christmas day is brilliant. It didn't even occur to me.