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Vicenza at Christmas

Posted by on

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Vicenza, Italy during Christmas (10 days). Our primary reason for going is to visit our son, who will lives there and will be working for most of our trip. So, we can't go too far afield. My questions are:

  • How bad is the weather in Dec?
  • Does anyone know hours/dates for area Christmas markets? Any Christmas markets in the area that are particularly worth visiting?
  • Does everything completely shut down at Christmas? How many days before/after?
  • What are "don't miss" activities in/around Vicenza?
  • Is it worth it to rent a car? We've both driven and taken trains around Italy, so we are comfortable with either. Our apartment will be within 15 minutes of the train station. Is there anything in the area that we shouldn't miss that would require a car?
  • Would a day trip to Florence be crazy? It looks like it is about a 2 hour train ride and we've never been there. I don't want to do an overnight, but would it be worthwhile to go for a day?

Thanks in advance for your advice & assistance!

Posted by
32 posts

My mother was born in a small town about 35 minutes outside of Vicenza, so I know quite a bit about the area. It does get cold and snowy in the winter, but not cold like Chicago cold. Winter in Italy tends to be a damp cold. That being said, I have not been there specifically the week of Christmas.

From Vicenza , Venice is a very easy day trip by train, as is Verona which is worth a visit as well. You can also take the train to Padova to see the Giotto frescoes.

I would also consider renting a car to visit other towns like Marostica (famous for its human chess game in the summer) and Bassano del Grappa on the Brenta river. Cittadella and Asolo are also towns worth a visit.

You can also drive to the mountains. The town of Asiago, famous for its cheese is not too far. Trento and Bolzano (to see the ice man) are also very drivable in one day.

You are also fairly close to Lake Garda, but that is more of a summer destination.

Posted by
7175 posts

I spent 2 days there in 2012, and LOVED it, but I am an architecture FREAK.
It is very easy to get to Padua + Venice one way, and Verona + Mantua the other.
I read that Vicenza has the highest 'per capita' income of all cities in Italy, and it shows - very stylish, very sophisticated, great shopping, great food.
2hr 04min to Florence by train, which is not too long to make your day worthwhile.
The Dolomites would attract in winter, and this is where you may need a car.
The Brenta Canal I expect will be shut down.
Also, I'm not sure how many Palladian Villas would be open at this time.

Main sights ...
http://www.villalarotonda.it/en/homepage.htm
http://www.teatrolimpicovicenza.it/en
http://www.museicivicivicenza.it/en/

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