The Dolomites From Venice in December

Is there snow in December?

Often, especially higher up. Snow depth varies from year to year, though, and you should not assume every valley floor will be deep in snow on your date. If snow is the main reason for your trip, the higher ground around Cortina and Misurina usually gives you a better chance than the lower towns on the way.

Cortina in December

Cortina is one of the strongest December stops because it works as a winter resort, not only a summer one. The town is in full winter mode. The official Christmas in Cortina page gives the Christmas programme as 5 December to 6 January, with:

• light installations
• an Advent calendar on the facade of the Comun Vecio
• wooden stalls in the historic centre
• mulled wine and treats
• live music
• entertainment for children and adults

That makes December a good month if you want the Dolomites to feel festive as well as snowy.

Is there a Christmas market in Cortina?

Cortina’s Christmas programme includes wooden stalls and events in the historic centre. It is smaller than the big Christmas markets in Bolzano or Innsbruck, so think of it as a Christmas village in a mountain resort. If you are already in Cortina on a day trip, it adds a seasonal hour to the stop.

For a South Tyrolean Christmas market as well, the Misurina and Cortina day trip (4.7/5 from 621 reviews, from $212) states that it takes in the San Candido Christmas market from 23 November to 6 January.

Lake Misurina in December

Lake Misurina stays on the route. In December, expect:

• snow
• ice
• frozen or partly frozen water
• no boats
• no chairlift

The Cortina and 2 Lakes listing states that boating and the chairlift operate only from June through September. Choose the stop for:

• mountain scenery
• the winter atmosphere
• a short walk
• photographs

not for the lake activities.

Lake Braies in December

Lake Braies can be beautiful in winter, but it looks nothing like the classic summer photographs. You may see:

• snow-covered shores
• ice
• a frozen surface
• white peaks behind

If you are travelling for the turquoise water and rowing boats, December is the wrong month. If you want a winter landscape, it can be spectacular.

Should you choose Lake Braies or Lake Misurina in December?

For a single day from Venice, Lake Misurina is the more practical choice. It sits close to Cortina and adds less driving. Choose Lake Braies only if it is a place you specifically want to see; the Cortina and Lake Braies day trip (4.8/5 from 632 reviews, from $170) gives you an hour and a half at the lake.

What about Tre Cime?

Winter changes access a great deal. The toll road up to the Tre Cime closes for the winter, and the summer hiking routes are not ordinary sightseeing in December.

If you want the Tre Cime area in December, pick a winter-specific option. The Cortina and Lake Braies day trip offers an optional self-drive snowmobile ride to Monte Piana, a 2,325-metre viewpoint near the Tre Cime, from 6 December to the end of March: about 30 minutes, €30 paid on the day, and you add a note at checkout to reserve it.

Best December day-trip route from Venice

For a first visit:

Venice → Pieve di Cadore → Lake Auronzo → Lake Misurina → Cortina → Venice

Every stop is reached by road and none needs a summer lift. The Cortina and 2 Lakes listing describes this route, with about an hour of free time in Cortina, long enough for a walk through the Christmas stalls.

Early December vs Christmas week

Early December

Better for:

• smaller crowds
• a quieter Cortina
• the start of the festive season
• relaxed sightseeing

Christmas week

Better for:

• the strongest festive atmosphere
• lights and events
• a lively ski resort

But expect:

• more visitors
• more demand for hotel rooms
• busier roads

What should you wear?

Dress for winter. Bring:

• a thermal base layer
• a fleece or insulated mid-layer
• a waterproof jacket
• warm trousers
• waterproof shoes or boots
• gloves
• a hat
• warm socks

Venice can feel fairly mild in December, but the mountains are much colder.

Is a guided tour better than driving in December?

For many travellers, yes. December driving can involve:

• snow
• ice
• poor visibility
• winter tyres
• chains
• unfamiliar mountain roads

If you have not driven in winter conditions before, a guided minivan tour is much less stressful.

When is driving better?

Drive yourself if:

• you are confident in winter conditions
• you want flexibility
• you may stay overnight
• you want to stop for photographs
• you are happy to change the route on the day

Can you take the bus to Cortina in December?

Yes. The direct ATVO bus from Venice is one of the easiest public-transport options if Cortina itself is your goal. For a sightseeing day with lakes and viewpoints, a guided tour is easier. Our guide to the Dolomites without a car has the bus details.

Is December good for families?

Yes, especially if your children like snow and Christmas. Cortina’s Christmas programme includes entertainment for children and adults, and a sightseeing day by road needs no serious walking. Check the age limits: the Cortina and 2 Lakes day trip is not suitable for children under 6.

Is December good for non-skiers?

Yes. Without skiing you can enjoy:

• snowy scenery
• Cortina
• cafés
• Christmas lights
• winter lakes
• mountain viewpoints

Is December better than November?

For most visitors, yes. December has:

• more of the winter lifts and services running
• the Christmas programme
• a better chance of snow
• busier resort towns

November is quieter and sits between the seasons. Our November tours page sets out what is open that month.

Is December better than January?

The two months suit different kinds of trip.

December

Best for:

• the Christmas atmosphere
• festive events
• the start of winter

January

Best for:

• settled winter conditions
• more reliable snow
• the ski season at full strength

Our winter day-trips guide covers January to March.

Is a December day trip worth it?

Yes, if you want a winter day. Do not expect:

• boating on the lakes
• warm weather
• high-altitude hiking
• long daylight

Expect instead:

• snowy scenery
• winter mountain roads
• Cortina’s Christmas programme
• the Dolomites in full winter mode

My December pick

For a first December visit from Venice, book the Cortina, Lake Misurina and scenic lake-stops route. It is more practical than adding Lake Braies and still gives you a full winter Dolomites day.

The Cortina and 2 Lakes day trip follows it, rated 4.9/5 by 1,184 travellers and from $182 per person. If the San Candido Christmas market and Lake Braies matter more to you, the Misurina and Cortina day trip costs $30 more and covers both in December. Check your date on the listing before you book, because snow can change a winter route.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Dolomites from Venice in December?

Yes. Day trips by road still reach Cortina and the lakes, weather permitting.

Does it snow in December?

Often, especially higher up, though snow depth varies from year to year.

Is Cortina festive in December?

Yes. The official Christmas programme runs from 5 December to 6 January, with wooden stalls in the historic centre, an Advent calendar and live music.

Is Lake Misurina open?

You can still reach and walk around the lake, but the boat rental and chairlift run only from June to September.

Is Lake Braies worth visiting?

Yes for winter scenery, no if you want the classic summer lake with rowing boats.

Are day tours still running?

Several road-based tours list December dates. Check the itinerary for your date, because some change their route in winter.

Do you need winter clothing?

Yes: thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, waterproof boots, a hat and gloves.

Is it better to drive or take a tour?

A tour is easier if you are not comfortable driving mountain roads in snow and ice.

Related reading

• Official Christmas in Cortina information
• The best Dolomites day trips from Venice in winter
• The best time to visit the Dolomites, month by month
• Dolomites tours from Venice in November
• The Dolomites from Venice in spring
• Every Dolomites departure from Venice