If you’re visiting La Spezia in winter, you’ll find lots to do. With over 100 events planned during the winter months, you’ll be spoilt for choice with activities to keep yourself occupied.
Christmas in La Spezia
The La Spezia Christmas events include:
- Markets selling artisanal and craft products, winter foods, and Christmas decorations and gifts. These are located at various piazzas and streets around the town center. Incidentally, these markets are held throughout the year and coincide with the days when the cruise ships are docked at La Spezia.
- Outdoor ice rink in Piazza Verdi.
- Santa’s grotto (Babbo Natale).
- Christmas lights decorating the town and shops (the official ceremony to turn on the lights was 22 November at 6 pm).
- The Elf’s Parade.
- Nativity Scenes in the town and churches.
- Underwater Christmas and midnight mass on 24 December.
- Live musical concerts!
Dates: The official announcements haven’t been made yet, but in past years the details have been released just a few days before around the end of November.
More Information: We will update the information here. You can also check details on the La Spezia Comune website
Winter Art and Cultural Events in La Spezia
Trac Festival
Trac was a huge success last year and returns to La Spezia in winter, 2024. This contemporary event unites theatre, research, art, and circus (TRAC) with performances and workshops from the intimate setting of a specially constructed circus tent.
Spectators will be treated to innovative shows that include Scrooge (A Christmas Carol), Romeo and Juliet, and Circus Cabaret, as well as entertaining shows with clowns, acrobats, jugglers, and comedy.
- Date: 21 December to 26 January
- Location: PIN La Spezia
- More Information: La Spezia Civic Theatre box office
La Spezia Civic Museums – Amedeo Lia
Italy and the Grand Tour
“The Art of Travelling: Italy and the Grand Tour” at the Civic Museum “Amedeo Lia” has been a highlight of La Spezia’s art scene since its opening on 15 June 2024. In fact, it’s been such a success that the exhibit has been extended through winter to 12 January 2025.
This significant exhibition focuses on the cultural journeys taken by European elites during the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing Italy as a pivotal destination for artistic inspiration and intellectual growth.
The exhibition features almost 50 works that explore the routes frequented by travelers through key cities such as Venice, Florence, Rome, and Naples, as well as the Gulf of La Spezia. It invites visitors to delve into Italy's legacy as the ‘great garden of Europe' and a destination for cultured pilgrims.
Our Experience: We visited the museum on a rainy day in October and I found myself lost in the story of the ‘grand tourists’. I was a little envious of their adventures.
The exhibition also goes beyond the art with displays of historical artifacts of the grand tourists. Things like writing materials, stamps, leather cases, and sewing kits. I found this aspect quirky and interestingly it brought the exhibit to life.
- Dates: 15 June 2024, to 12 January 2025
- Location: Museo Civico ‘Amedeo Lia', Via del Prione, La Spezia historic town
- More Information: La Spezia Civic Museums
Adoration of the Shepherds
For those who appreciate the arts, Luca Cambiaso’s “Adoration of the Shepherds” exhibition at the La Spezia Museo Civico ‘Amedeo Lia' invites visitors to explore this magnificent work.
The painting reflects deep religious sentiment and spirituality, encapsulating the significance of the nativity scene and the adoration of the birth of Jesus.
For the first time in 500 years, the painting will also be reunited with a drawing (from a private collection) that is said to be related to the Bolognese canvas. Together visitors can study painting and drawing for a deeper behind the scenes’ understanding of 16th-century Renaissance art production and workshop practices.
The La Spezia exhibition coincides with Christmas, which is a perfect time of year to experience this particular masterpiece.
- Dates: 13 December 2024, to 3 March 2025
- Location: Museo Civico ‘Amedeo Lia', Via del Prione, La Spezia historic town
- More Information: La Spezia Civic Museums
La Spezia Civic Theatre
The recently renovated and restyled Civic Theater (Teatro Civico) has reopened its doors in time for a winter program including:
- Sunday, 8 December (8.30 pm) Milano Ballet presenting Cinderella, an award-winning version by Giorgio Madia.
- Sunday, 15 December (5 pm) The beautiful musical fairy tale “Pierino and the Wolf” and the music of the Sanremo Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Giancarlo De Lorenzo and the narrative voice of Dario Vergassola.
The Civic Theater is on Corso Cavour at the southern end of the historic town near the public gardens. The La Spezia winter theater schedule and tickets are available online.
Other Winter Events
La Spezia Winter Chocolate Markets
Kicking off Christmas in La Spezia you can indulge your sweet tooth at The Winter Chocolate Markets. Named “Sapori & Mestieri” the events are organized by Confartigianato, a local artisan organization.
The La Spezia Winter Chocolate Market is a showcase of local artisanal chocolate, pastries, and confectionary for an indulgent and delicious experience.
The event includes 30 market stalls, workshops, and guest chocolatiers making appearances and holding cooking demonstrations. This festival not only satisfies sweet cravings but also provides insight into local culinary crafts.
- Date: 22 to 24 November
- Location: Corso Cavour and various locations around the historic city
- More Information: Confartigianato website
Winter Activities in La Spezia
While the colder months may not be peak season for swimming and lazy afternoons sipping spritz. There are still plenty of winter activities to enjoy in La Spezia:
Hiking: La Spezia's stunning coastal scenery remains a key attraction during the winter months, with opportunities for scenic walks and hikes around the gulf. The Cinque Terre National Park and Portovenere Regional Natural Park offer epic coastal hiking trails with breathtaking views. On a sunny day, the winter hiking is unbeatable!
Boat Tours: Yes! Even in winter, there are boat tours exploring the coast. Wrap up warm and take a boat tour around the Gulf of Poets. The best boat tours also include a stop at one of the UNESCO Cinque Terre villages. You can cruise to Cinque Terre in under an hour and experience jaw-dropping views all along the coast.
Italian Cooking Class: Learn to make pasta and tiramisu from a local. Italy is all about food! Experiencing and connecting with its culinary traditions is about the most authentic way to embrace Italy and create lasting memories. It’s also a great way to stay warm and dry in drab weather!
Village Hopping: Explore the charming villages of the Cinque Terre, each with its own unique character. The Cinque Terre train is easy to catch from La Spezia Centrale station. Or if you prefer a stress-free day, then you have the option of this all day boat tour passing by Portovenere and stopping at two of the villages.
Winter Events Around La Spezia
Lerici: This elegant seaside town is a popular family destination for concerts, parades, and interactive events for children at Christmas. You should also look out for free concerts at the Cinema Theater Astoria.
Sarzana: A historic town with a strong cultural heritage, Sarzana usually has a packed Christmas calendar of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and traditional markets. This year, the Theater of the Fearless (Teatro degli Impavidi) is also hosting a Grand Gala Lyric Christmas with music by Puccini and Verdi.
Portovenere: This picturesque town, located at the eastern end of the Cinque Terre, often hosts Christmas markets, concerts, light shows, nativity scenes, and a Santa Claus village. Details for the 2024 festivities are yet to be announced! You can get to Portovenere by car (just 20 minutes from La Spezia).
Cinque Terre Christmas Events: Each of the five villages in the Cinque Terre hosts its own small events to celebrate Christmas. You can enjoy markets, processions and nativity display and lights.
Winter in La Spezia is almost as vibrant and busy as summer. Most businesses stay open year-round. However, if you visit smaller towns in Cinque Terre, Portovenere, Sarzana, or Lerici then you’ll find many restaurants, hotels, and tourist businesses closed.
You can (and should) call ahead to check if a business is open. Don’t rely on websites or Google listings (we’ve made this mistake). Italian business owners might stick a note on their door but won’t often update opening times that have been posted online!
Tips for Visiting La Spezia in Winter:
1. Pack Warm: While the days can be mild, evenings are chilly. Many of the winter events (Christmas markets, parades, etc.) are also outdoors. To stay cozy, pack your woollies! A coat, hat, and gloves will make your visit more comfortable.
2. Check Opening Hours: After a hectic tourist season, some restaurants and shops take the opportunity to work reduced hours during the low season/winter months.
3. Book in Advance: If you plan to stay in a hotel or eat at a popular restaurant, it's best to book in advance. La Spezia is a lively city. Even in winter (and even as locals) we can get caught off guard and get turned away from the popular restaurants!
4. Embrace the Slow Pace: Winter is a great time to relax and enjoy the slower pace of life in the region. If you don’t mind colder weather, then it can be advantageous to avoid the mass tourists and take time to really appreciate and enjoy the immense privilege of travel.
5. Go with the Flow: The weather in winter can be unpredictable. So, plan for rain or stormy days. Have options up your sleeve to make the most of your vacation. Some ideas include:
- Going to a show (musical event or theater)
- Shopping at the local mall (Le Terraze)
- Going to the cinema
- Getting a beauty treatment, haircut, or massage
- Take a long lazy lunch or dinner
- Visiting one of the civic museums of La Spezia
- Find an indoor activity like a wine-tasting, pesto making, or an Italian social dining experience. Not only do you learn about authentic Italian wines and foods, but you also get a tasty experience!
By following these tips and embracing the unique charm of La Spezia you can create unforgettable winter memories.
Summary
Overall, La Spezia in winter is brimming with exciting options for all interests, making it a great destination for those looking to experience a blend of culture, gastronomy, and stunning landscapes.
Whether indulging in sweet treats, viewing remarkable art exhibitions, or participating in local festivities, La Spezia promises a memorable winter getaway.
Would you like to know more about a specific aspect of a winter and Christmas visit to the area, such as accommodation, transportation, or local cuisine? Then feel free to browse our blog. We live in La Spezia and everything we write about is authentic and based on our experience living here!
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FAQ
Is La Spezia busy in winter?
La Spezia city is a thriving hub with a local population of around 90 thousand residents. The city has a full calendar of festivals and cultural events. There is also a cruise terminal with ships docking almost daily. Unlike many Italian coastal towns, it’s surprisingly busy all year round and most businesses remain open through winter. That’s why it can make a great base for visiting Cinque Terre during the low season.
Is La Spezia safe at night or in the dark?
La Spezia is pretty safe. We’ve lived here for a couple of years, and I’ve never witnessed any theft or violent crimes. Even after dark there are usually plenty of people strolling back from restaurants or moving between the clubs and bars.
But it’s also true that as a tourist, you make an easy target for muggers. So, stay vigilant and keep your valuables safely tucked away and out of sight.
Is La Spezia nice?
The central and historic parts of La Spezia are charming and interesting. For a curious tourist, there’s lots to discover. The museums, galleries, historic buildings, piazzas, laneways, pretty parks, and large marina are all worth exploring.
But La Spezia is also a maritime and industrial city. So, the outer zones of the city are not pretty or interesting to tourists. If you stay within the historic city and marina area you’ll experience the best of La Spezia city.
How cold does La Spezia get in winter?
The winter temperatures in La Spezia and Cinque Terre are typically around 10oC (50oF) during the day. Nighttime is a different story, and we can experience frosty weather.
From November to February, you should have a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf to stay warm.
How to get to Cinque Terre in winter?
The easiest way to travel between La Spezia and Cinque Terre is by train. Even in winter the trains run from morning until late. You can also drive to Cinque Terre, but parking is limited. The public ferries only run from spring to autumn, however there are some private boat tours from La Spezia.
