What to Pack for Lake Como Italy in December: Snuggle Up for a Peaceful Winter Escape

Dreaming of Lake Como in December? This Lake Como packing list will help you stay warm, elegant, and ready to explore its winter charm.

Lake Como in December is a peaceful, snow-dusted escape with storybook towns, alpine views, and cozy cafes. It’s the off-season, which means fewer crowds and a more local vibe — but it’s also cold, damp, and possibly snowy, so you’ll need to pack accordingly.

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From strolls along frozen lake paths to sipping wine in Bellagio or Varenna, the focus should be on stylish layers, practical footwear, and winter-ready accessories. Expect a mix of chilly mornings, grey skies, and festive holiday cheer across the lakeside villages.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Lake Como in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• Average high: 6°C / 43°F
• Average low: 0°C / 32°F
• Rainfall: 7–9 days per month, with snow in surrounding hills
• Lake breeze: Cold and crisp — wind chill is real
• Events: Christmas markets in Como, winter hikes, quiet ferry rides

What to Pack for Lake Como in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• Hard-shell suitcase – Protects against wet cobblestones 🧳
• Carry-on backpack – Perfect for regional train rides 🎒
• Weekender or duffel bag – For short side trips 👜
• Daypack – Great for ferry rides and light hikes 🎒
• Packing cubes – Organize warm layers and accessories 📦
• Shoe bags – Keep boots from dirtying clothes 👞
• Waterproof toiletry bag – Prevent leaks from lotions 🧴
• Travel wallet or doc pouch – Hold ID, tickets, cash 📁
• Foldable tote – For local shopping or markets 🛍️
• Laundry bag – Store used winter gear 🧺
• Luggage scale – Avoid overpacking bulky winter items ⚖️
• Bag lock – For train or ferry travel security 🔒
• Money belt or neck pouch – Safe storage in busy areas 🕶️
• Microfiber towel – If staying in budget places 🧼
• Neck pillow – For scenic rail naps 🛏️
• Sleep mask – Darkness helps with jet lag 😴

👗 Clothes

• Thermal long-sleeve tops (2–3) – Essential winter base layer 🔥
• Wool or knit sweaters (2–3) – Cozy lakeside style 🧶
• Blouses or shirts (2–3) – For layering or indoor dining 👚
• Tailored blazer or warm cardigan – Dressy layering option 🧥
• Thick jeans or lined pants (2–3) – Cold-resistant 👖
• Skirt or dress with tights – For festive dinners 👗
• Fleece-lined leggings – Comfy under skirts or alone 🧘
• Knit dress – Warm yet elegant 👗
• Wool coat – Stylish and functional for Italian winter 🧥
• Packable puffer jacket – Great for hikes or ferry rides 🪶
• Activewear set – For brisk lakeside walks 🚶
• Flannel or thermal pajamas – Keep cozy at night 💤
• Swimsuit – Spa hotels or heated indoor pools 👙
• Underwear (7+) – Breathable and warm 👙
• Bras (2–3) – Include a sports bra for hiking 👚
• Wool socks (5–7) – Dry and insulating 🧦
• Thermal tights – For dresses and layering 🧤

💆 Skincare

• Gentle cream cleanser – Avoids stripping in cold 🧴
• Hydrating toner – Prepares skin for moisture 💧
• Thick moisturizer – Vital in dry, chilly air 🧴
• SPF – Still needed on sunny, reflective lake days ☀️
• Makeup remover – Wipes or micellar water 🧻
• Exfoliant – 1–2 times per week for glow 🧽
• Eye cream – Combat winter puffiness 👁️
• Face mist – Hydration boost mid-day 💦
• Sheet masks – Great after outdoor exposure 🧖
• SPF lip balm (x2) – Keep lips protected 💋
• Spot treatment – In case of breakouts 🩹

💄 Makeup

• Hydrating foundation or BB cream – Nourish and tint 💁
• Concealer – For long sightseeing days 👁️
• Light setting powder – Control shine subtly 💨
• Blush – Bring life to winter cheeks 🌺
• Highlighter – Subtle shimmer in low light ✨
• Bronzer – Warm up your complexion 🌞
• Eyeshadow palette – Neutral or festive hues 🎨
• Waterproof eyeliner – Just in case of drizzle 🖊️
• Mascara – Long-wear or waterproof 💧
• Brow pencil or gel – Natural definition 👁️
• Lipstick or tint – Reds and nudes look fab 💄
• Setting spray – Helps makeup last in damp air 🌬️
• Makeup brushes – Travel set preferred 🖌️

💇 Hair Care

• Brush or comb – Compact and sturdy 💇
• Hair ties/clips – Hold styles in wind 🌬️
• Shampoo & conditioner – Travel bottles or bars 🧴
• Dry shampoo – Refresh after hikes or long days 💁
• Heat protectant – For cold + styling 🔥
• Hair cream/serum – Control frizz from moisture 💧
• Mini hair dryer – Hotels may have weak ones 💨
• Flat iron or curler – Choose just one 🌀
• Winter hat – Beanie or wool beret 🧢
• Hair accessories – Scarves or clips for dinners 🎀

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• Waterproof ankle boots – Must for cobbled, damp paths 👢
• Comfortable sneakers – Dry weather only 👟
• Dressy shoes – For dinners or evenings 👠
• Wool scarf – Large and cozy 🧣
• Gloves – Leather or insulated 🧤
• Beanie or hat – Essential for lake breezes 🧢
• Umbrella – Windproof and compact ☔
• Sunglasses – Snow glare or lake sun 😎
• Jewelry – Understated elegance 💍
• Watch – Classy timekeeping ⌚
• Crossbody bag – Safe and hands-free 👜

📑 Documents & Essentials

• Passport + photocopies – Always carry backup 🛂
• Visa (if required) – Based on nationality 📝
• ID card – May be needed in hotels 🪪
• Travel insurance – For illness, delays, or snow 🧾
• Train and hotel bookings – Print and digital 📄
• Cash + cards – Euros are used 💶
• Emergency contact list – On paper and phone 📇
• Offline maps – Great for when Wi-Fi fails 🗺️
• Receipts – For VAT refunds or records 🧾
• Pen & notebook – Notes, journaling, sketches 🖊️
• RFID wallet – Stylish and safe 👛
• Valuables pouch – For hotel safekeeping 🔐

🚑 First Aid

• Blister bandages – Cobblestone walking = sore feet 🩹
• Wipes – Clean cuts or sanitize hands 🧼
• Gauze + tape – Compact wound care 🩺
• Tweezers – Multi-use tool ✂️
• Mini scissors – TSA-friendly ✂️
• Thermometer – For fever checks 🌡️
• Cotton pads/Q-tips – Versatile care ☁️

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Prescriptions – Full supply for your trip 💊
• Pain relievers – For muscle aches from hiking 🤕
• Cold/flu meds – Lake chill can sneak up 🥶
• Allergy pills – Just in case 🌾
• Motion sickness meds – Ferry or winding roads 🚢
• Vitamins – Keep your immunity strong 💊
• Feminine products – Bring what you use 🩸
• Hand sanitizer – Essential 👐
• Disinfectant wipes – Clean your space 🧽
• Insect repellent – Not usually needed, but pack mini 🦟
• Contraceptives – Always plan ahead ❤️
• Eye drops – For dry or irritated eyes 👁️
• Contact lens kit – Or spare glasses 👓
• Mini mirror – Handy for makeup or shaving 🪞
• Toothbrush + paste – Travel-sized 🪥
• Floss – Don’t forget this! 🦷
• Deodorant – Stick or roll-on 🧼
• Razor – Compact or disposable 🪒
• Nail kit – File, clipper, tweezers 💅
• Perfume – Rollerball or mini spray 🌸
• Tissues – For runny noses or public toilets 🧻

📱 Tech & Electronics

• Smartphone – GPS, camera, bookings 📱
• Tablet/laptop – Optional for work or movies 💻
• Camera – The lake views are stunning 📸
• Chargers – For all devices 🔌
• Power bank – Don’t run out during a ferry ride 🔋
• European plug adapter – Type C/F ⚡
• Cloud backup – For travel photos 💾
• Offline apps – Maps, translation, weather 🗺️
• SIM card or eSIM – Better rates for data 🌐
• Kindle/e-reader – Lightweight entertainment 📖
• Noise-canceling headphones – Trains, ferries, cafes 🎧
• Waterproof phone pouch – Great in snow or drizzle 📱

🎧 Entertainment

• Books – Italian romance or history 📚
• Movies/shows – Download before you go 🎬
• Music or podcasts – Set the mood 🎶
• Travel journal – Record your lakeside memories 📓
• Card games – Compact fun for cozy nights 🃏
• Magazines – Great for trains and cafés 📖

🎁 Extras

• Snacks – For train rides or hikes 🍫
• Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated 💧
• Foldable tote – Market or boutique shopping 🛍️
• Detergent – Wash basics if needed 🧼
• Sewing kit – For quick clothing fixes 🧵
• Whistle – Extra safety for solo hikes 🔊
• Lint roller – Keep wool clothes tidy 👕
• Footrest – Flight or train comfort ✈️
• Shoe deodorizer – Winter boots can smell 👃
• Melatonin – Reset your internal clock 😴

🌍 Travel Tips

• Check ferry schedules – Winter times vary ⛴️
• Layer daily – Fog in the morning, sun later 🌥️
• Wear boots on travel days – Bulky but needed 👢
• Book lake view hotels early – Popular even in low season 🏨
• Photograph luggage – In case of loss 📸
• Set card travel alerts – Avoid account blocks 💳

🛂 Visa Tips

• Check Schengen visa rules – Based on your passport 🛂
• Apply early if needed – Allow 3+ weeks 🗓️
• Bring printed bookings – Required at some entries 🖨️
• Passport photos – Useful for paperwork 📷
• Proof of return ticket – May be asked at immigration 🛫

⭐ Must-Haves

• Passport – Plus a digital copy 🌍
• Travel insurance – Always smart in winter 🛡️
• Credit cards + euros – For small towns 💶
• Phone + charger + SIM – Daily essentials 📱
• Plug adapter – Type C or F ⚡
• Health kit – Meds + sanitizer 🧼
• Offline map – In case of signal drop 🗺️
• Reservations – Keep them organized 🧾
• Stylish day bag – Function + fashion 👜
• Water bottle – Stay warm and hydrated 💧

👍 Good-to-Have

• Travel steamer – For chic wrinkle-free outfits 🧺
• Blanket scarf – Doubles as a shawl 🧣
• Spare mask & wipes – Just in case 😷
• Extra charger – One for daypack, one for hotel 🔌
• Luggage tags – Label everything 📛
• Stylish umbrella – Windproof, compact ☔
• eSIM – Saves roaming fees 🌐
• Extra tote – For wine, cheese, gifts 🎁