What to Do at Christmas in Venice: 7 Things to Do, Travel Tips and Tourist Guide
- 5 min read
Many travelers imagine Venice in summer, but the city in December becomes extraordinary. Christmas in Venice is a unique mix of sparkling lights, markets, water parades, and centuries-old traditions. Accordingly, visitors discover a more intimate Venice, where the canals shine under festive lights and the churches echo with Christmas chants.
Why Visit Venice at Christmas?
The Charm of Venice in Winter
In fact, Christmas in Venice is less crowded, allowing you to stroll calmly through calli and campielli. The morning mist creates a romantic, almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
Weather in Venice in December
Temperatures range between 0 and 8°C. If “acqua alta” occurs, then with the right boots it becomes part of the charm. Albeit rare, snow makes the city wrapped in fog appear even more magical.
Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Museums of St. Mark's Square
How to Dress in Venice at Christmas
To fully enjoy Christmas in Venice, it is essential to dress in layers. Bring a heavy coat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes. Additionally, Venetians, even in winter, keep an elegant touch, so a well-chosen outfit is always appreciated.
Essential packing list for Venice in December:
- Warm coat
- Boots or waterproof shoes
- Sweaters and warm clothes
- Scarf and hat
- Umbrella
Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Museums of St. Mark's Square
What to Do at Christmas in Venice:
- Attend Christmas Mass in Venice
Midnight Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica
Attending Midnight Mass in St. Mark’s Basilica is unforgettable: the golden mosaics shine under candlelight while choirs sing solemn hymns.
Christmas Services in Venetian Churches
Above all, churches like Santa Maria della Salute and San Zaccaria also offer beautiful services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Discover the Christmas Markets in Venice
Are There Christmas Markets in Venice?
Yes, albeit smaller than in other cities, the Christmas markets in Venice offer a magical atmosphere.
Campo Santo Stefano and Craft Stalls
The most famous takes place in Campo Santo Stefano, with artisan products, Murano glass, Christmas sweets, and mulled wine.
- Admire the Christmas Lights in the City
Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal
The Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal light up with decorations, reflecting on the water.
The Tree in St. Mark’s Square
The heart of Christmas in Venice is the tree in St. Mark’s Square, surrounded by lights and open-air concerts.
- Experience the Christmas Parade in Venice
Boat Parades on the Canals
One of the most unique events is the Christmas parade in Venice: gondolas and decorated boats sail the canals, often with Santa Claus rowing.
Processions and Festive Events
Not only parades on the water, but also musical processions and folk shows fill Venetian squares.
- Christmas Day
What Is Open in Venice at Christmas?
On December 25th many shops are closed, after all restaurants, hotels, and churches welcome both tourists and faithful. It is the perfect day for a traditional Venetian lunch.
- Christmas Concerts and Events
Shows at La Fenice Theatre
La Fenice Theatre hosts Christmas concerts and gala evenings, among the most anticipated in Venice’s cultural calendar.
Sacred Music in Venetian Churches
Both choirs and organs fill basilicas with music, offering spiritual and moving moments.
- Walking Around Venice
St. Mark’s Square and Festive Atmosphere
St. Mark’s Square is the beating heart, with markets, the Christmas tree, and festive shows.
Cannaregio and Hidden Streets
Neighborhoods like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro offer more intimate corners, lit up with decorations.
Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Museums of St. Mark's Square
Christmas Street Food and Venetian Winter Dishes
Roasted Chestnuts, Hot Chocolate, and Cicchetti
All of a sudden, between the calli you find vendors of roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. The bacari serve cicchetti in a winter version, perfect with a glass of local wine.
Traditional Venetian Christmas Dishes
Neither risotto with fish, eel, nor bigoli in sauce are missing, along with typical sweets like pandoro and panettone.
Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Museums of St. Mark's Square
Day Trips from Venice at Christmas
- Murano: glassmakers create unique Christmas decorations.
- Burano: colorful houses shine under festive lights.
- Verona and Padua: easily reachable by train, they host spectacular Christmas markets.
Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Museums of St. Mark's Square
Practical Tips for Visiting Venice at Christmas
- Transport: vaporetti run even on holidays, but with reduced schedules.
- Bookings: if you want restaurants and concerts, then book well in advance.
- Etiquette: greet with “Merry Christmas” and respect silence in churches.
Guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace + Museums of St. Mark's Square
FAQ: How to Experience Venice During Christmas
Is Christmas a good time to visit Venice?
Yes, it is less crowded and incredibly atmospheric.
How does Venice celebrate Christmas?
With solemn masses, markets, water parades, and traditional dinners.
What is open on Christmas Day in Venice?
Shops are closed, but churches, hotels, and restaurants are open.
When are the Christmas markets in Venice?
Usually from early December until Epiphany (January 6th).
Is Venice magical in winter?
Absolutely, between mist, lights, and silence, it feels like another city.
What are typical Venetian winter dishes?
Risottos, eel, bigoli in sauce, roasted chestnuts, pandoro, and panettone.
What do Italians do at Christmas?
They attend Mass, enjoy big lunches, and exchange gifts.
Where is the Christmas tree in Venice?
In St. Mark’s Square, the center of celebrations.
How to dress in Venice at Christmas?
With a warm coat, waterproof boots, and scarf.
Which days is everything closed in Venice?
December 25th (Christmas) and January 1st (New Year’s Day).