In this article, I explain what to do for Christmas in VeniceIf you'd like to spend the festive season in the Serenissima.
Here you'll find
- Christmas activities in Venice
- Weather information
- What you need to know about opening hours and public holidays
- Tips and tricks for enjoying Christmas in Venice
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Christmas in Venice, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Venice at Christmas: article summary
Christmas in Venice: activities not to be missed!
Christmas is an enchanting period for young and old alike, and visiting Venice at this time of year will allow you to take part in some unusual activities. Here are just a few suggestions!
Christmas markets in Venice
Several small Christmas markets are set up in Venice during the festive season, usually throughout December.
These are often just a few stalls selling local handicrafts - such as Murano glass or lace from Burano -You'll also be able to buy souvenirs for visitors, as well as some of the region's culinary delights. Enough to bring home a few trinkets for your friends and family!
One of the most important is on Campo Santo Stefanoin the San Marco district. Consult this map of Venice to help you find your way around!
Gondola rides at Christmas
If the Venice gondolas remain one of the most popular activities - and the coolest - all year round, it's fun to take a gondola ride around Christmas.
You'll enjoy a Grand Canal less crowded than usual, you'll catch a glimpse of some of the illuminations on the riverbanks and you'll feel privilegedand sail on the water in this romantic setting.
Enjoy the Campo San Polo skating rink
San Polo is the central district of Venice, with the Campo San Polo at its heart. Every year, a large skating rink is installed on the square (until mid/late January)! You can rent your skates on site to enjoy it.
Big kids and those traveling with their offspring will have a great time! Everyone seems to be delighted the surrounding décorthe true spirit of Christmas!
Music all over town
Unlike some cities that deck themselves out in tinsel, lights and Christmas decorations, Venice is fairly restrained in this respect. The Rialto Bridge and some major squares are well decorated. However, you won't see any Santa Claus hanging everywhere or crèches as elsewhere in Italy!
On the other hand, the music takes an important part of Christmas. In fact, you'll come across numerous small concerts all over town. All you have to do is wander through the various neighborhoods and let the sound guide you to a small square where you can enjoy the music.
Illuminations in St. Mark's Square
Visit Place St Marc is the place where Venice's Christmas activity. You'll see a huge fir tree decorated and lit up, arcades adorned with garlands, or a marquee with music and small stalls.
An opportunity to stop for a coffee or a hot chocolate at the Café Florian to witness the enchanting atmosphere of this illustrious square at Christmas!
Midnight Mass
On the evening of December 24thAt midnight sharp, you can attend midnight mass in the church. St Mark's Basilica. It's a moment of communion for Catholics, and it's packed. If you'd like to have a seat in the building, you'll need to come (very) early!
Spend Christmas in Murano!
You may know that Murano is a small town famous the world over for its glassmaking. While it is possible to visit it at any time by taking part in the an excursion (which also takes you to Burano and Torcello), Murano is decorated by its craftsmen during the Christmas season.
And it's superb!
Visit glass decorations are suspended over the canals, and you'll come across little handmade wonders as you stroll through the narrow streets of this pretty little town. It's a lovely way to spend Christmas!
What's the weather like at Christmas in Venice?
There's no problem visiting Venice in Winter and there are even certain advantages to doing so: the lower rates for flights or hotel roomsIt's much less crowded in the city, so you save time on sightseeing, and the enchanting atmosphere makes the Serenissima so sublime.
But What's the weather like in Venice this Christmas? On average, the temperature fluctuates between 0° and 4 degrees. It's cold, damp and a bit windy during your stay. This is not insurmountable if you are well-dressed !
What's more, you could be lucky enough to spend Christmas in Venice! under the snow. When it turns white and flakes cover the roofs of its monuments and its squares, Venice looks more beautiful than ever!
That's one of the reasons why I also love to travel around the world. Venice in January !
Tips and tricks to enjoy Christmas in Venice
Let's take a look the special features of Christmas in Veniceand what you need to plan for the best possible stay!
Christmas schedule changes?
If you're coming to Venice, it's certainly to visit the city's major places of interest. Please note that timetables are subject to change when public holidays or holidays. For example, on December 24, the doors of museums and certain monuments close early.
Most tourist buildings close December 25 (and the 1er January). But rest assured, you'll find a few restaurants and cafés open on these dates.
Transport services remain regular and you can take the following routes the vaporetti and others Venice boats with no worries at Christmas time.
Make a reservation!
Even if the city is much less crowded than during the summer months, Venice is still a great place to visit. popular Christmas destination. I therefore recommend that you book your accommodation and, above all a good restaurantif you're planning to eat out on New Year's Eve!
Take a look at the menus and you'll see that many establishments offer special Christmas meals featuring excellent local specialities. Don't miss out!
Plan the right outfit
While this may seem obvious to most of you, a reminder is never too much. If you're coming to Venice for Christmas, be sure to appropriate clothing ! Waterproof footwear - you're likely to come across the Aqua Alta phenomenon when the water overflows your feet. the Venice lagoon - and something to protect you from the wind and rain.
Braziers in front of cafés and restaurants will keep you warm.
Christmas in Venice with children?
I'm sometimes asked whether visiting Venice at this time of year with children is a good idea. It's not just a good idea, it's an excellent idea !
The atmosphere at this time of year is truly special. And between the skating rink, the markets where they'll find trinkets to buy (for you) and the illuminations, they'll love it as much as you do!
After Christmas, New Year's Day in Venice?
After Christmas, the city returns to its calm for a few days... before preparing to welcome New Year's Day festivities ! Those who want to extend their stay until December 31st can enjoy the special atmosphere of St. Mark's Square that evening.
There's music and fireworks to liven things up. But above all kissing lovers on the square at midnight, all together to make this a magical moment!
For the more romantic among you, spending Christmas and New Year's Day in Venice guarantees an unforgettable holiday season!
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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