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Spend Christmas in Venice 2024 | Christmas Lights, Pandoro, and the Santa Claus Run

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Venice is a magnificent city that, with its unique flair, equally charms at Christmas. Even in the chilly months, a visit to the superb lagoon city is worthwhile. On the renowned Piazza San Marco, a Christmas tree with thousands of lights glows in front of the golden basilica. At Piazza di San Marco, the arcades emit a brilliant radiance as well. Christmas around here is more quaint and traditional.

Why spend Christmas in Venice?

Christmas in Venice - Why Spend Christmas in Venice?
  • Magical holiday setting: Venice turns magical at Christmas, with canals, bridges, and historic sites beautifully lit up. Even the gondolas join in, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.
  • Charming Christmas markets: Stroll through markets like Campo Santo Stefano for Venetian crafts, Murano glass, and festive treats, all set to live music for a joyful holiday vibe.
  • Murano’s Natale di Vetro Festival: On Murano, the Natale di Vetro festival features an impressive glass Christmas tree, live glassblowing, and the unique Glasswork Regatta.
  • Midnight mass at St. Mark’s: Midnight Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica is unforgettable, with golden mosaics illuminating this inclusive, multi-language service.
  • Gondola rides & festive treats: Enjoy quiet holiday gondola rides under festive lights, and savor seasonal specialties like panettone and pandoro at local eateries.
  • Fewer crowds & cultural events: Venice’s December concerts and cultural events create a lively yet relaxed holiday atmosphere, with less crowded landmarks to enjoy.

Top 8 things to do during Christmas in Venice

Christmas in Venice - Christmas markets

1. Go shopping at the Christmas Markets

Numerous options are available across the city, including, of course, Christmas markets. The Christmas Village at Campo Santo Stefano ought to be your first destination. The busiest of all the markets, this one is the biggest, and you'll find everything you need, including wooden huts, delectable cuisine, and decorations galore.

The other Christmas markets of the season are in:

Christmas in Venice - Christmas concerts

2. Treat yourself to a Christmas Concert

There will probably be a Christmas​ concert in Venice you can attend even if you're simply aimlessly wandering about. And, let's face it, is there anything more joyous than hearing a large choir singing in the distance?

If you follow your ears to the source, one of the nearby churches will present a heartwarming scene. You should also check out the nativity scenes put out in front of the churches when you are out there.

Christmas in Venice - See the sights of Venice

3. See the sights of Venice

The fact that Venice doesn't close down for the holidays is one of the best things about going there at Christmas. On Christmas Day, the majority of stores and attractions are closed, but otherwise, things are pretty much as usual. There are plenty of opportunities to visit all of the city's notable attractions because even ​St. Mark's Basilica and the ​Doge's Palace are open on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

Check out these sights in Venice during Christmas:

Christmas in Venice - Campo San Polo ice rink

4. Go ice skating

Head out to the ice rink at Campo San Polo if you want to practice your skating or show off your impressive abilities. Both novices and experts are welcome at this popular location. For 2024, it is expected to be open from December 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025 (exact dates may vary). Each session lasts for 1.5 hours, with a 30-minute break between sessions. Rent some skates, get some food at one of the neighboring food stands, then hit the ice while celebratory music is playing.

Christmas in Venice - Pandoro

5. Enjoy a Piece of Pandoro

This Italian Christmastime delicacy looks as good as it tastes. Resembling a star-shaped cake dusted lightly with vanilla icing sugar, *pandoro *is a crowd-favorite in Venice. You're sure to lose yourself in the airy yet delectable taste of this bread-like cake.

Best Bakeries to get Pandoro are:

Christmas in Venice - Santa Claus run

6. Take part in the Santa Claus Run

The Venice Running Club hosts the Santa Claus run, a charitable event that typically takes place in the middle of December. Every year, a marathon that starts adjacent to the Rialto Bridge attracts about 1,000 participants dressed as Babbo Natale. You need to register in advance to take part in the event.

Christmas in Venice - Eating out in Venice

7. Eating out in Venice

Due to fewer tourists in Venice during the winter season and the holiday period, this is also the best time to go to restaurants, cafes, and bars in the city. The city itself is stunning, so it provides a visually appealing setting for its eateries. If you find yourself in Venice during Christmas, you should visit as many cafes and restaurants and absorb the beautiful decor of the city.

Great bars and clubs to visit in Venice are:

Christmas in Venice - St Mark's Basilica

8. Attend the Mass at St. Mark's Basilica

A truly unique experience is attending the Christmas mass at ​St. Mark's Basilica. It's a joyful must-do because of the impressive Byzantine architecture, excellent choir singing, and beautiful ambiance. Everyone is welcome, however, if you plan to attend the midnight service, you should arrive early because lines frequently cross the square.

Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrating Christmas in Venice

Is Christmas a good time to visit Venice?

Yes, visiting ​Venice over the holiday season is a wise choice. Venice has unmatched natural beauty, which is greatly accentuated by the customary Christmas celebrations, lights, and holiday fare.

What are some things to do in Venice on Christmas?

Some of the things that you must do in ​Venice at Christmas are taking part in or watching the Santa Claus Run, visiting the Christmas markets, walking down the streets to watch the Christmas lights and ice skating at the heart of the city.

What is Christmas in Venice like?

Venice is especially enchanting during the holidays. There is more going on than just the holiday season and Santa Claus. For an authentic flavor of winter in Venice, eat Venetian street food while strolling through the lit streets, ice skate at Campo San Polo, and head outside to the Grand Canal gleaming in the glow of the Christmas lights.

What is the weather like at Christmas in Venice?

The temperature rarely dips below 0 degrees in Venice during Christmas. Make sure to carry enough warm clothes to cover all parts of the body. Venice’s holiday period is also often rainy.

Does it snow at Christmas in Venice?

Snow is not likely during Christmas in Venice.

Is Venice crowded at Christmas?

Venice's Christmas is well-known, which increases the congestion of the city. However, it is not much more crowded than the rest of the winter, when the number of tourists is quite less. You can still participate in Christmas celebrations despite this.

What’s open in Venice on Christmas?

The majority of businesses in Venice are open on Christmas Eve until noon. Then, tourist attractions like museums close. Make your inquiries before arriving at your destination.

What is the most popular Christmas market in Venice?

The most popular Christmas market in Venice is Campo Santo Stefano.

Are restaurants open on Christmas in Venice?

Yes, the majority of restaurants in Venice are open on Christmas Day and have special menus.

What are the best places to stay in Venice for Christmas?

The Canal Grande Hotel is a must-stay location throughout the holiday season in Venice. During the festivities, it offers wonderful views of the glittering Grand Canal. Alternatively, you can consider Hotel Olimpia and the Palazzo Barocci Venezia.

What should I eat in Venice at Christmas?

You must try Figà àea Venessiana, Seppie, San Piero fillet, Pannocchie, and *pandoro *when in Venice during Christmas.

What are the best restaurants for Christmas in Venice?

Some of the best restaurants for Christmas in Venice are Bistrot de Venise, Garden Bistrot, Impronta, Ristorante Pizzeria Dolfin, and Osteria La Lanterna Da Gas.

Where can I see the Christmas lights in Venice?

Viale Antonio Paolucci, Piazza del Municipio, and Grand Canal are some of the best places to see the Christmas lights in Venice.

What are some Christmas traditions in Venice?

People in Venice decorate their front yards and tables with lovely advent wreaths throughout the Christmas season and offer kids gifts. On Christmas Eve, it is customary for Venetians to eat a multi-course fish meal, while on Christmas Day, they often eat Ravioli in a Capon Broth with Boiling Capon, Salami, Potatoes, and Spinach.

Is the City card useful during Christmas?

Absolutely ​City card attractions and transport are ideal in chilly December weather, and the pass streamlines entry.

Do Hop-on Hop-off tours run in Venice at Christmas?

Yes ​Hop-on Hop-off tours run year-round, often with covered boats or buses suitable for winter sightseeing.

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