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Spend Christmas in Venice 2023 | Experience Christmas Lights, Pandoro, and the Santa Claus Run
Why visit Venice in Christmas
- The city during Christmas looks beautiful. Venetians take their Christmas decorations very seriously, which adds to the enchantment of the city's piazzas, historic buildings, homes, and stores.
- Although Christmas is a big deal in Venice, it has a cozier, more genuine feel. Walk across bridges and streets adorned with quaint lights, and shop in the yearly communal Christmas Market. It's considerably less commercial, and as you go around, you won't get the impression that everything was done purely to draw visitors into stores.
- With December signaling the onset of winter, fewer visitors are another excellent reason to go over this off-season. The city is much quieter while still seeming exciting; there are no fights for prime photo spots on the Rialto Bridge.
- Moreover, the city doesn’t completely shut down over the holiday season. While some attractions and shops might be closed on Christmas, business generally continues as usual during the holiday season.
Venice’s weather in December
How is Venice’s weather in December?
December marks the onset of the winter season in Venice. Expect the temperatures to drop as low as 0℃. With the Winter Solstice falling on 21 December, get ready for short days and early sunsets. Don’t forget an umbrella as rainfall is also common here in December . Here is the complete weather guide for Venice in December:
- Average Temperature: 0 to 7 degrees Celsius
- Rainfall Range: 50 mm (2 inches)
- Water Temperature : 13 degrees Celsius
- Daylight Hours Range: 8.5 hours
Acqua Alta weather phenomenon
Please note that Venice might experience acqua alta (high water) in December, occasionally flooding parts of the city. Typically manageable, floods rarely exceed a few centimeters. In rare cases of significant impact, tours may be temporarily halted until the situation normalizes, usually within 2-3 hours. Keep a pair of water repellent garments like windcheaters and boots handy.
Top attractions to visit in Venice during Christmas
With Venice being such a popular tourist attraction, the city is full to the brim with tourists during the main season. Venice is host to a number of cultural attraction that trace the city’s history to the Renaissance period. Take advantage of a less busy season this Christmas and explore these attractions peacefully at your own pace.
Doge’s Palace
Drop by one of Venice’s most popular landmarks. The iconic Venetian Gothic masterpiece, built in 1340, takes you back in time with its gothic architectural styles against the backdrop of a Venice illuminated by holiday lights. As the former residence of the Doge of Venice, you can explore the rich history and opulent interiors of this palace. Converted to a museum in 1923, Doge’s Palace houses treasures from the Republic of Venice. As December usually sees lesser footfall, take your sweet time to explore the Palace undisturbed.
Doge’s Palace Tickets
St Mark’s Basilica
Discover St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, a Byzantine masterpiece with intricate mosaics and the priceless Pala d'Oro. Explore the Treasury's reliquaries and liturgical vessels, the St. Mark's Museum's historical relics, and the Transept Chapels' exquisite Byzantine artworks situated in the Basilica. You can also climb Basilica’s Bell Tower for a bird’s eye view of Venice. .There couldn’t be a better time to visit the Basilica than Christmas as you can attend the iconic Christmas Eve and Christmas Mass there..
St Mark’s Basilica Tickets
Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice,Venice’s opera, true to its name rose twice from fires just like a Phoenix., Its fame lies in hosting legendary maestros like Verdi and Pavarotti. A symbol of architectural brilliance, this historic venue invites you to witness the echoes of musical greatness within its hallowed walls, where masterpieces like "La Traviata" and "Rigoletto" have enraptured audiences since its inception in 1792. You can enjoy a truly seamless visit with less crowds and make your visit more intimate with priority skip-the-line passes.
Teatro La Fenice Tickets0
Things to do in Venice this Christmas
Venice turns into a cozy town during the holiday season. With a homely atmosphere, there’s so much to do in Venice during Christmas. Take part in the Christmas Mass, Witness Santa adapt his sleigh to something more suited to Venice, a gondola. There's a lot of Christmas spirit to go around in Venice.
Christmas Mass at St Mark’s Basilica
Experience the iconic Midnight Mass at Basilica di San Marco in Venice. The dazzling mosaics, grand pillars, and golden chandeliers provide a surreal backdrop for the Mass. The Mass, delivered in multiple languages, unfolds amidst centuries-old artistry. Admire the Basilica's beauty as it is illuminated with several lights creating a memorable atmosphere.
Dates: 24-25 December
Christmas Shopping
Transforming into a Christmas Village until December 24th, Campo Santo Stefano hosts a festive market featuring 30 wooden cabins filled with craftsmen and food producers. Sponsored by the Artisan Association, discover Murano glass ornaments, carnival masks, jewelry, and gourmet Italian specialties. The lively atmosphere includes concerts and entertainment for all ages. Located near attractions like the Peggy Guggenheim Museum , it's a delightful gathering place in Venice's Dorsoduro district.
Dates: 3 December to 24 December
Watch Santa Claus arrive on a Gondola
For a unique experience, witness the arrival of St. Nicholas in Venice on December 23rd – a magical tradition. The saint arrives in the city in the most authentic way: by gondola. Children especially love this spectacle and can enjoy hot chocolate and sweets afterward. The event takes place in Campo San Vio, where gondoliers don red hats and decorate their gondolas with cushions and festive items
Date: 23 December
Feast on a local Christmas Eve dinner
Savor the authentic flavors of Venetian Christmas Eve with a feast of fish-based delights. From Risotto de Pevarasse, a luscious blend of Arborio rice and fresh seafood cooked to creamy perfection, to Branzino al forno, a succulent sea bass oven-roasted to crispy perfection, and Anguilla, an expertly crafted eel dish bursting with tantalizing flavors, the evening banquet showcases Venetian culinary excellence. Grilled vegetables and delectable seafood create a festive experience, capturing the essence of the region's rich Christmas traditions.
Restaurants to visit this Christmas Eve:
- Bistro de Venise
- LPV Ristorante & Bistrot
- Trattoria Rialto Novo
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:
- Majer - Piazzale Roma | Find on map
- 1000 Coffee & Bakery | Find on map
- Pasticceria Tonolo | Find on map
Catch the views of the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest among the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, connecting the districts of San Marco and San Polo. Despite early skepticism about its audacious engineering by architect Vincenzo Scamozzi, the bridge has proven its critics wrong by becoming an enduring architectural icon and a premier tourist attraction in Venice. This Christmas, enjoy the views from this popular attraction that has also featured in the video game Overwatch as a playable map.
Go Ice Skating in Campo San Polo
Campo San Polo, one of Venice's largest public squares, transforms into a winter wonderland from December to February with a temporary ice rink. Enjoy the magic of ice skating in this unique setting, surrounded by local stalls offering winter goods and a delightful glühwein stall.
Attend a concert
In the heart of winding canals and timeless structures, Venice is a vibrant center for opera and classical music. From Verdi to Rossini, the city breathes musical legacy. Catch the magic of Venice at the New Year's concert in Teatro La Fenice, conducted by the acclaimed Fabio Luisi, promising an unforgettable experience that truly captures the soul of the city's musical heritage.
Day Trip to Murano
Explore the nearby island of Murano, renowned for its exquisite glass production and attend the famous Natale di Vetro, a month-long celebration from Saint Nicholas Day to January 6th, featuring open-air glasswork exhibitions, live demonstrations, and festive events. Attend the Saint Nicholas mass at the Church of Saint Peter the Martyr, witness the Glasswork Regatta, a unique boat race representing Murano's glass factories, and indulge in Furnace Food—dinner parties hosted by local glassworkers in their factories. Take home unique and unforgettable glass goods from the island.
Dates: 6 December - 6 January
Take a Gondola Ride
Why visit Venice if you don’t even try one of the most popular things it is known for? Gondola rides. Glide through canals adorned with minimalistic Christmas decorations and cruise along landmarks like Salute Church, Punta Della Dogana, Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Bell Tower.
Stroll through the streets of Venice
Venice is beautiful for a Christmas stroll. Wander through St. Mark's Square, where a splendidly adorned tree between the Doge's Palace and the Marciana Library casts a warm glow with golden decorations. The festive lights extend to charming porticos, creating a delightful atmosphere
Learn how to make Venetian masks
Venetian masks are iconic due to their historical ties to the Venetian Carnival, where they symbolize mystery and social disguise, and their intricate, artistic designs convey a sense of elegance and cultural richness Craft your own Venetian mask in the enchanting setting of Ca 'Zenobio's Christmas market. Located inside a 17th-century palace, this unique market offers high-end craftsmanship. Explore animated reading sessions, Christmas cinema, and perfume workshops. While prices may be higher, the quality and festive experiences make it a worthwhile December destination in Venice.
Attend Befana Regatta
Don’t miss the lively Befana Regatta, a distinct Christmas celebration in Venice on January 6th. Embracing the Italian tradition of La Befana, adults and children don the witch's attire, partaking in a spirited regatta along the Grand Canal. Enjoy the festive ambiance with food stalls, music, and lively celebrations, creating a memorable and entertaining experience that uniquely blends Venetian charm with holiday cheer.
Dates: January 6
Know Before Your Visit to Venice in Christmas
Essential Information
What to wear
Venice tips and travel hacks
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) is used in Venice which is 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+02:00).
Currency: Euros - EUR - €
Country Code: +39
Emergency Numbers: Integrated Emergency System - 112, Ambulance - 118, Fire brigade - 115, Police - 113
- Warm Coat: Bring a sturdy, insulated coat to protect against the cool temperatures.
- Waterproof Footwear: Opt for comfortable, waterproof shoes suitable for walking. Venice's streets can be wet, and durable footwear ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- Scarf and Gloves: Pack a warm scarf and gloves to shield yourself from the cold wind.
- Thermal Layers: Consider thermal layers for added warmth without bulk. Thermal tops and bottoms are discreet yet effective in preserving body heat, especially on colder days.
- Make Reservations: Tables at fancy restaurants usually get booked out in advance, so make sure to reserve your table as early as possible.
- Carry an Umbrella: December tends to be damp and sometimes wet. Make sure to carry appropriate footwear and clothing.
- Carry Good Footwear: The cobblestoned streets make for great pictures but are incredibly slippery in the rain, make sure to carry shoes with good traction.
- Book Your Stay: Venice attracts a great crowd for the winter season. Make sure to book your flight tickets and hotels in advance to avoid paying a premium.
- Carry a Travel Adaptor: Rooms in Venice come with C, L, and F-type sockets which require round tip 2-pin plugs. So do pack a 3-pin to 2-pin adaptor
- The Day After: Jan 1 is a public holiday and most places will remain closed. Make sure not to save any attractions or sightseeing for the day.
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. Moreover, you can take advantage of the off season and reap discounts in hotel's flights& more.
What are some things to do in Venice on Christmas?
Some of the things that you must do in Venice at Christmas are taking a day trip to Murano, visiting the Christmas markets, walking down the streets to watch the Christmas lights and ice skating at the heart of the city.
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. It is recommended that you make your reservations in restaurants and hotels in advance to avoid paying premium prices.
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.
What is the weather like at Christmas in Venice?
The weather in Venice ranges between 7 and 0 degrees Celsius. Due to the air being damp, you'll feel colder than it already is.
Does it snow in Venice?
While it is extremely unlikely to catch snow in Venice in December, never say never, Venice has previously seen snow in 2022.