Have a magical Christmas with a festive trip to Venice

Have a magical Christmas with a festive trip to Venice

105 properties for Christmas. Compare and book at the best price!

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9.0
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Christmas trip to Venice: Discover the enchantment of the Floating City

Ah, Venice. The Floating City is a gorgeous destination at any time of year, but Venice at Christmas adds a certain sense of magic. Spending Christmas in Venice is actually one of the best times to visit, as the chilly weather means there'll be fewer crowds. Those who are brave enough to handle the cold will be rewarded by a genuine winter wonderland: twinkling lights strewn above the canals, elaborate glass Christmas trees, ice skating, Christmas markets, and more.

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Popular Christmas in Venice

Mestre, Venice Province

10.0

Bungalow for 3 people, with hot tub

from £40 per night

Pellestrina, Venice

Holiday home for 3 people, with view

Free cancellation

from £64 per night

Pellestrina, Venice

Holiday home for 4 people

Free cancellation

from £58 per night

Venice, Venice Province

10.0

Holiday home for 4 people, with garden

from £92 per night

Planning a trip to Venice at Christmas

Why should I visit Venice for a Christmas holiday?

Venice is a wonderful destination at Christmas, as you'll find plenty of things to see and do in the Floating City. It all kicks off on 8th December with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, when Venice's Christmas lights are officially turned on in a grand ceremony. After that, you'll find an ice skating rink in Campo San Polo and Christmas markets scattered around the city. The best of these is in Campo Santo Stefano, where you can stock up on special artisanal Venetian products and handicrafts. In fact, Campo Santo Stefano is the epicentre of Venice's Christmas celebrations, so look for holiday lettings in Venice nearby. Alternatively, stay in the city centre to admire the festive lights and enjoy a Christmas break in Venice that combines winter cheer with traditional sightseeing.

What Christmas traditions can I discover in Venice?

For some of the most interesting local Christmas traditions, take a boat trip during your Christmas holiday in Venice and visit the nearby island of Murano. The annual Natale di Vetro Festival, which translates as Glass Christmas, is a celebration of Murano's famous glass making traditions. You can see live glass blowing demonstrations, buy unique handcrafted gifts, and admire the spectacular glass Christmas tree. If you're lucky, you might even be able to time your visit to enjoy watching the Glasswork Regatta, a boat race in which the crews dress up as Christmas angels as they row down the canals.

Pellestrina, Venice

Holiday home for 5 people

Free cancellation

from £77 per night

Pellestrina, Venice

Holiday home for 4 people

Free cancellation

from £72 per night

Pellestrina, Venice

Holiday home for 4 people

Free cancellation

from £72 per night

Mestre, Venice Province

8.0

Holiday home for 4 people

Free cancellation

from £63 per night

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FAQs: Christmas in Venice

What's the weather like in Venice at Christmas time?

Be warned: Venice is cold at Christmas! The daytime temperatures tend to range from 5°C to 10°C, while nights are likely to get close to freezing. Keep in mind that the city's location on the lagoon can make it feel colder. Expect to find a damp chill in the air, and be sure to wrap up well. On the plus side, that cold weather means you'll have more of an excuse to indulge in delicious Venetian Christmas treats!

Are shops and restaurants open in Venice over Christmas?

There are three public holidays in Venice during the Christmas period: 25th December, 26th December, and 1st January. On these days, many shops and restaurants will be closed. However, some remain open, particularly those which cater primarily to tourists. On 24th December, shops often close early. If you want to eat out on Christmas Day, some of Venice's restaurants will be open with special Christmas menus, but you'll need to book well in advance.

How can I celebrate New Year's Eve in Venice?

St Mark's Square is always the heart of Venice, and that's true on New Year's Eve. This is where the city's main celebrations take place. Locals gather here during the countdown to midnight, when a spectacular fireworks display is held. Yes, you can see fireworks anywhere in the world - but the backdrop of the Venetian lagoon makes the show here really special. You can also enjoy fine dining at one of Venice's excellent restaurants - but be warned, New Year's Eve is a very popular night, so you'll need a reservation or you may go hungry! For a taste of high culture, try booking tickets to a concert at Teatro La Fenice. Venice's most famous theatre usually has an impressive opera performance on New Year's Eve.

What Christmas activities can my kids enjoy in Venice?

In early December, an ice skating rink is put up in Campo San Polo. This becomes a popular hotspot for locals to gather and enjoy the festive season. Kids will also love the Natale di Vetro Festival on Murano Island, as there are many family-friendly events and workshops. Wherever you travel with children at Christmas, it's always a good idea to spend time admiring the lights. In Venice, you can truly do that in style, by taking a family gondola ride down the canals and gazing up at the lights as you pass underneath them.

What traditional Christmas dishes should I try in Venice?

Venice is famous for its seafood, so it's no surprise that its Christmas menus usually depend heavily on fish. On Christmas Eve, Venetians gather with their families to eat baccalà mantecato, or salt cod with olive oil. A platter of fritto misto, or fried mixed seafood, is popular for a Christmas feast. Follow it up with pandoro. This sweet bread is similar to panettone, but it's baked in the shape of a festive star, and it's a staple of the Venetian Christmas table. If you get chilly after a busy day sightseeing, look for a restaurant that serves risi e bisi. This soupy mixture of rice and peas, heartier than a risotto, is classic Venetian comfort food.

Other holiday ideas and property types in Venice that might be interesting

Most popular amenities for Christmas in Venice

Pool
(2)
Internet
(102)
Pets allowed
(25)
Balcony/Terrace
(44)
TV
(101)
Air conditioning
(105)
Garden
(39)
Parking
(26)
Washing machine
(93)
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