Christmas in Venice 2026: Your Guide to Markets & Events

Christmas is the most awaited time of year and is magical in the city of water!

Spending Christmas in Venice is a unique experience and this is the season to get immersed in the Christmas festive atmosphere and make the most of it.

Even though some museums, art galleries and attractions might change their opening times, or even be closed (normally just the 25th and 26th of December), you can certainly find a way to stay long enough to go sightseeing as well as explore Christmas markets and even go ice skating in a proper Venetian ‘campo’.

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How to spend Christmas in Venice 2026

If you’re looking for an exclusive way to spend your Christmas whether that be with friends, or family, then a trip to Venice could be your perfect destination!

This guide looks at things to do in Venice at Christmas as well as places to see and ideas on where to stay so you can be as close as possible to all the action.

First, though, let’s look at why you’d want to spend your Christmas in Venice and some of the traditional things people like to travel here for during this time of year.

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3 reasons to spend Christmas in Venice

If you’re still asking yourself why should I spend Christmas in Venice, below is a list of good reasons why this city may just be exactly what you were looking for.

1. The Christmas atmosphere changes Venice, transforming it into a fascinating place: canals, bridges and ‘calli’ light up, the decorations give colour to a cold and rainy day as each district prepares to celebrate.
2. In addition to the usual attractions of Venice, that during Christmastime are not as busy as in the summer, there’s quite a lot going on in the city. Festivals, markets and traditional events are a daily occurrence transforming Venice into a magical world to be discovered slowly.
3. Have you ever seen Santa Claus on a gondola? Well, if you’re spending Christmas in Venice, get ready, because you can have the chance of the man himself riding the traditional Venetian rowing boat! Where? The Ca’ Foscari Circolo Ricreativo organizes a costumed regatta!

Those are just a few reasons to be in Venice around Christmas, so let’s find out more about what you can do and see during this special time in the city.

Where to stay in Venice at Christmas

Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit Venice and for this reason, you’ll want to remember to book your stay well in advance to find a good deal.

Here is a selection of some of my favourite hotels in the city:

Palazzo Veneziano: this luxurious, highly-rated hotel in the Dorsoduro district features spacious rooms with parquet floors and marble bathrooms. Some of them come with a spa bath. Perfect location to be far from the crowds and enjoy a relaxing stay in Venice.
Hotel Agli Alboretti: this hotel is only a few minutes walk from the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. There’s a lovely terrace on the 4th floor, the rooms are spacious and breakfast is included.
Combo Venice: the hostel Combo Venezia is based in the former Crociferi monastery, only a couple of minutes away from the touristic and busy Rialto Bridge and Market area. Particularly famous for its own bacaro where you can have a traditional Venetian aperitivo.

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Things to do in Venice at Christmas 2026

Now let’s learn more about spending Christmas in Venice so you can make up your mind about which activities you want to do.

1. Shopping at the Christmas Markets

One of the best things to do for Christmas in Venice is visit the Christmas markets that you can find in different parts of the city.

Not only the atmosphere is lightened up by thousands of lights and decorations, but you can actually take the opportunity to buy souvenirs and typical products.

One nice touch is how some markets you will find also have some attractions to keep children entertained whilst you browse the products on the stalls.

If you’re visiting Venice at Christmas, it has been a couple of years since there were any Christmas markets in the historic centre. Instead, you’ll occasionally find small neighbourhood markets popping up in different parts of the city.

These are usually local and low-key, with artisans, crafts, and seasonal products. You can check what’s happening during your stay on the Comune di Venezia events page, which lists current neighbourhood markets and fairs.

The most popular Christmas markets in the area are the ones on the mainland, in Piazza Ferretto, in Mestre, open from 21st of November to 28th of December and on via Allegri till the 6th of January.

There are also Christmas markets on the Lido this year: the Isola del Natale event transforms Gran Viale and Piazzetta Lepanto with stalls, music and family-friendly activities during the festive period. Event are listed on the Venezia Unica website.

Some of the traditional items you can purchase are the lovely and soft panettone (typical Christmas dessert), wines, Murano glass decorations and Burano lace artisanal products. The Christmas markets are open from the end of November till the end of the first week of January, so there’s plenty of time to explore them.

🎄 Some of the most popular activities to do in Venice at Christmas include:

2. Walk under the Christmas lights

There’s no better way to enjoy this festive time of the year, than walking around the city, under the Christmas lights. They have a spectacular effect because they are reflected in the canals and lagoon waters.

Just take your time to stroll through the public squares and streets and observe the historic buildings lit up by the Christmas lights.

One of the best places to admire this lighting show is certainly St. Mark’s Square, but don’t miss the chance to cross Rialto Bridge and walk along the Grand Canal.

An alternative option while in Venice for Christmas is to ride a gondola and observe the city lights and decorations from a different point of view.

3. Join the Corsa dei Babbi Natale

If you want something fun and festive during Christmas time in Venice, join the Corsa dei Babbi Natale, a cheerful, non-competitive run/walk involving locals and families, all dressed up as Santa Claus.

The 2025 edition takes place on Sunday 14 December. The route is about 5 km long, so it’s perfect whether you’re a seasoned runner or just fancy a stroll through Venice’s historic streets in holiday spirit.

Participation costs 12€ for adults; kids under 12 can join for free. The entry package includes a Santa suit, refreshments along the route, and a final gadget. You can find all the information to take part on the Running Club Venezia ASD website.

Part of the proceeds goes to charity, so you get to enjoy the fun and help a good cause. Even if you don’t take part, it’s worth hanging around, to spot Santas jogging through the calli and campos. The festive vibe, the extra colour, and the crowd’s cheer make it a simple but joyful way to feel the Christmas spirit in Venice.

4. Attend a Christmas concert

One of the most traditional things to do for Christmas in Venice is go to the Christmas concerts. I recommend you buy your tickets well in advance. Some of these concerts are held in some the city’s most beautiful churches and palaces.

You can join a traditional Christmas music concert or a modern music one. There’s no doubt that the most important concerts are ones you can attend at the La Fenice Theatre, one of the most important opera theatres in the world of opera.

There are many shows over the Christmas period, but the best one to go to is the New Year’s Eve concert. There are three possible dates to choose from 29th, 30th and 31st of December.

5. Go ice-skating in Campo San Polo

From early December in Venice, Campo San Polo, which is the second-largest square of the city, a large skating rink is set up to entertain people of all ages.

The closing time is around 7 pm every day, so make sure to visit this ‘campo’ of Venice before this time for a fun hour or so on the ice!

Spending time there can be a great way to enjoy a Venetian morning or afternoon and do something you would only do during winter or Christmastime.

Spend time walking around this part of the city, admire the beauty of its buildings and visit the food and drink stalls for a quick snack. From the stalls, you can choose among excellent dessert options to go with a nice glass of mulled wine.

6. Watch Santa Claus boat parade on Grand Canal

One of the most loved Christmas treat in Venice is the Corteo Acqueo dei Babbi Natale. It’s a festive water parade where “many Santas” show up on traditional Venetian boats, rowing down the canals dressed as Santa Claus.

🗓 In 2025 the event is scheduled for Sunday 21 December.

Add it to your calendar because the flotilla of red-hatted, bearded Santas will assemble at the entrance to the Grand Canal near Punta della Dogana (Salute), and depart around 10:30 am, making their way toward the area of Rialto Bridge.

Even if you don’t take part, hang out along the Grand Canal, especially near Rialto, to be able to soak up the cheerful, festive vibe as Santa-clad rowers drift by.

7. Book a restaurant with a Christmas menu

Unless you’re hosting at home, it’s common in Venice to celebrate Christmas by dining out with family or friends—most people book a restaurant in advance.

Many restaurants offer a special Christmas Eve menu on the 24th of December, and some also prepare one for Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is typically seafood-focused, following the Italian tradition of eating fish the night before Christmas.

If you search online for “menu di Natale 2025 Venezia”, you’ll find restaurants sharing set menus, complete with what to expect on the day and the price range.

Costs vary widely depending on the style of the restaurant: trattorie and osterie might start around €50–60 per person, while fine-dining hotels — such as the Danieli and restaurant Arva inside Aman hotel — can reach €150–200+.

Once you find somewhere you like, get in touch to ask whether they have a Christmas menu and aim to reserve your table early to avoid disappointment.

Dishes can include local classics such as:

Bigoli in salsa
Tortellini in brodo
Lesso di manzo con cren
Baccalà mantecato

There are also other regional favourites. And whatever you choose, don’t skip the festive desserts: panettone or pandoro are a must-try at Christmas and can be found all over the city, see this list of Venetian pastry shops for inspiration.

Christmas in Venice FAQ Guide

Here are some questions people ask when it comes visiting Venice at Christmas:

Is Christmas a good time to go to Venice?

Yes! Christmas is a lovely time to visit Venice. The city feels calmer than in high season, the lights are switched on from late November, and you can enjoy quieter calli, cosy cafés, and seasonal food. If you prefer a slower pace and fewer crowds, December is one of the best months to experience the city.

Is anything open on Christmas Day in Venice?

Venice doesn’t shut down on 25 December, but you should plan ahead:

Many restaurants open with special Christmas menus (book early).
Hotels usually keep their restaurants and bars open.
Public transport runs, although on a reduced schedule.
Shops and most museums close, but churches — including St Mark’s Basilica — hold Christmas Mass.

Is Venice crowded at Christmas?

Overall, no. December is a quieter month and you won’t find the same crowds as in spring or summer. Popular spots like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto area can still be busy in the late afternoon or just after sunset, but the general atmosphere is much more relaxed than peak travel periods.

What does Venice look like at Christmas?

Venice is beautifully lit and feels very atmospheric. You’ll see lights strung along narrow streets, small decorated trees outside shops and hotels, and a large Christmas tree in St Mark’s Square. Some sestieri have their own decorations, giving the whole city a warm, festive glow, especially in the early evening. The cooler weather adds to the moodiness, with crisp air and occasional mist over the canals.

Your guide to Christmas in Venice

Venice at Christmas is and will always be a very attractive destination to visit.

Travelling to Venice around this time of the year means, in some cases, finding cheaper flights and hotel prices than in the summer.

Additionally, the atmosphere during Christmas is less touristy as it’s mostly the Venetians populating the city’s streets and squares to attend the different events.

Why not check out my page featuring the best Venetian tourist attractions if you’re wondering what other places to visit while you’re here in Venice?

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Christmas in Venice 2026: everything you need to know