Christmas in Venice: Markets, Midnight Mass & Murano Glass

Christmas in Venice? Crisp winter weather, uncrowded streets … and magical atmosphere! With Venice’s already-gorgeous canals, piazzas and ornate architecture lit up with Christmas decorations, the streets less crowded than in the height of the tourist season, and the locals doing their Christmas shopping, the holidays make for a fantastic time to visit.

Highlights of December and January include shopping for gifts (world-renowned hand-blown glass or lace, anyone?), Midnight Mass at St. Mark’s and fireworks on New Year’s Eve! Read on for our guide to making the most of Christmas and New Year’s in Venice.

The sky over Venice lit up with fireworks. Photo credit: Gianni Torre

Holiday celebrations

Christmas in Venice

The magical city gets well, even more magical during the Christmas holidays! You’ll find lights and gorgeous decorations all over Venice, even on the gondolas. (Here’s more about taking gondolas in Venice!). Festive songs are sung at special concerts in churches and piazzas throughout December, and church bells are rung all day on Christmas Day from the famous bell tower at St. Mark’s.

Hannukah in Venice

Hanukkah is also celebrated by Venice’s large Jewish community with beautiful decorations like large, illuminated menorahs—especially in the sestiere of Cannaregio, historic home to Venice’s Jewish Ghetto. (Find out more about the sestieri, or neighborhoods, of Venice!).

Christmas Shopping

Colorful Christmas decorations can be found in the Italian Christmas market

Christmas markets

Venice is a wonderful city for Christmas shopping, thanks to its unique handmade gifts like glass ornaments and lace decorations. We especially love Campo San Polo’s small Christmas market, with its stands of local treasures and ice skating rink!

With Carnival right around the corner, you’ll also find lots of decorative masks at the market (and, of course, in the shops). (Don’t miss our guide to Carnival and where to buy Venetian masks!).

Venetian masks for Carnival can be found across the city in shops and markets.

Famous Murano Glass

For a truly unforgettable shopping experience, we recommend a day trip to the nearby island of Murano for the Natale di Vetro (Christmas of Glass) celebration, with lots of great glass gift options.

Treat yourself, or a loved one to a piece of world famous Murano Glass.

Opening hours in Venice over Christmas

Visiting museums

If you’re an art-lover and heading to Venice over the holidays, you’re in luck: It’s the perfect time to enjoy centuries-old churches and masterpieces without the large crowds. However, keep in mind that the city’s churches are closed to visitors on Christmas Day and open only around the Mass schedule.

Venice Museums are closed on the following days:
Doge’s Palace: The Gothic palace of the former Venetian leading family is closed on December 25th and January 1st.
Galleria dell’Accademia: Home to pre-19-century art and Da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man” (which is occasionally on display), the gallery is closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection:  The 20th-century art collection is closed on Dec. 25, but it’s one of Venice’s only museums open on New Year’s Day.
Ca’Rezzonico: The 18th-century Venetian art museum is closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Museo Correr: Venice’s art and history museum is closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Enjoy the sights in a more tranquil way on the “Alone in St Marks and Doges Tour” with Walks of Italy

Shops, restaurants and public transport

Most stores and restaurants are closed on Christmas Day so locals can celebrate with loved ones over a large lunch. Still, there are a few great options for a traditional meal like Alle Testiere, Corte Sconta, Anice Stellato and Trattoria La Furatola. (Just remember to book as soon as possible!). The same will be the case for New Year’s Day.

The vaporetto (water bus) schedule runs on a limited schedule over the holiday season, so be sure to check the timetable before planning your trip around the city. Private water taxis can be rented, but will be even more expensive on Christmas than other days.

The canals are beautiful in the winter too!

Celebrating Christmas like the Venetians

Venetians celebrate la vigilia, Christmas Eve, with a multi-course fish dinner. Many follow the meal with a midnight Mass at Saint Mark’s Basilica with services in Italian, English, French and German. Midnight Mass technically starts at 11:30pm, and we suggest getting there a few hours early to reserve a seat!

Christmas Day is usually celebrated with a large lunch with family and opening presents. (Don’t miss our post on how to eat like an Italian over Christmas!). After the Christmas celebrations are over, Italians also celebrate Santo Stefano, December 26, with a national holiday. We recommend following the Venetians to the free concert at the Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari church at 4pm—the perfect way to enjoy the choir and historic church.

Beautiful Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, located in the sestiere of San Polo

Ringing in the New Year in Venice

New Year’s Eve in Venice usually starts with an elegant meal that ends just in time to catch the fireworks at midnight! Reservations for dinner should be made well in advance; some of our favorite spots open on New Year’s Eve include Terrazza Danieli, A Beccafico and La Porta D’Acqua.

St. Mark’s Square gets lively once the sun goes down, with a masquerade-themed party complete with live DJs and performances, and colorful fireworks at midnight. The piazza is packed with people, so head to Piazza Ferretto de Mestre or Punta della Dogana for a less crowded celebration.

Or, if you’re looking for a unique way to ring in the new year, head to the La Fenice Theatre for an elegant opera the evening of the 31st.

The facade of Saint Marks Cathedral is even more special when it is lit up by fireworks!

Swimming in the Lido: a Venetian New Year’s tradition

As per tradition, brave swimmers head to the Lido for a winter swim, starting the year off with a burst of energy!

Another unique tradition? On Jan. 6, Venetians celebrate la befana by dressing up as the beloved “good witch” and competing in a rowing race on the Grand Canal. (Don’t miss our post on la befana and who she really is!).

Learn more about the fabled Italian witch, La Befana, who brings gifts at Christmas

Heading for the mountains

Want to take a short break from the holidays in the city and enjoy the picturesque mountains? The picturesque Dolomites are nearby, perfect for a day or weekend ski trip! We recommend renting a car to reach the mountains as shuttles may run on limited holiday schedule.

The Dolomites are simply a beauty to behold

FAQ´s – Christmas in Venice

What is the weather like in Venice at Christmas?

Winter in Venice is crisp, damp, and chilly. December temperatures typically range from 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F), and foggy mornings are common — adding a moody, atmospheric touch to the canals. While heavy snow in the city is rare, pack warm layers, waterproof shoes, and a coat that can handle cool winds off the lagoon.

Is Venice more expensive during the Christmas holidays?

Prices in Venice do rise slightly during Christmas and New Year, especially for hotels near major sights like St. Mark’s. However, the city is still less expensive than during peak summer season. Booking accommodation and any special holiday dinners well in advance will help you avoid inflated last-minute prices. Budget-conscious travellers can find good deals in quieter neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro.

How easy is it to get around Venice in December?

Public transport runs reliably but on a reduced holiday schedule, especially on December 25 and January 1. Vaporettos (water buses) still operate, but wait times may be longer. Walking is often the quickest option since Venice’s main attractions are close together. Just be mindful that some bridges and alleyways can get slippery in cold, damp weather — comfortable shoes with grip are essential.

The Rialto Bridge, lit up for Christmas in Venice

If you’re spending the holidays in Venice, make your trip even more memorable by joining one of the unforgettable tours available over the festive season. From quiet canals to iconic landmarks dressed in twinkling lights, Walks of Italy offers expert-led experiences that bring the city’s history, art, and magic to life. Check out the Venice Tours available at Christmas by adding your travel dates and treat yourself to a truly special Venetian holiday adventure.