What to do in Venice at Christmas time?
Venice is the kind of city that wins over even the most demanding tourist: full of beauties and historical places, at Christmas everything is even more beautiful, especially at night. Today we will get to know what to do in Venice at Christmas time. Read also How is Christmas in the Boot country? The traditions! Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patriciayou make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
Introduction
Venice, in the Veneto region, is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. No wonder it is the right destination for those who, for example, want to spend their honeymoon in Italy. At Christmas this city is even more romantic, in addition to being BEAUTIFUL! All bright, lively, full, considering that Christmas in Europe is in winter and very busy! The atmosphere, the lights, the corals, the markets, the shops…
Everything is especially amazing and the festive atmosphere draws attention even to those who don’t like Christmas. If you’re going to spend Christmas in the city of canals and you’re worried because the city is small and you think you won’t have much to see, think again: today we’ll know what to do in Venice at Christmas time. Let’s start! Also check out other posts about what to do for Christmas in Italy, in Milan, Rome and Florence!
1) What to do in Venice at Christmas time? GO TO LA FENICE THEATER
Venice, in fact, is not a big city and its spaces don’t hold colossal events, but at Christmas, they get away with it and offer tourists various Christmas activities, as well as decoration with lights, corals and much more. If you are a classical music fan, you cannot miss one of the many special concerts at La Fenice Theater(the official website has the entire calendar). With incredible performances, there are splendid concerts and plays. Tickets start at 45 euros and the highlight of December is Pinocchio.
2) What to do in Venice at Christmas time? GO TO THE CHRISTMAS SHOW AT ST MARK’S SQUARE
There are some Christmas shows in the city’s most famous square. On December 7th, the official opening day of the tree at St Mark’s Square, the group Vocal Skyline will perform; on December 28th, it is the turn of the Grande Vocal Orchestra, with 200 elements and with the Loggia Foscara of the Doge’s Palace, the largest choir in Italy, directed by Marco Toso Borella. Both will start at 6:00 pm. It’s a beautiful show and both events are free, but get there early: the event gets CROWDED!
3) What to do in Venice at Christmas time? ICE SKATING
If you like sports and are passionate about ice skating, between December and March, you can go to Campo San Paolo, where an ice skating rink is set up. The track offers a unique entertainment experience and is ideal for families with young children. Even if you don’t know how to skate, it’s worth the experience. Oh, go with gloves! Using the accessory is mandatory on the track and they do not have gloves available for rent.
4) What to do in Venice at Christmas time? VISIT THE VENICE CHRISTMAS TREES
Another very interesting tour is to visit the city’s Christmas trees, not only in the squares, but those in the shops. The store windows are beautiful and it’s worth the walk, both in the center and in areas a little further away. The most famous, traditional and most beautiful trees in Venice are in St Mark’s Square and Mestre, but it is not difficult to be surprised by the decorations of the less famous streets. The company responsible for the tree at St Mark’s Square is Blanchere, a very traditional company specializing in special lighting. No wonder the same company is also responsible for the lighting of other important points around the world, including the special Christmas lighting at Champs Elysees, in Paris.
5) What to do in Venice at Christmas time? VISIT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Now let’s get to what many ask me: the notorious Christmas markets. Always remembering: Venice is not a huge city, so it doesn’t have as many market options as Rome or Milan, for example, but if you want to visit the Christmas markets in Venice, there are great options available:
Mercatino Natalizio di Mestre
With 34 stalls, it offers various products such as gifts, typical foods, clothes and other very interesting items. If you want to do a different program, you can have lunch or dinner there; you can take the opportunity to buy souvenirs; it’s a very nice space!
- When: from November 30th to December 28th.
- Where: Piazza Ferretto and Via Poerio and until January 6, 2020 on Via Allegri.
- Hours: from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Mercato dei Portici Christmas Stars Edition 2019
It also has several very varied stalls and is under the porticoes, near the Clock Tower, this is one of the most beloved grocery stores in the city and has very interesting products, including handicrafts, typical food, clothes and much, much more!
- When: November 30th; December 1st, 2nd ,6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 20th to 24th.
- Where: under the porticoes, near the Clock Tower.
- Hours: from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm – December 24th, until 4:00 pm.
Jesolo Christmas Village Market
Jesolo Christmas Village: With 70 stalls, it is the largest in the area that covers Venice. This little market brings together different types of products and lots of fun, in addition to a beautiful Christmas tree. Special attractions for children and a very interesting area dedicated to them. It is well organized and a delight to spend the afternoon there!
- When: from November 30th to January 6th 2020.
- Where: Piazza Aurora, Via Trentin and Piazza Mazzini – Lido di Jesolo.
- Hours: from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Golden Tip
Walk a lot around Venice during this period and observe the shops, restaurants, houses. There are many beautiful decorations, full of lights and not all of them are in our sight; several of them are ‘hidden’, in adjacent or little-known streets. The palaces are also decorated, so I suggest you take your walk at dusk to see the lights on: it gives a different look to the places, it impresses! The canals also receive a decoration that crisscross them with lots of lights and a vaporetto ride through them is very welcome!
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Hotels I recommend in the San Marco area
San Marco is the most famous neighborhoods of Venice and, at some times of the year, it is difficult to walk around, because the city is crowded.
If you want to save money a great option is to stay in some B&B or rent an apartment; click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Do you like luxury accommodations? Are you on your honeymoon or celebrating something special? Then see some luxury accommodation options in the best area of Venice.
Hotels I recommend in Castello Area
Castello is the largest of all the “sestieri” (neighborhoods) and has an incredible waterside for good walks, in addition to being full of cafes, bars and shops. They are not cheap places to stay, but it facilitates access to the most famous tourist spots and, with that, saves on transportation, as it is possible to do everything on foot!
If you want to save, a great option is the B&B or an apartment, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels I recommend in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro Area
If you want something calmer, choose Cannaregio or Dorsoduro; in the latter, the nightlife is particularly active, ideal for lovers of busy bars and places to have good drinks!
If you want to save a great option is the B&B or an apartment, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices
Hotels I recommend in the San Polo Area
San Polo is ideal if you want something comfortable, close to some sights, but more modest. I think this neighborhood is a great position so I recommend it a lot.
If you want to save a great option is the B&B or an apartment, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels I recommend in the Santa Croce Area
Santa Croce is home to the important bus station in Piazzale Roma, which makes it very easy to get off the beaten track, including going to Santa Lucia if you want to make a stopover.
If you want to save a great option is the B&B or an apartment, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices
If you prefer a good hotel, I have some options for hotels that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Don’t want to stay on the island? No problems! Search for Mestre, Campalto or Favaro Veneto, which are the mainland cities of Venice and offer excellent accommodation options. A little further from Piazzale Roma, about 20 minutes by water transport, they do not have magnificent views from the bedroom windows, but it is ideal for those who want to save on accommodation.
Tips
- The tip to save A LOT is to book your hotel in advance.
- As we also mentioned: beware of excess baggage! It is very complicated to get around with large volumes in Venice because of the bridges, stairs and narrow streets.
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Conclusion
What to do in Venice at Christmas? Although much smaller than cities like Florence, Rome and Milan, Christmas in Venice leaves nothing to be desired for larger cities. It is as magical and beautiful as the big cities and offers all the beauty of the period for those who love this time of year.
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