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Venice Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Venice’s Christmas markets bring a festive charm to the city’s iconic canals, with stalls offering artisan crafts, seasonal treats, and unique holiday gifts. Warm lights and the scent of mulled wine fill the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere for holiday shoppers.
How is Venice in December?
Venice in December is cold and wet, with temperatures averaging around 3°C and lows of 0°C. There’s a small chance of snow, but it’s usually too warm or wet to settle. It’s also common for there to be moderate rainfall and heavy fog. Here are some tips for visiting Venice in December:
- Pack warm clothing: Bring an overcoat, gloves, a hat, and waterproof shoes.
- Check the weather: Check the weather a few days in advance so you can pack appropriately.
- Explore the art: Venice has many world-class art galleries, museums, and collections.
- Get a Vaporetto pass: Venice is a labyrinth, so a pass for the water buses can help you get around.
What to expect at the Venice Christmas markets?
Venice’s Christmas markets are full of festive cheer, set against the city’s iconic canals and historic streets. Expect an enchanting mix of seasonal treats, artisan crafts, and local traditions that will immerse you in the holiday spirit.
Food and Drink
The markets are brimming with holiday flavours, from classic Italian pastries to mulled wine infused with seasonal spices. You can savour panettone, hot chocolate, and traditional Venetian sweets as you explore the stalls. It’s the perfect way to sample local treats and stay warm in the winter chill.
Decorations
Venice’s Christmas markets come alive with charming decorations that add a festive glow to the city. Glittering lights and handcrafted ornaments line the stalls, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. You’ll also find unique Venetian glass decorations, perfect for bringing home a special keepsake.
Things to do
Beyond shopping, there’s plenty to enjoy in Venice, from ice skating rinks to live music performances. A highlight is seeing Santa Claus gliding through the canals on a traditional gondola during the Ca’ Foscari Circolo Ricreativo’s costumed regatta, adding a unique twist to the holiday celebrations.
You can extend your festive journey to the Mestre Christmas Market, just across the bridge from Venice. Additionally, stroll under enchanting Christmas lights, attend concerts in beautiful churches, and enjoy ice skating at Campo San Polo.
Locations
Venice’s Christmas markets are nestled in some of the city’s most charming spots, each bringing its own festive ambience to the holiday season. From bustling squares to quiet corners, these locations showcase traditional crafts, seasonal treats, and local treasures that capture the spirit of Venice at Christmas.
- Campo Santo Stefano: One of the most popular spots, featuring numerous stalls with local crafts, food, and holiday decorations.
- Piazza San Marco: Often decorated with festive lights, offering a small selection of holiday stalls near the iconic basilica.
- Campo San Polo: Known for its ice skating rink, this square becomes a family-friendly hub with a few seasonal stalls and festive activities.
- Rialto Market Area: Typically a food market, the area transforms during the holidays with stalls offering seasonal produce and Venetian treats.
- Campo Manin: Occasionally hosts smaller markets with handmade crafts, ideal for unique holiday gifts.
What dates are the Christmas market in Venice?
The Venice Christmas Markets run from Wednesday, 20th November 2024 to Monday, 6th January 2025, offering festive delights throughout the city. Visitors can enjoy a magical mix of artisan stalls, seasonal treats, and holiday cheer set against Venice’s historic canals and squares.
Where to stay in Venice?
If you’re planning a visit to the Venice Christmas Market in 2024, securing the perfect accommodation is essential for a memorable holiday experience. The best area to stay is San Marco, which offers proximity to festive stalls and events in Piazza San Marco, as well as nearby markets in Campo Santo Stefano and Campo San Polo. Another excellent option is Rialto, known for its historic market, while Dorsoduro provides a charming, quieter atmosphere close to the action.
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What else is there to do in Venice in December?
- Leisurely Strolls: Wander through the winding streets of Venice to admire the festive decorations adorning shops and homes, along with beautiful nativity scenes and Christmas lights scattered throughout the city, especially in the churches.
- Enjoy Traditional Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a rich Italian hot chocolate at renowned cafés like Caffè Florian and Caffè Quadri, where you can savour this delightful treat in a charming setting.
- Visit Museums and Exhibitions: Explore the Galleria dell’Accademia or Palazzo Ducale to escape the cold while appreciating some of Venice’s finest artistic masterpieces and seasonal exhibitions.
- Evening Gondola Rides: Experience a romantic evening gondola ride through the serene canals, where festive lights reflect off the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Murano’s 'Glass Christmas' Event: If you have time, take a trip to Murano during the festive season to experience its ‘Glass Christmas’ event, where you can discover the art of glass-blowing and admire stunning glass sculptures.
- Seasonal Concerts and Performances: Look for local concerts and performances in historic venues, as many churches and cultural sites host seasonal music events celebrating the joy of Christmas in Venice.
Where else to visit in Italy over Christmas?
The cities in Italy come alive at Christmas, each with its unique traditions and festive markets. From Verona to Florence, you’ll find charming holiday experiences that showcase Italian heritage and holiday spirit.
- Verona: The Verona Christmas Market in Piazza dei Signori transforms this romantic city into a winter wonderland, with stalls featuring German-inspired crafts, food, and seasonal decor.
- Florence: Florence’s Christmas market at Piazza Santa Croce offers a blend of Italian and German treats, from gingerbread to mulled wine, alongside handcrafted gifts and decorations.
- Rome: Rome’s Piazza Navona becomes a festive hub, with stalls, nativity scenes, and holiday performances set against its historic backdrop.
- Milan: Known for its fashion, Milan offers stylish Christmas markets, particularly the one at Piazza Duomo, with unique gifts, gourmet treats, and elegant holiday decor.
- Naples: Famous for its handcrafted nativity scenes, Naples’ Christmas Alley in Via San Gregorio Armeno is a must-visit for those interested in traditional Italian Christmas crafts.
Christmas Essentials: Christmas Shop | Christmas Gifts | Christmas Pyjamas | Christmas Decorations | Christmas Market Breaks | Christmas Jumpers | Christmas Trees