Christmas Markets in Venice and Other Things To Do in Venice at Christmas

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Venice

It will be cold, it will be quieter than normal, it will be gorgeous - and it will be worth it! Here are some top reasons why Christmas in Venice is really one of the most memorable Italian vacations. 

Anyone who visits Venice during an Italian holiday comments on it’s beauty. Venice is blessed with having a unique setting and many beautiful buildings, bridges and palaces. However, at Christmas, the beauty of the city steps up a gear. So, if you visit Venice at Christmas you will be treated to magical decorations and lighting, set against an already gorgeous backdrop. You cannot fail to be cheered by it. Even the gondolas, like the buildings, get dressed up for the festive season in Venice.

Discover more Venetian Christmas traditions and local celebrations in our complete guide to experiencing Venice at Christmas like a true Venetian.​​​​​​​

Experience the Enchanting Christmas Atmosphere in Venice

Music echoes through the centre of Venice throughout the year. However, visit Venice at Christmas and you will be treated to something really quite special. Concerts in piazzas and churches have festive music and songs performed throughout the festive period. On Christmas Day itself, church bells ring all day from Piazza San Marco. It’s a truly wonderful experience.

Christmas: Best Time to Visit Venice's Famous Landmarks ​​​​​​​

Christmas in Venice is extra special. You will also find that the city itself is less crowded than during peak season. This means that when you visit Venice in December, you’ll find the famous sights like the Doges Palace or Basilica San Marco are much quieter than normal. As an added bonus, if you visit these sights in the morning, you’ll have even more peace and space to appreciate them.

Top Things to Do in Venice During the Christmas Season​​​​​​​

There are a number of unique and wonderful Venetian Christmas traditions that you will get to experience if you come to Venice at Christmas.

You can attend mass at Basilica San Marco / St. Mark’s Basilica during Advent, or you could even go to midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. You do not need to be Catholic to attend because everyone is welcome. However, you do need to arrive early to get a seat! The service will usually start at 11.30pm.

Another Venetian tradition could be to visit one of Venice’s special Christmas concerts. These are held throughout the season and are well advertised throughout Venice. We think that those held at La Pieta church hosts some of the best. Incidentally, this is the church where one of Venice’s most famous musical sons, Vivaldi, was choirmaster.

You could also make your way to the islands of Murano and/or Burano to buy some hand blown glass or traditional lace to take back as Christmas gifts for friends and family at home. Once you are on Murano, you can’t miss the famous glass Christmas tree that is reported to be the largest in the world.

New Year’s Eve in Venice is also special and is usually celebrated with a meal, followed by a firework display in the city centre at St. Mark’s Square. There is usually a party celebration in the square with lots of live music - and a tremendous atmosphere.

Does Venice Have a Christmas Market?

Yes, Venice hosts several Christmas markets during the holiday season, offering a unique festive experience amidst its historic canals and architecture. While not as extensive as those in some other European cities, these markets provide a charming atmosphere with a variety of local crafts and seasonal treats. Venice's Christmas markets may be smaller than those in northern Italy, but they offer a unique, intimate experience. The Campo Santo Stefano transforms into the main Christmas market, known locally as "Christmas Wonder in Venice." Here, charming wooden chalets sell traditional Venetian crafts, local delicacies, and handmade Christmas decorations. For a more local experience, don't miss the smaller market in Campo San Polo, where you can find authentic Venetian glass ornaments and regional holiday treats.
Want to experience Venice's winter magic with a knowledgeable local? Our Walking Tours of Venice take you through the quieter winter streets, revealing hidden gems you might miss on your own.

Where is The Christmas Market in Venice?

While Venice's Christmas markets are more intimate than other Italian cities, they offer an authentic local experience. The main Christmas market, "Christmas Wonder in Venice," takes place in Campo Santo Stefano (also known as Campo San Stefano), just a 10-minute walk from St. Mark's Square. The market runs from early December through December 24th, with wooden chalets open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.

For a more local experience, head to Campo San Polo, Venice's second-largest square after St. Mark's. Here, you'll find a charming Christmas village complete with an ice skating rink and market stalls selling everything from traditional Venetian masks to local festive treats. The market typically opens in late November and continues through January.

Christmas Market in Campo Santo Stefano

Traditionally, this square transforms into a Christmas village featuring stalls that sell Murano glass ornaments, carnival masks, ceramics, jewelry, and other Venetian crafts. The market typically operates from late November until December 24th. 

Christmas Market in Campo San Polo

Known for its picturesque ice skating rink, this area also hosts a small Christmas market offering traditional Venetian products such as lace, glass items from Murano, and local crafts. 
 

Beyond the Main Christmas Markets in Venice

While Campo Santo Stefano and Campo San Polo host the main markets, during the festive season you'll find smaller holiday markets and craft fairs popping up across the city:

• The Mestre Christmas Market on the mainland
• Weekend holiday markets in Campo San Salvador
• Special Christmas editions of the Rialto Market
• Seasonal artisan markets on Murano and Burano islands

Unique Finds at Venice Christmas Markets

What makes Venice's Christmas markets special is their focus on authentic Venetian crafts. Unlike larger Italian Christmas markets, here you'll find:

• Genuine Murano glass Christmas decorations. I also recommend purchasing your glass souvenirs during our Private Murano Glass Tour in Venice & Shopping Excursion.
• Traditional Venetian carnival masks decorated for the holiday season
• Local festive delicacies like pandoro and veneziana
• Artisanal crafts from the Veneto region
• Handmade Christmas cribs and nativity scenes

Weather Guide: What to Pack for Venice Christmas Markets

As you would expect, Venice in the winter is cold. So you will need to wrap up warm. However, the weather adds an extra dimension to your visit. The Grand Canal can sometimes get misty at this time of year – but this makes it even more atmospheric and beautiful. It’s like the buildings are floating. You can expect cold, crisp days in the winter with clear blue skies - making the views over the lagoon even more stunning at this time of year.

Traditional Food and Drinks at Venice Christmas Markets

Italy has a well-deserved reputation for beautiful food. Spend Christmas in Venice and you’re bound to have a fabulous culinary experience. It is traditional for Venetians to have a multi course fish dinner on Christmas Eve, while on Christmas day Venetians will traditionally enjoy Ravioli in a Capon broth, boiled capon, salami, potatoes and spinach.
The Christmas Markets in Venice also offer a delicious array of seasonal Venetian treats. Warm up with a cup of vin brulè (mulled wine) or thick Italian hot chocolate while browsing. Don't miss local Christmas specialties like:

• Fresh-baked pandoro and panettone
• Mandorlato (Venetian nougat)
• Roasted chestnuts
• Traditional Christmas cookies and sweets
• Regional cheese and cured meats
• Hot apple cider and punch

If you are planning to spend Christmas in Venice, then Avventure Bellissime can organise a private vacation package to help you explore Venice more fully. To truly understand Venice's rich Christmas traditions and history, consider joining our Private Venice in a day tour. Our expert guides share fascinating stories about how Venetians have celebrated Christmas through the centuries.​​​​​​​