Enjoy The Magic of Christmas in Venice
No Christmas is like what the one you can experience in Venice. This city is unique and the magic atmosphere of Christmas makes it ever more special. You will not see massive amounts of decoration but magnificent sites that normally you won’t see at home.
You will be amazed by the brightly painted red boat/gondola carrying Santa down the canal lit up with many magical lights. Christmas trees are usually small and skinny.
This is true due to the fact that they are usually brought home in small boats (not cars) and then carried up several flights of stairs. Disposing of Christmas trees in Venice is a highly specialized trade, almost a science.
We suggest to attend the midnight mass at St. Mark’s Basilica at Christmas Eve, it starts at 10:30 p.m. and you should get there early to get a seat (no tickets needed).
Try to enter through the north entrance and not the west entrance often used by tourists. The square is fully lit with lights and the cool brisk air adds magic to the atmosphere, with the canal water splashing away in the background.
In Piazza San Marco, you’ll find the famous “Caff? Florian” open on Christmas Day as well. A good place for Christmas breakfast and coffee in the morning! Every year on December 26th, the Frari Church in Campo dei Frari (San Polo) offers a free concert at 4:00 p.m.
The church is filled with impressive art, including Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin, Canova’s Tomb and a carved monk’s chair from 1468. The music is magnificent. Get there early and dress warmly. The Christmas services differ from church to church. The larger ones are well worth seeing whatever your religion is.
During the days before Christmas and the day after you will see many markets around the Rialto Bridge area. Some are selling antiques, others are selling spices and food from all over Italy and souvenirs from Venice you would buy as presents and bring home to your loved ones.
Parents carrying their children on the shoulders or in their arms pointing and smiling and the overall Venice Christmas atmosphere make this site worth a stroll.
On December 26th more than on the 25th lots of shops and places are closed and it is better to plan ahead and make Dinner reservations for your Christmas.
During this time the weather varies as there are lots of cloudy days with mild temperatures or brilliant blue skies. The air is crystal clear and brisk. On these days, Venice is so perfectly reflected in the water that it is easy to mistake one world from the other.
Venice is definitely the best place where to be to spend a “magic” and unique Christmas!!