The Creative Adventurer Answering Your Most Important Questions About Christmas in Venice

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Every time I mention spending Christmas in Venice, people always seem to have the same questions; Does it even snow there? Are there Christmas markets? Can you skate on the canals? So, I thought I’d finally write down all the questions people ask me about Venice at Christmas, and give the real answers. The good, the foggy, the oddly beautiful truth.

Table Of Contents

Does it Snow in Venice?
Does Venice Have Christmas Markets?
What are the Outdoor Decorations like in Venice?
Where to do Your Christmas Shopping in Venice?

Does it Snow in Venice?

All over my Instagram these days, I’m flooded with so many AI-generated images of Italy at Christmas filled with Venetian snowy scenes, cozy chalets set along the edge of the canals and dazzling Christmas lights that look like they’re out of a storybook. And that’s all it is, a fictional fairytale. I mean, maybe once in a decade you’ll get a dusting in Venice, but most of the time, it’s just damp, grey, and often wrapped in a thick fog that swallows the lagoon and blurs the skyline. But somehow, this makes Venice feel even more like a dream. The colours are muted, the crowds are gone, and the city feels quieter, older, more secretive. I found the winter weather in Venice to be absolutely magical. When the fog drifts through the canals, it softens everything, the bridges, the water, even the Christmas lights, turning the city into a quiet, glowing dream.

Does Venice Have Christmas Markets?

As for those famous Christmas markets you’ve probably seen all over social media? Sorry to disappoint, those canal side wooden chalets are just not here. The island of Venice doesn’t do the whole chalet-style, and-wurst thing. There actually are Christmas markets in Venice, you just have to know where to look. On Burano, during the first few weekends of the season, you’ll find a handful of stalls set up in the main square selling handmade crafts, panettone, and local treats. Over on Lido, there’s a small Christmas village with a few booths and festive lights. And if you’re after something closer to the big traditional markets you see across Europe, head to Mestre on the mainland, where things get a little livelier.

For more details, check out my full guide: The Best Christmas Markets in Venice You Can Actually Visit.

What are the Outdoor Decorations like in Venice?

The decorations in Venice are subtle and elegant, strings of lights over narrow alleys, a tall Christmas tree in Campo San Polo, and nativity scenes glowing quietly inside old churches. You’ll spot garlands in shop windows or on balconies, but that’s about it. Venice doesn’t go overboard like London; it feels genuine, as if the city is celebrating in its own quiet way. For a closer look at what Venice really looks like during Christmas, check out my full guide: What Venice Really Looks Like at Christmas.

Where to do Your Christmas Shopping in Venice?

If you’re spending Christmas Day in Venice, chances are you didn’t pack everything you’d need to fully celebrate the morning. But don’t worry! Venice isn’t just a postcard-perfect movie set, it’s a living, breathing city where locals shop, cook, and celebrate the holidays too. You’ll find plenty of wonderful places to pick up thoughtful gifts, festive foods, and a few decorations to turn even the simplest hotel room into a cozy Christmas home away from home.

For more, take a look at my full post: Best Spots to Shop for Unique Christmas Gifts in Venice.

Does Venice Flood During the Holidays?

Yes, or at least sometimes. Venice’s acqua alta, or “high water,” tends to happen between October and January. But it’s not constant. You might get lucky and never see it, or wake up to wooden walkways being set up across St. Mark’s Square. Most of the city adapts quickly; locals pull on rubber boots and carry on. It’s more of a mild inconvenience than a disaster. In fact, it adds to that surreal, floating quality the city already has. Just pack waterproof shoes and don’t panic, Venice has lived with high tides for centuries.

Is Venice Cold in December?

It’s chilly, yes, but not unbearable. Average highs hover around 6–8°C, and the lagoon air brings a damp kind of cold that seeps into your bones if you’re not layered up. The fog can make it feel colder, too. But when the sun breaks through, even briefly, the light is pure magic, soft, silvery, and quiet. A good coat, scarf, and gloves are enough. And you’ll find that a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine tastes even better in the chill.

To see what to pack and how to dress for winter in Venice, head to my full guide: Ultimate Packing List – What to Pack for Venice in Winter and at Christmas.

Are Restaurants and Shops Open on Christmas Day?

Some, yes, but plan ahead. Most local shops and small restaurants close on December 25 so families can celebrate together. Larger hotels, restaurants near St. Mark’s, and a few tourist-friendly spots stay open and often serve special Christmas menus with seafood or traditional Italian dishes. If you’re staying in an apartment, pick up your ingredients early and enjoy your own quiet Christmas dinner in, with candles and a bottle of prosecco from the corner shop.

Is Public Transport Running on Christmas?

Yes, but on a reduced schedule. Vaporetto routes still operate, though you might wait longer between boats. It’s one of those days where slowing down fits the mood of the city anyway. Watching the lagoon drift by in winter light is half the experience.

Are Museums and Attractions Open?

Most major sights close on Christmas Day, but reopen on the 26th (St. Stephen’s Day). The Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the museums around Piazza San Marco usually adjust their hours for the holidays, so check ahead. If you’re in Venice on Christmas Day itself, take advantage of the quiet streets instead. Wander. Photograph. Step inside churches for nativity scenes and candlelight. It’s a rare kind of peace.

Does Venice Have Midnight Mass or Christmas Services?

Yes, and they’re beautiful. St. Mark’s Basilica holds a midnight Mass that’s open to visitors, and smaller churches throughout the city do the same. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate it, the music, the scent of incense, the glow of mosaics under candlelight, it all feels timeless. Just arrive early, dress respectfully, and soak in the atmosphere.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Venice at Christmas?

This is when Venice feels made for wandering. Spend hours getting lost in misty alleys, linger over coffee in old-world cafés like Caffè Florian or Quadri, or take a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal at twilight when the lights shimmer on the water.

You can still visit museums, climb St. Mark’s Campanile, or take a gondola ride if the weather allows. Don’t miss the small pleasures either, bakeries overflowing with panettone, or locals exchanging gifts wrapped in red and gold. There are plenty of festive events happening across the city, so check Venice’s official events website for the latest updates, and read my full guide: Christmas in Venice – The Ultimate Guide to the Most Magical Events in the Lagoon.

Can You Still Ride a Gondola in Winter?

Yes, you can, though you’ll probably have the canals to yourself. Gondoliers work year-round, even on Christmas Day, weather permitting. And many now offer warm blankets for winter rides. It’s quieter, more intimate, and maybe even more romantic than in summer.

Where Can I Go Ice Skating in Venice?

Campo San Polo transforms into a small ice rink during the holidays. It’s charming, especially at night under the lights. You’ll see families, kids, and couples skating with Christmas music playing in the background. It’s small, but so is everything in Venice, just enough to make you smile. If you’re looking for a larger rink, head to Mestre on the mainland, where the annual Christmas Village includes a full-sized skating rink surrounded by festive stalls, lights, and plenty of space to glide.

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If you have more questions about visiting Venice at Christmas, drop them in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer, and might even add them here to help out future travelers!