I had the joy of visiting Venice at Christmastime last year, and for someone who adores the festive season, especially the magic of Christmas morning and the tradition of hanging a stocking no matter where I am in the world, it was an experience I’ll never forget. Whenever I travel at Christmas, I make it a tradition to do all my Christmas shopping locally. There’s something incredibly meaningful about picking up gifts in the place you’re exploring, especially in a city like Venice, where beauty, history, and craftsmanship are woven into everyday life.
Venice might not have big flashy shopping centres like other popular European cities (think Rome, Milan, Florence), but that’s precisely what makes it so special. Instead, the city offers a mosaic of experiences: elegant grocery stores inside historic theatres, stylish stores favoured by locals, charming wine boutiques brimming with regional flavours, and quirky European boutiques filled with playful surprises. And beyond the obvious, Venice hides a treasure trove of artisan workshops where you can buy directly from the makers, supporting local traditions while finding truly unique gifts. Whether you’re looking for delicious stocking stuffers, Italian fashion, or handcrafted keepsakes, here are some of my favourite places to do your Christmas shopping in Venice.
Venice Christmas Markets
Of course, no Christmas shopping adventure in Venice would be complete without a visit to the city’s charming holiday markets. While Venice doesn’t have the sprawling Christmas fairs found in other European cities, what it does offer feels refreshingly intimate and wonderfully local. Weekend markets like the one in Burano are filled with hand-crafted ornaments, seasonal sweets, artisan gifts, and steaming cups of vin brulé, all set against the backdrop of twinkling lights and historic Venetian façades. If you’re looking for a market open the entire season, head over to the mainland to check out the Mestre Christmas Market. If you want to know exactly where to go and what to expect, I’ve put together a complete guide to The Best Christmas Markets in Venice You Can Actually Visit, perfect for planning your own magical holiday stroll.
Local Artisans & Unique Boutiques
Hidden along ancient canals and floating palaces, centuries-old crafts are kept alive through the careful hands of local artisans, creating everything from hand-tooled leather journals and marbled paper to intricate Murano glass ornaments and handwoven textiles. Shopping in these spaces isn’t just about finding beautiful gifts (though you absolutely will); it’s about preserving the city’s creative soul. Every purchase supports the survival of traditional techniques passed down through generations, skills that are increasingly threatened by mass production and rising rents.
Some of my favourite spots for meaningful, handmade Christmas gifts include Il Graffio in Dorsoduro, where you’ll find elegant, hand-stitched leather accessories with timeless Italian flair; Il Papiro, a shop that feels like a treasure trove of marbled paper, calligraphy supplies, and old-world charm; and Segni nel Tempo, a tiny, soulful atelier tucked near Campo Santa Maria Formosa, filled with handcrafted jewellery and vintage-inspired pieces.
If you’re looking to explore more of these hidden gems, check out my complete guide to The Best Hidden Shopping Spots in Venice, it’s the perfect companion for anyone hoping to shop with intention and bring home something truly special.
Despar Teatro Italia
Despar Teatro Italia is easily one of the most beautiful grocery stores in the world, and a truly unique place to do a bit of Christmas shopping in Venice. Housed inside a restored early 20th-century theatre in Cannaregio, this supermarket blends everyday convenience with breathtaking Venetian elegance. The vaulted frescoed ceiling, ornate balconies, and stained-glass windows create a stunning backdrop as you browse the aisles.
During the holidays, Despar Teatro Italia becomes even more enchanting. Its shelves are stocked with seasonal Italian favourites, from panettone and pandoro to local wines, gourmet cheeses, and artisanal chocolates, perfect for festive gifts or stocking your holiday table. Shopping here feels less like running errands and more like stepping into a piece of Venetian history dressed up for Christmas. It’s the perfect spot to pick up authentic, affordable treats while soaking in a little theatre-worthy magic.
OVS Venice
OVS is one of Italy’s most popular and accessible department store chains, known for offering affordable, stylish clothing for men, women, and children. Think of it as a blend between H&M and Uniqlo, with a distinctly Italian flair. The store focuses on modern, everyday fashion, good quality basics, and, best of all, seasonal collections that are perfect for grabbing that iconic Christmas sweater without the high price tag. Most OVS locations also sell accessories, shoes, beauty products, and home essentials, making it a convenient one-stop shop, for stocking stuffers. I picked up a few Italian perfumes, a chic scarf and glove combo and two lovely sweaters.
Venice’s Local Wine Shops
One of my favourite places to shop for Christmas food gifts in Venice is the city’s local wine shops, like A la Virtù and Livy Wine (which are my favourites). These charming boutiques are filled with handpicked bottles from small Italian vineyards, along with gourmet treats such as olive oils, balsamic vinegars, artisan pastas, and truffle-infused delicacies. The owners are often incredibly knowledgeable and happy to help you choose the perfect pairing or gift.
Flying Tiger & Pylones for Stocking Stuffers
If you’re looking for fun, affordable stocking stuffers while in Venice, Flying Tiger is an absolute delight. This playful Danish store is packed with quirky, colourful, and budget-friendly treasures that make perfect little gifts. From festive socks and novelty mugs to stationery, puzzles, and Christmas decorations, every shelf is bursting with cheerful surprises. What makes Flying Tiger so great for holiday shopping is its mix of practicality and whimsy, you’ll find things that are both useful and fun, often with a clever or humorous twist. It’s the perfect place to grab a few last-minute gifts or small tokens that add personality to your Christmas stockings.
Another go-to for stocking-sized gifts is Pylones, a French boutique known for its bright, whimsical designs and clever gadgets. Here you’ll find everything from quirky kitchen tools and vibrant accessories to playful tech items and holiday-themed knick-knacks, all irresistibly giftable and full of personality.
Murano Glass Ornaments
One of the most special Christmas gifts you can bring home from Venice is a hand-blown Murano glass ornament. These delicate, shimmering pieces are more than just decorations, they’re a little piece of Venetian history, crafted using centuries-old glassmaking techniques passed down through generations on the island of Murano. Each ornament is unique, often infused with rich colour, gold leaf, or intricate millefiori patterns, making it a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir. Wandering the island in search of your perfect ornament is half the joy, and no visit to Murano at Christmastime is complete without stopping to admire the towering glass Christmas tree, a dazzling symbol of the island’s artistry and festive spirit.
Doing your Christmas shopping in Venice isn’t about rushing through a mall with a list, it’s about wandering through cobbled alleys, discovering something beautiful, and connecting with the spirit of a city that’s as creative as it is timeless.
Buon Natale, and happy shopping!
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