The Queen of the Adriatic shines on the lagoon during the holiday season, her squares filled with markets, music, and the scent of mulled wine. Enjoy a gondola ride wrapped in a blanket, browse artisanal treasures in the Christmas markets or join the celebrations that light up the city in the final weeks of the year. There's plenty on this month so be sure to visit our guide for December in Venice!
December 2025
From early December, Campo Santo Stefano transforms into a charming Christmas village, with strings of lights and rows of wooden chalets offering Murano glass, Venetian masks, truffles and mulled wine. Live music fills the square, creating a welcoming holiday atmosphere. Campo San Polo adds its own seasonal magic with a popular ice-skating rink surrounded by festive stalls.
On Murano, the Natale di Vetro "Christmas of Glass" begins on the eve of Saint Nicholas' Day. Brilliantly lit glass trees and the spectacular Tunnel of Light, hung with Murano chandeliers, make the island sparkle. The glassblowers also host a costumed regatta and a special "Furnace Food" event, using their glass kilns to prepare meals for the celebrations.
21 December 2025 (Date to be confirmed)
On the last Sunday before Christmas, Venice fills with Santas - both on foot and on the water. The Santa Claus Water Parade departs from Punta della Dogana, gliding along the Grand Canal toward Rialto, while the Valesana Regatta of Santa Clauses begins at the Church of San Zaccaria. Both groups then gather in Campo Erberia for prizes and festive cheer.
31 December 2025
What better place to spend New Year's than glorious Venice, famed for her beauty and long history of elaborate parties? Teatro La Fenice hosts its traditional Concerto di Capodanno, while Piazza San Marco turns into a lively open-air party at night. As midnight nears, the crowd counts down before the bells of St. Mark's Campanile ring in the new year, followed by dazzling fireworks over the lagoon. For a quieter view, head to the Ponte dell'Accademia or Punta della Dogana, or join one of the many special cruises sailing through the night.
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