December in Venice is a month that transforms the city into something softer, slower, and infinitely more intimate. The crowds thin. The lagoon exhales. Lights reflect on quiet canals. And as winter settles over the calli and campi, Venice becomes the city Venetians know best — one of misty mornings, warm bacari, uncrowded museums, and centuries-old traditions that return each year with quiet elegance.
For travelers seeking atmosphere, authenticity, and the rare chance to experience Venice without summer noise, December is one of the most rewarding months of the entire year. This guide offers an in-depth look at everything December brings to the city: weather details, closures, special events, Christmas markets, concerts, exhibitions, food you can only find this time of year, and the experiences locals cherish.
This is the complete insider guide — designed to help you enjoy Venice in the most meaningful way possible.
December in Venice: What the City Feels Like
Venice in December is not loud and glittering. It is atmospheric. The fog comes early in the morning, wrapping the rooftops in a soft grey veil. Shopkeepers sweep their thresholds quietly. The lagoon lies still. Even St. Mark’s Square feels contemplative, echoing only the footsteps of early risers and the distant call of the campanile bells.
Winter amplifies Venice’s poetry. The golden lights of the Grand Canal reflect in the water like ribbons. Gondolas rest still. Vaporetto engines hum in the distance. Locals move deliberately through their favorite cafés. Christmas lights are simple but elegant, reflecting ancient Venetian restraint.
Travelers who come in December are rewarded with the rarest gift of all: space. You can admire Tintoretto at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco with time to breathe. You can cross the Rialto Bridge without a crowd. You can wander into artisan workshops and have conversations with the makers themselves.
Venice December Weather: Full Breakdown
Venice in December is cold, damp, and atmospheric — but with the right preparation, it becomes incredibly comfortable and deeply enchanting.
- Average daytime temperature: 3°C to 8°C (37°F to 46°F)
- Nighttime lows: around 0°C to 3°C (32°F to 37°F)
- Rain: moderate, usually short bursts
- Snow: possible but rare — when it happens, the city becomes magical
- Fog: frequent at dawn, stunning for photography
- Wind: occasional winter winds from the north
The cold in Venice is not aggressive. It’s a lagoon cold — humid, subtle, atmospheric. Dress warmly, move slowly, take breaks in cafés, and you’ll find this season incredibly pleasant.
Acqua alta (high tide) can still occur, though the MOSE system significantly reduces flooding in central areas. When it does happen, it’s temporary and easy to navigate with waterproof shoes.
What to Wear in Venice in December
Venetians dress for practicality and elegance. Walking is essential, so clothing must be warm, layered, and comfortable. Here is a precise local-approved winter packing list:
Essential Clothing
- A warm wool or insulated winter coat
- A scarf (indispensable in Venice)
- Gloves and a hat for mornings or boat rides
- Waterproof leather ankle boots or winter shoes with grip
- Layers: sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, thermals
Optional but Useful
- A light rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Waterproof shoe covers if acqua alta is predicted
- Moisture-proof bag for your camera
Remember: you will walk. And bridges, when wet, can be slippery. Durable shoes matter more than anything.
December Events in Venice: The Full Calendar
December is filled with cultural events, religious celebrations, and local traditions. Below is the month broken down into its main recurring highlights.
1. Festa di San Nicolò (early December)
This feast honors Saint Nicholas, protector of sailors and children, celebrated at the Church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli and San Nicolò al Lido. Expect masses, bells, and quiet local gatherings rooted in ancient maritime devotion.
2. Venice Christmas Lights Switch-On (early December)
Venice doesn’t decorate loudly — it decorates beautifully. Expect warm white lights over canals, soft illuminations in St. Mark’s Square, and elegant displays in popular campi. The best areas for evening walks include:
- Calle Larga XXII Marzo
- Strada Nuova
- Campo Santa Margherita
- St. Mark’s Square and the surrounding arcades
3. Christmas Tree in St. Mark’s Square
A symbol of Venetian winter, the tree stands tall near the Basilica and becomes one of the most photographed holiday icons of the season.
4. Christmas Markets
Venice doesn’t have Germany-style huge markets — it has artisan markets, smaller and more authentic.
The most important:
- Campo Santo Stefano Christmas Market — local crafts, food specialties, handmade gifts
- Campo San Polo — occasional pop-up food stalls
- Giardini della Marinaressa (Biennale Gardens) — artisan fairs and winter activities
These markets are perfect for handmade Murano ornaments, artisanal jewelry, Venetian paper goods, and seasonal treats.
5. Concert Season
December is one of the strongest concert months in Venice, with an extraordinary lineup of classical music in stunning historical settings.
You can enjoy:
- Vivaldi concerts at Pietà Church
- Interpreti Veneziani at San Vidal
- Baroque concerts at Scuola Grande di San Teodoro
- Seasonal Christmas concerts in various parishes
You can secure concert tickets through our curated pages.
6. La Festa di San Lucia — December 13
Saint Lucy is the bringer of light, and Venetians celebrate her with special pastries, candles in churches, and traditional masses. It’s a particularly meaningful feast for families.
7. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Christmas in Venice is gentle. It’s not commercial; it’s familial. Most Venetians spend the holiday with relatives, and the atmosphere across the city is peaceful and quietly festive.
Churches hold beautifully solemn masses — some of the most atmospheric are:
- San Marco Basilica (Midnight Mass)
- Santa Maria della Salute
- San Zaccaria
8. Santo Stefano — December 26
A public holiday in Italy, dedicated to St. Stephen. Museums open normally; many restaurants remain open; families gather. It’s a day to stroll the city and enjoy Venice at rest.
9. Pre–New Year’s Week
The final week of December brings a gentle rise in visitors but nothing compared to summer. Venice glows at night, the restaurants warm up, and the lagoon becomes a refuge of winter beauty.
What’s Open and What’s Closed in December
Museums
Most museums remain open throughout December, except:
December 25 (Christmas Day) — nearly all museums and attractions are closed.
December 26 (Santo Stefano) — museums reopen but hours may be reduced.
To avoid confusion, you can check and book skip-the-line tickets from our curated ticketing pages.
Churches
Churches remain open except during services. Expect some closures during holiday masses and rehearsals. St. Mark’s Basilica sees large crowds on Christmas Eve for Midnight Mass — arrive early if you wish to attend.
Restaurants
Many restaurants close for Christmas Day and sometimes Christmas Eve. Others host special holiday menus. Reservation is essential from December 23 to January 1.
Shops
Shops close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. The rest of the month, everything operates normally.
Food to Try in Venice in December
Venetian winter cuisine is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Warm, comforting, seasonal, and deeply rooted in local identity.
Here is what you must taste:
- Cicchetti in winter style: warm meatballs, creamy baccalà, fried bites
- Risotto di gò: lagoon fish risotto
- Bigoli in salsa: traditional winter pasta
- Polenta e schie: polenta with tiny lagoon shrimp
- Radicchio tardivo: Treviso’s prized winter vegetable
- Pandoro and Panettone: the classic Italian Christmas cakes
- Fegato alla veneziana: Venetian liver with onions
- Pasta e fasioi: traditional bean soup
To experience Venice through its winter flavors, consider our Cicchetti & Wine Tour.
Markets to Explore
Campo Santo Stefano Christmas Market
Venice’s most iconic seasonal market, with local artisans, handmade decorations, jewelry, Venetian crafts, and winter treats.
Mercato di Rialto
This historic market is at its most atmospheric in winter — fewer tourists, more Venetians buying seafood and produce for holiday meals.
Ghetto and Cannaregio Pop-Up Stalls
Traditional winter foods, mulled wine, sweets, and small handicrafts.
Best December Experiences: Local-Approved
Walk Venice Early in the Morning
The best time to explore Venice in December is dawn. Fog, silence, and reflection. If you want a private guide to lead you through hidden corners, consider our Hidden Venice Orientation Tour.
Explore Artisan Studios
December is ideal for meeting real Venetian artisans. We can escort you to authentic workshops through our artisan experiences.
Enjoy a Private Boat Tour at Sunset
The winter light is extraordinary. Our private boat tour is perfect for December afternoons.
Visit Museums Without Crowds
This is the best month to visit:
- Doge’s Palace
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Accademia Gallery
- Ca’ Rezzonico
- Murano Glass Museum
You can find tickets here.
Take a Day Trip to the Snowy Dolomites
Our Dolomites Tour is spectacular in December.
Is December a Good Month to Visit Venice?
Yes — if you appreciate atmosphere, authenticity, culture, winter cuisine, and quiet beauty. It is not for sun-seekers or beach lovers. It is for travelers who want to understand the real city, feel its rhythm, and wander without the summer rush.
It is Venice as Venetians love it: slow, reflective, elegant.
Book Your Private December Experience
If you want to enjoy Venice in December like a local — with hidden corners, warm bacari, artisan workshops, private boats, winter light, and flexible pacing — we can design the perfect itinerary for you.
FAQs
Is Venice crowded in December?
Not at all. Except for a short rise between Christmas and New Year, the city is wonderfully quiet.
Do I need waterproof boots?
Regular waterproof shoes are enough. Full boots are only needed during rare acqua alta mornings.
Are restaurants and museums open during the holidays?
Everything is open except on Christmas Day, when most museums and many restaurants close. Reservations are essential from December 23 to January 1.
