Christmas Week is one of the most atmospheric times of the year to experience Venice. The days are crisp, the nights glow with warm lights, the canals reflect perfectly in the cold air, churches host special masses, and bakeries fill their windows with seasonal sweets.
But it’s also a week full of holiday closures, schedule changes, busy days for Italians, early sunsets, and very local traditions that travelers often don’t know about.
This guide explains *everything* — where to go, what to expect, what’s open, what’s closed, how to plan Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and how locals truly experience this special week.
To enrich your Christmas visit, consider exploring Venice with a guide through our Off-the-Beaten-Path Orientation Tour or enjoying the city by water on our Private Winter Boat Tour.
What Christmas Week Feels Like in Venice
Between December 23 and January 1, Venice becomes a soft, reflective version of itself. Lights are discreet, not loud; canals are still; and early evenings wrap the city in a warm winter glow.
You’ll notice:
- Quiet mornings — Venetians sleep a little later during the holidays.
- Busy afternoons — Italian families come out for walks, pastries, and gift giving.
- Atmospheric nights — lights reflect perfectly on the canals after 5pm.
- Foggy sunrises — especially around Zattere, Cannaregio, and Castello.
Christmas Week is not chaotic like Carnevale or summer — it’s lively but gentle, with a distinctly local feeling.
Weather in Venice During Christmas Week
- Temperature: 2°C to 10°C (35°F – 50°F)
- Sunset: 4:20–4:30pm
- Fog: common in early morning and late evening
- Rain: possible, but usually light
- Acqua alta: unpredictable, but less frequent than in November
Dress warmly: wool coat, scarf, gloves, hat, waterproof shoes, and layers. Venice feels colder than the temperature suggests because of the humidity.
How Crowded Is Venice at Christmas?
Christmas Week is busy for Italian families, especially:
- December 24 afternoon
- December 25 late morning
- December 26 (Santo Stefano) — big Italian holiday
- December 30–31 — pre–New Year rush
But it’s a *different* kind of busy — more local, more Italian, less rushed. St. Mark’s Square and Rialto get crowded; Cannaregio, Castello, Giudecca, Dorsoduro remain peaceful.
What’s Open & What’s Closed During Christmas Week
December 24 (Christmas Eve)
- Shops open until late afternoon
- Many restaurants open for lunch and early dinner
- Midnight Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica (arrive early)
December 25 (Christmas Day)
- Shops mostly closed
- Some restaurants open for Christmas lunch (book weeks in advance)
- Museums closed or reduced hours
- Vaporetti run with holiday schedule
December 26 (Santo Stefano)
- Shops open
- Museums reopen
- Restaurants very busy
December 27–30
- Normal winter schedule
- Good days for sightseeing, tours, and shopping
December 31 (New Year’s Eve)
- Shops open
- Restaurants booked out
- Public transport modified at night
For skip-the-line options during the holiday period, explore:
Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour
Christmas Mass & Church Visits
Venice’s churches are luminous in December. The most beautiful to visit during Christmas Week include:
- Basilica di San Marco — Midnight Mass & Christmas morning
- Santa Maria della Salute — atmospheric evening services
- Frari — sacred music and nativity scenes
- San Giorgio Maggiore — Gregorian chant on Sundays
- San Geremia — relics of Santa Lucia
For a detailed breakdown, see our full article:
Best Churches to Visit in Venice at Christmas
Where to Eat During Christmas Week
Restaurants fill up very quickly — especially for Christmas lunch and New Year’s Eve — so reservations are essential. Venetian families often enjoy:
- Seafood dinners on Christmas Eve
- Traditional dishes like fegato alla veneziana or lasagne al radicchio
- Artisan pastries from Dal Mas, Majer, Nono Colussi
If you want a curated list of warm, cozy restaurants for winter, explore:
Where to Eat in Venice in Winter — Local Favorites
What To Do in Venice During Christmas Week
1. Walk the Winter Canals
December light transforms the city. Our full winter route guide:
Most Beautiful Winter Walks in Venice
2. Take a Night Boat Ride
Winter reflections are stunning — the Grand Canal is still and dramatic after dark.
Recommended: Private Night Boat Tour
3. Taste Venetian Christmas Sweets
Try zaleti, fugassa, baicoli, bussolai, and more at artisan bakeries. See our full guide:
Venetian Cookies & Christmas Sweets Guide
4. Enjoy Hot Chocolate Like a Local
Venetians take their winter hot chocolate seriously. The best cafés are listed in:
Where Venetians Go for Hot Chocolate
5. Go to a Christmas Concert
Venice offers candlelit classical concerts inside historic churches.
Tickets: Baroque Concert at San Teodoro
Acqua Alta During Christmas Week
High water is possible, though less intense than in autumn. If needed, MOSE barriers protect the city. When acqua alta does occur, it usually lasts 2–4 hours and affects:
- St. Mark’s Square
- Low bridges in Dorsoduro
- Parts of Rialto
The rest of Venice remains easily walkable.
Tips for Enjoying Christmas Week Like a Local
- Walk early — mornings are magical and almost empty.
- Dress warmly — Venice’s cold comes from the lagoon.
- Reserve restaurants ahead — especially for December 24, 25, 31.
- Plan indoor visits for midday — churches, palaces, cafés.
- Enjoy fog — it is one of Venice’s great winter gifts.
Recommended TLV Tours for Christmas Week
- Hidden Venice Orientation Walk
- Private Grand Canal Winter Tour
- Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour
- Winter Walks in Venice — Local Routes
- Hot Chocolate & Winter Treats Guide
- Feast of the Madonna della Salute Guide
FAQs
Is Christmas Week a good time to visit Venice?
Yes — it’s atmospheric, festive, and quieter than peak season.
Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Some are, especially traditional Venetian trattorias — but reservations are essential.
What should I wear?
Warm layers, waterproof shoes, scarf, gloves, and a coat. Venice feels colder than you expect.
