Venice at Christmas is a city made for families. The lights are soft, the streets safe and car-free, the bakeries overflow with holiday treats, and every campo becomes a playground surrounded by ancient architecture. Children love Venice in winter because the city feels like a living storybook — foggy mornings, quiet alleys, glowing bridges and the magic of discovering something new at every turn.
This guide gathers the best local tips for visiting Venice with kids during Christmas week: the most family-friendly activities, the sweets they will absolutely love, the small Christmas markets, places to warm up, and suggestions for creating memories that feel authentically Venetian.
If you want a curated family experience, our Hidden Venice Orientation Tour is ideal for children — full of stories, legends and easy walking. Families also love the Private Grand Canal Boat Tour, warm and comfortable in winter.
Why Venice Is Wonderful for Kids at Christmas
Venice is one of the few places in the world where children can explore freely without worrying about cars. In December, the city becomes even more charming: holiday lights glow above the calli, fog creates a soft winter atmosphere, and shops decorate their windows with sweets and tiny nativity scenes.
Venetians adore children, especially during the holidays — expect warm smiles, free cookies at bakeries, and shopkeepers chatting with little ones in a mix of Italian and English.
Best Christmas Activities for Kids in Venice
1. Visit the Christmas Lights Around Rialto, Cannaregio and San Marco
Children love walking under the illuminated calli, watching lights reflect on the canals and crossing decorated bridges.
- Rialto area: Bright, lively and full of festive energy.
- Cannaregio: Quieter, local and atmospheric.
- San Marco: Elegant lights, perfect for photos.
For a beautiful route, see our Most Beautiful Winter Walks in Venice.
2. Christmas Markets (Small, Local and Charming)
Venice doesn’t have huge markets like Vienna or Munich, but the small ones are ideal for families — easy to navigate and full of handmade items. Kids enjoy:
- wooden toys
- handmade ornaments
- Venetian candles
- festive food stalls
The most common Christmas stalls appear around:
- Campo Santo Stefano – crafts, toys and decorations
- Rialto – sweets and festive snacks
- Campo San Polo – winter treats and small events
Even when markets are small, the atmosphere feels intimate and friendly — perfect for families who prefer something simple and authentic.
3. Taste Venetian Christmas Sweets
Children adore Venetian holiday pastries. You can try them at:
- Dal Nono Colussi – dalnonocolussi.com
- Dal Mas – dalmaspasticceria.it
- Olivàn / Majer – majer.it
- Pasticceria al Theatro – pasticceriaaltheatro.com
Don’t miss:
- fugassa veneziana
- zaleti (cornmeal cookies)
- baicoli
- bussolai from Burano
- panettone & pandoro
For a complete list of kid-friendly sweets, see our Venetian Cookies & Christmas Sweets guide.
4. A Family-Friendly Boat Tour
Kids love boats — and winter is when Venice’s canals are quiet and reflective. A one-hour private tour is warm, comfortable and full of “wow” moments for children.
Recommended: Private Grand Canal & Hidden Canals Boat Tour.
5. Visit the Best Nativity Scenes
Venetians adore nativity scenes and many churches create beautifully detailed ones. These are the most child-friendly:
- Frari – artistic and large
- San Marco Basilica – impressive setting
- San Geremia – connected to Santa Lucia
- Madonna della Salute – elegant and atmospheric
See our full guide: Best Churches to Visit in Venice at Christmas
6. Mask-Making or Artisan Workshops
Kids love hands-on experiences. Winter is the perfect season to explore Venice’s artisan traditions:
- mask-painting workshops
- marbled paper workshops
- glass bead making in Murano
These activities let children create something they can take home.
Where to Warm Up With Kids
Venice in December is cold and humid, so families need warm stops. The best child-friendly places include:
- Rosa Salva – hot chocolate and pastries
- Majer (various locations) – ideal for quick warm drinks
- Cafés in Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio – great for families
For more winter treat ideas: Where Venetians Go for Hot Chocolate.
Family-Friendly Walks During Christmas
Venice is perfect for children who love to explore. These areas are safe, open and beautiful in winter:
- Zattere – wide promenade, water views, cafés
- Giardini – Sant’Elena – parks, space to run, great for families
- Cannaregio backstreets – calm, local, atmospheric
- Dorsoduro – art, bridges, and quiet calli
Follow routes from our guide: Most Beautiful Winter Walks in Venice.
Where to Eat With Kids During Christmas Week
Winter restaurants can be busy, so reserve ahead. Family-friendly options include trattorias with warm interiors, simple menus and Venetian comfort food.
Our full list here: Where to Eat in Venice in Winter.
Practical Tips for Venice With Kids at Christmas
- Dress warmly – hats, gloves, good shoes.
- Plan indoor breaks – Venice feels colder than it looks.
- Avoid the busiest times – late afternoon in San Marco.
- Bring snacks – bakeries help, but lines can form.
- Use vaporetto lines – kids love riding boats.
- Start early – mornings are magical and quiet.
For orientation with children, consider the Hidden Venice Orientation Tour — informative, fun and tailored for families.
Recommended TLV Articles to Complete Your Trip
- Venetian Christmas Cookies & Sweets
- Venice in December — Full Monthly Guide
- Where Venetians Go for Hot Chocolate
- Where to Eat in Venice in Winter
- Most Beautiful Winter Walks in Venice
- Best Churches to Visit at Christmas
FAQs
Is Venice good for kids at Christmas?
Yes — it’s safe, atmospheric and full of simple family-friendly activities, from sweets to lights to boat rides.
Are Christmas markets big in Venice?
No, they’re small and local — perfect for children, without overwhelming crowds.
What’s the best activity for kids in winter?
A private boat tour or a child-friendly artisan workshop — both unforgettable experiences for families.
