Christmas Day in Venice is one of the most atmospheric moments of the entire year: quiet mornings, slow family gatherings, the scent of winter pastries coming from historic bakeries, and the soft ringing of church bells across the lagoon. While other European cities explode with large markets and events, Venice celebrates in a far more intimate, understated and deeply traditional way.
For visitors, December 25 is a chance to see the city exactly as Venetians experience it — peaceful, elegant and suspended in time. This guide breaks down how locals spend the day, what is open, what is closed, and how to enjoy the most beautiful parts of the city at your own pace.
If you want to explore Christmas Day with local insight, our slow and story-rich Hidden Venice Orientation Tour is the ideal way to walk the city after lunch, when light fades and calli turn golden.
How Venetians Spend Christmas Day
Unlike Christmas Eve — which is shaped by seafood dinners, candlelight and late walks — Christmas Day in Venice is slow, domestic and centered around family. Most Venetians spend the morning at home or at church, gather for a long lunch, and enjoy the quiet of the city in the afternoon.
1. A Slow, Quiet Morning
Venice wakes up later on December 25. The streets are almost silent before 10:00, except for the sound of church bells and the occasional local heading out for mass. Early morning visitors will feel as if the entire historic centre belongs to them.
This is one of the most magical times of the year to walk along:
- Zattere
- Rialto backstreets
- San Polo and Santa Croce
- Cannaregio canals
For route ideas, see our Most Beautiful Winter Walks in Venice.
2. Christmas Mass
Many Venetian families begin their day with Christmas Mass — most commonly at:
- St. Mark’s Basilica (Solemn Mass at 10:30 or 12:00)
- Santa Maria della Salute
- Frari
- San Giacomo dell’Orio
Mass is followed by greetings outside the church — a gentle moment of community, warmth and well-wishing that has existed for generations.
If you’re interested in visiting Venice’s most atmospheric churches, see our guide: Best Churches to Visit in Venice at Christmas.
3. The Long Christmas Lunch (Il Pranzo di Natale)
Lunch is the heart of Venetian Christmas Day. Families gather around tables with dishes that reflect centuries of winter traditions.
Some of the most typical Christmas Day foods include:
- Lasagne al radicchio
- Arrosto di maiale with polenta
- Fegato alla veneziana for the nostalgic
- Roast capon or poultry with herbs
- Radicchio tardivo from Treviso
The meal always ends with panettone, pandoro, and Venetian sweets like zaleti or fugassa veneziana. You can discover them all here: Venetian Cookies & Christmas Sweets Guide.
4. Afternoon Walks Through a Silent City
After lunch, Venetians head out for a long passeggiata. This is arguably the most poetic moment of the entire holiday: the sun is low, fog often appears, and the city feels almost surreal.
Families stroll through:
- Dorsoduro’s backstreets
- the Riva degli Schiavoni
- the alleys near San Zaccaria
- the calli around San Giacomo dell’Orio
Visitors often say this is the moment they fall in love with Venice for life.
5. Quiet Evenings at Home
Unlike New Year’s Eve, Christmas night is calm. Venetians spend evenings playing cards, eating leftovers, cutting more slices of panettone and sipping Prosecco or Moscato.
Restaurants reopen in the evening for travelers, but for locals, this is a family night.
What Visitors Can Do on Christmas Day
Many travelers worry Venice will “shut down” on December 25 — but the reality is much more welcoming. Yes, shops close and museums reduce hours, but the city remains full of things to enjoy.
1. Enjoy the Most Beautiful Walk of the Year
Nothing compares to wandering Venice on Christmas morning. The city is quiet, beautifully decorated and full of soft winter light.
Suggested itinerary: start at Rialto → Cannaregio → Ghetto → Misericordia → Fondamenta Nove.
Or follow one of the curated routes in our guide: Most Beautiful Winter Walks in Venice.
2. Visit a Christmas Mass or Nativity Scene
Most churches remain open and many host late-morning masses. Nativity scenes are accessible throughout the day and beautifully illuminated.
Try:
- Frari
- San Geremia
- San Zaccaria
- Madonna della Salute
3. Take a Private Boat Tour
Christmas Day is an exceptional moment for a boat tour. The canals are calm, traffic is low, and the reflections are incredible. Families with kids especially enjoy it.
Recommended experience: Private Grand Canal & Hidden Canals Tour.
4. Enjoy a Christmas Lunch Out
Many Venetian restaurants open on December 25 with special holiday menus. Book weeks in advance because locals also dine out as a treat.
For suggested winter dining: Where to Eat in Venice in Winter.
5. Explore Open Museums (With Reduced Hours)
Some museums remain open for part of the day, including:
- Most civic museums (shorter schedule)
- Some private institutions
- Small exhibitions around San Marco
For major sites, skip-the-line access helps avoid delays on holiday schedules: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Skip-the-Line Tour.
6. Warm Up With Hot Chocolate
December 25 is perfect for tasting Venice’s famous thick hot chocolate. The best places are open in the afternoon — a sweet treat for families.
See our full list: Where Venetians Go for Hot Chocolate.
What Is Closed on Christmas Day?
- Most shops (except a few tourist areas)
- Supermarkets (limited hours in the morning)
- Many museums
- All artisan workshops
- Most bakeries in the afternoon
Restaurants, cafés, churches and some cultural sites remain open, but always check schedules in advance.
Tips for Enjoying Christmas Day as a Visitor
- Start early — Venice is silent and breathtaking before 10:00.
- Book lunch long in advance — even locals struggle to find space.
- Walk in quieter sestieri — Cannaregio, Castello, Santa Croce.
- Dress warmly — the lagoon air makes the cold sharper.
- Expect reduced transport schedules.
- Enjoy the stillness — it’s the most Venetian day of the year.
Recommended TLV Articles to Complete Your Christmas Trip
- Venice in December — Full Monthly Guide
- Best Churches to Visit at Christmas
- Venetian Christmas Cookies & Sweets
- Where to Eat in Venice in Winter
- Most Beautiful Winter Walks in Venice
- Where Venetians Go for Hot Chocolate
FAQs
Is Venice open on Christmas Day?
Yes — churches, many restaurants, cafés, and some museums operate with holiday hours. Retail shops remain closed.
Is Christmas Day crowded?
Not in the morning. Expect peaceful streets until midday, local families walking in the afternoon, and a quiet, elegant atmosphere throughout the day.
What’s the most typical thing to do on December 25?
Eat a long Christmas lunch, take a slow walk through the city and enjoy the winter light reflecting on the canals.
Is Venice open on Christmas Day?
Yes — churches, many restaurants, cafés, and some museums operate with holiday hours. Retail shops remain closed.
Is Christmas Day crowded?
Not in the morning. Expect peaceful streets until midday, local families walking in the afternoon, and a quiet, elegant atmosphere throughout the day.
What’s the most typical thing to do on December 25?
Eat a long Christmas lunch, take a slow walk through the city and enjoy the winter light reflecting on the canals.
