In Italy, December 26 is not just “the day after Christmas” — it is Santo Stefano, a major national holiday dedicated to Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. In Venice, it is a day of gentle energy, family walks, reopened shops, elegant post-Christmas meals and a return to the city after the quiet intimacy of December 25.
For visitors, Santo Stefano offers a wonderful combination of festive atmosphere and practicality: Venice comes back to life, museums reopen, restaurants get busy and the city feels warm, local and celebratory. This guide explains everything you can do on December 26 — from church visits to winter walks, treats, shopping and the best activities to enjoy when Venice wakes up again after Christmas Day.
For a curated introduction to the city on this holiday, our Hidden Venice Orientation Tour is perfect — especially as Santo Stefano is one of the most atmospheric days of the winter season.
What Santo Stefano Feels Like in Venice
If Christmas Day is quiet, sacred and family-centered, December 26 brings a return to movement. Venetians step outside, children play in the campi, bakeries reopen and the city regains its rhythm. The air is crisp, the lights still glow, and the early sunsets make reflections particularly beautiful.
The day has a relaxed, festive elegance — a “second Christmas” without the pressure of preparations.
What’s Open on December 26
Shops
Shops reopen across the historic centre, including boutiques near San Marco, artisan shops in Dorsoduro and Castello, and small neighborhood stores. It’s one of the best days for post-Christmas browsing without the intense crowds of high season.
Museums & Cultural Sites
Museums, exhibitions and cultural venues operate normally or with extended holiday hours. Popular sites such as the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and the civic museums reopen after the Christmas closure.
If you want to avoid lines, especially on a holiday, consider a skip-the-line experience: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Private Tour.
Restaurants & Cafés
Restaurants operate normally, and many Venetian families enjoy eating out on Santo Stefano. Reservations are advised, particularly near San Marco and Rialto.
For cozy winter choices: Where to Eat in Venice in Winter.
Public Transport
Vaporetto services follow a holiday timetable but run regularly throughout the day.
Traditional Ways Venetians Spend Santo Stefano
1. Late-Morning Walks
Venetians love to take a slow walk with family after the intense meals of Christmas. Santo Stefano is perfect for exploring:
- Dorsoduro’s quiet backstreets
- Cannaregio near the Misericordia
- The Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront
- The peaceful gardens of Sant’Elena
For curated winter routes: Most Beautiful Winter Walks in Venice.
2. Visiting Churches
December 26 is a popular day for visiting Venice’s historic churches, especially their Christmas decorations and nativity scenes. Many Venetians go to:
- Frari — impressive presepe
- San Zaccaria — rich Venetian Gothic interior
- San Giovanni e Paolo — grandeur and history
- San Geremia — associated with Santa Lucia
Explore more in our guide: Best Churches to Visit at Christmas.
3. Enjoying Christmas Sweets
Bakeries reopen — which means Venetians finally restock on panettone, pandoro, zaleti and fugassa. Popular destinations include:
See our full list of winter pastries: Venetian Christmas Sweets.
4. Afternoon Spritz or Hot Chocolate
Many Venetians meet friends for a spritz, mulled wine or thick Italian hot chocolate. Santo Stefano afternoons feel festive but relaxed — a lovely moment for visitors too.
For the best places: Where Venetians Go for Hot Chocolate.
5. Museums and Art Walks
Because the city has reopened after Christmas Day, Santo Stefano becomes one of the best days to explore Venice’s cultural side. Families love visiting a museum or gallery before or after lunch.
6. Twilight Strolls
By late afternoon, the city’s Christmas lights create beautiful reflections across the canals. This is one of the best evenings in December for photography — calm, atmospheric and without the intense crowds of Christmas Eve.
What Visitors Can Do on Santo Stefano
1. Take a Private Boat Tour
December 26 is an exceptional day for a boat ride — quiet canals, crisp air and glowing winter light.
Recommended: Private Grand Canal & Hidden Canals Tour.
2. Visit Major Sights with Fewer Crowds
Venice is lively but not chaotic on December 26. It’s an excellent opportunity for:
- Doge’s Palace
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- The Accademia Galleries
- Ca’ Rezzonico
Enjoy them with skip-the-line benefits via our private tour: Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Tour.
3. Enjoy a Long Lunch
Many restaurants create special Santo Stefano menus — less formal than Christmas Eve, more plentiful than a regular winter day. Expect seasonal dishes with radicchio, seafood or roasted meats.
See recommendations here: Where to Eat in Venice in Winter.
4. Explore the Neighborhoods
Santo Stefano is perfect for discovering Venice beyond San Marco. Visitors can explore:
- Castello — quiet, local, family-friendly
- Dorsoduro — artistic and atmospheric
- Cannaregio — slow, beautiful, residential
- Santa Croce — hidden campi and artisan corners
If you want to do this with storytelling and local insight, join our Hidden Venice Orientation Tour.
5. Take Beautiful Photos
The day after Christmas has some of the best natural light of the year: soft sun, mist, early golden hour, glowing lights. It’s a dream for photographers.
Recommended TLV Articles for the Holiday Week
- Venice in December — Full Monthly Guide
- Best Churches to Visit at Christmas
- Venetian Christmas Sweets
- Where to Eat in Venice in Winter
- Winter Hot Chocolate Spots
- Most Beautiful Winter Walks
FAQs
Is December 26 a holiday in Venice?
Yes. Santo Stefano is a major Italian holiday. Shops and restaurants are open, but the atmosphere is relaxed and festive.
Are museums open on Santo Stefano?
Are museums open on Santo Stefano?
What’s the best thing to do on December 26?
Take a long morning walk, enjoy a relaxed lunch and explore reopened museums or take a private boat tour in the soft winter light.
