Christmas 2026 · Venice
Christmas in Venice
December is Venice at its quietest: lights in the squares, Midnight Mass at St Mark's, the lagoon in the fog. Here is what to know for Christmas 2026 and what we arrange for you, from the airport to Christmas Eve dinner.
At a glance
- When is it busiest?
- From 26 December to 6 January. The weeks before Christmas are the quietest of the year.
- What is the weather like?
- Cold and damp, often foggy. Sunset is around 4:30 pm: short days, long evenings.
- Is there high water?
- It can happen from November to January. The MOSE barrier stops the highest tides; with smaller tides St Mark's Square can still flood for a few hours.
- What closes?
- On 25 December many museums and shops are closed, and the restaurants that open work by reservation, often with a set menu.
Christmas 2026 dates
The City of Venice publishes the full programme of lights, concerts and markets between late November and early December: we update this page when it is out.
December
Lights and the tree
St Mark's Square and the main squares are lit for the season. The best time to walk is in the evening, when the day visitors have left.
24 December
Midnight Mass at St Mark's
Celebrated by the Patriarch of Venice in the Basilica. Entry is usually free until it is full: arrive well in advance if you want a seat.
25 December
Christmas Day
A day of closures: book Christmas lunch weeks ahead, especially in the hotels on the Grand Canal.
26 December
St Stephen's Day
A public holiday in Italy, and the start of the busiest stretch, which lasts until Epiphany.
What we arrange for you
The boats and cars are ours, with our own captains and drivers. For tables, tours and tickets we work with partners we know: one point of contact for everything.
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01
Arrival by water taxi
From Marco Polo Airport to your hotel's water entrance at any hour, Christmas Eve included. Eight-seat boats, luggage on board.
The water taxi -
02
Private boat with captain
The Grand Canal lit up at dusk, Murano and Burano without the vaporetto, or a ride to dinner on the other side of town.
The private boat -
03
Tables, tours and concerts
We look for a table for Christmas Eve or Christmas lunch, a private guide for the Basilica and tickets for holiday concerts, subject to availability.
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04
Christmas in the mountains
Car with driver from Venice airport to Cortina d'Ampezzo: about 165 km and 2 h 15, in cars equipped for snow.
Transfers to Cortina
Tips from people who work in Venice every day
- Book early. For 24 and 25 December the best tables are gone by November.
- Waterproof shoes. Between fog, damp and the odd high tide they are worth more than any coat.
- Travel by water. Over the holidays the vaporetti are full: with luggage or in the evening, a water taxi drops you at the hotel door.
- Check the tides. The City publishes tide forecasts every day; if needed we let you know and change the landing point.
Frequently asked questions
Is Venice worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes, if you want a quiet Venice: before 25 December there are fewer visitors than at any other time, hotels have more availability and you can walk the city without queues. After Christmas it gets busy again until Epiphany.
Does St Mark's Square flood in December?
It can, with the highest tides of the season. The MOSE barrier protects the city from exceptional tides, but the Square is the lowest point and can flood for a few hours with smaller ones. The City publishes forecasts daily.
How do we get from the airport on Christmas Eve?
With our water taxi, booked in advance: we operate 24/7 on holidays too and take you to your hotel's water entrance, or to the nearest landing if it has none.
Can you book Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas lunch for us?
Yes. Tell us how many you are, the kind of place you like and your budget: we look for a table in the restaurants and hotels we know, and arrange the boat to get there. Availability for 24 and 25 December goes quickly.
Can we spend Christmas in Cortina starting from Venice?
Yes. We collect you at Marco Polo Airport or at your Venice hotel with a car and driver equipped for snow: about 2 h 15 to Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Let us plan your Christmas in Venice
Send us your dates, how many you are and what you need: transfers, boats, tables, tickets. We reply with a proposal and clear prices.
- Our own water taxis and boats, 24/7
- Desk at Marco Polo Airport, 8 am to 6 pm
- Tickets and tables on request, subject to availability
