Christmas in Italy

The choice is extremely varied, ranging from the world famous ski resorts of the Veneto through to the gorgeous traditional Christmas markets in Verona, Belluno and many other Veneto towns.

Read on to share in an Italian Christmas - Veneto style!

If you are not visiting one of the ski resorts (read our ski guide here) then Venice and Verona are probably the Veneto’s most popular Christmas choices.

Christmas in Venice Italy

Venice at Christmas is surprisingly lacking in the tourist crowds. Instead you'll find it full of Christmas markets. Most of the main squares or campos have one.

Plenty of delightful Christmas concerts too are held throughout Venice. They are easily discovered by reading the posters around the city or asking your hotel for advice.

The La Pieta church on the Riva degli Schiavoni, where Vivaldi was once choir master, hosts some of the best.

In Murano (famous for its glass) you'll discover the tallest glass Christmas tree in the world. A real work of art.

Of course no Christmas in Italy would be complete without a Christmas Eve Mass, particularly lovely is the famous Christmas Eve Mass in St Mark's Basilica.

Even if you are not Catholic a Christmas Mass is an unforgettably moving experience. I may be biased being Italian but my husband who is neither Italian nor Catholic agrees with me on this and he doesn't agree with me about much!

Italian Christmas Dinner

Finding somewhere to eat over Christmas can be tricky and you will need to make a booking well in advance.

Some restaurants I enjoy in Venice are these but if you would like to try one of them do check with them if they are open over Christmas as many restaurants close.

On Christmas Eve fish is the traditional Christmas meal whereas on Christmas day a roast is pretty typical though there is no specific meal as such. The one thing you can be sure of though is plenty of delicious Panettone (Italian Christmas cake).

Where to Stay in Venice at Christmas?

If you want to experience Venice in all its magnificence and you have a big budget then these luxury hotels are the ones I recommend. To return home with a little money left in your bank account try these very good value alternatives .

The Weather in Venice at Christmas

You will either get the misty days I mentioned earlier or else the most beautiful clear and crisp days. For more precise information and a forecast we have put together a guide to Venice’s weather which should be of help.

Christmas in Verona

A particular joy of Christmas in Verona are the many small markets. The most famous and largest is the Santa Lucia Christmas market held in Piazza Bra, you can’t miss the huge illuminated shooting star that seems to be flying out of the Arena and landing in the Piazza.

Impressive too is the Nativity Exhibition held in the famous Roman Arena. The exhibition hosts incredible nativity scenes from all over the world.

If you have the time visit is the nearby village of Soave. Medieval Soave is famous for being the centre of the Soave wine region and is a great place all year round however Christmas is particularly moving with one of the most touching nativity displays you are ever likely to see.

Where to Stay in Verona at Christmas

I would recommend the Gabbia d’Oro or if you would like something a little cheaper try the Hotel Verona.

For my guide to Verona's secrets click here.

Discover Venice with these tours....

Spent Christmas in Italy?

Have you visited Italy over Christmas? Share you experience!

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

New! Comments