Christmas in Italy

Planning to spend Christmas in Italy?

Then Venice, and the Veneto, is a great choice. Italian Christmas tradition is at its very best in the Veneto .

However you would like to spend your Christmas in Italy you'll find something to suit all tastes in the Veneto.

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

Of course very best of all is Venice. The traditional atmosphere, wonderful concerts and the Christmas Mass in St. Mark's Basilica are all truly unforgettable experiences.

Ski Resorts at Christmas

If you are visiting one of the ski resorts then have a look at our ski guide here.

If you aren't interested in skiing this Christmas then Venice and Verona are the Veneto’s most popular Christmas choices...

Christmas in Venice Italy

Venice at Christmas time is truly magical. The misty grey weather makes Venice hauntingly beautiful and absolutely enchanting.

I really fell in love with the city after my first Christmas here and I can highly recommend visiting.

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

Christmas Concerts

Plenty of delightful Christmas concerts 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.

Christmas Mass

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 and Catholic, but my husband who is neither Italian nor Catholic agrees with me on this and he doesn't agree with me about much!

The Glass Christmas Tree

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

Where to Stay in Venice at Christmas?

If you would like to experience Venice in all its magnificence and you have a big budget for sumptous luxury then these hotels are the ones I can recommend.

To return home with a little money left in your bank account try these very good value alternatives.

Italian Christmas Dinner or Lunch

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 if they will be opening this Christmas as many restaurants close.

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

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 information visit our guide to Venice’s weather.

Christmas in Verona

Traditional Christmas is the way Verona celebrates and you will find very little tacky commercialization. The traditional Christmas events in Verona start in mid December with the Feast of Santa Lucia.

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 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 (Golden Cage) or if you would like something a little more affordable try the Hotel Verona.

Christmas in Venice Italy a Nativity Scene by Andrea Bugliani

For my guide to Verona's secrets click here.

Discover the real Venice with these great ideas!

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