Christmas in Italy

Planning to spend Christmas in Italy then Venice and the Veneto is a great choice.



Christmas in Venice Italy a Nativity Scene by Andrea Bugliani

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 although you will find it full of Christmas markets with most of the main square or campos hosting them.

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.

In Murano (famous for its glass) you will discover the tallest glass Christmas tree in the world and particularly lovely is the famous Christmas Eve Mass in St Mark Basilica, even if you are not Catholic it is an unforgettably moving experience and no Christmas in Italy would ever be a truly Italian Christmas without a Christmas Mass.

Italian Christmas Dinner

Finding somewhere to eat over Christmas can be tricky and 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.

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 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.



Where would you like to spend your Christmas in Italy? Try our search engine for some ideas.