Venice Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Christmas in Venice is a truly magical experience, with its misty canals, twinkling lights, and centuries-old architecture creating one of the most atmospheric winter scenes in Europe. As Italy’s floating city embraces the festive season, the quiet charm of its narrow alleyways and piazzas transforms into a picturesque winter escape. Whether you're browsing handmade gifts at local markets or sipping mulled wine by the Grand Canal, Christmas in Venice offers a uniquely enchanting slice of Italy during the holidays.
The best Christmas markets in Venice
The best Christmas markets in Venice bring festive cheer to a city already famed for its beauty, history, and romance. While smaller and more intimate than some of the larger markets in Europe, each one here offers a unique Venetian twist - with artisanal gifts, local treats, and magical backdrops along misty canals and elegant piazzas.
Campo Santo Stefano Christmas Market
- Entry fee: Free
- Location: Campo Santo Stefano, 30124 Venice, Italy
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: From Piazzale Roma, you can take Vaporetto Line 1 or 2 and get off at the Accademia stop, followed by a short walk.
- By Train: From Venezia Santa Lucia Station, board Vaporetto Line 1 or 2 and get off at Accademia.
- By Car: Cars are not permitted inside Venice city. You’ll need to park at Tronchetto Parking (30135 Venice) or Piazzale Roma Parking, and continue via Vaporetto to Accademia.
- Opening dates: The 2025 dates are yet to be announced. Please stay tuned to this page for updates. Last year, the market ran from 20th November 2024 to 6th January 2025.
- Opening times: The 2025 timings are not confirmed yet. We’ll update them here once available. In 2024, stalls typically opened from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
- Decorations: The square is beautifully decorated with strings of warm lights, lanterns draped across stalls, and a traditional Christmas tree that adds charm to the historic backdrop. While there are no extensive light installations, the natural elegance of the surrounding architecture and soft lighting creates a romantic, intimate atmosphere.
- Best Activities to do: The full 2025 activity schedule is still to be released - check back here soon. In previous years, visitors enjoyed live musical performances, festive workshops, and a carousel for children.
- Food to try: Expect delicious local treats like fritelle (Venetian Christmas doughnuts), roasted chestnuts, mulled wine (vin brulè), and artisan panettone. Cheese platters and cured meats from nearby regions also make a great festive snack.
- Shopping: This market is ideal for picking up Venetian masks, Murano glass ornaments, handmade candles, and locally crafted Christmas decorations. Artisanal soaps, woollen scarves, and traditional nativity figurines are also popular finds.
Venice Christmas Fair at Campo San Polo
- Entry fee: Free
- Location: Campo San Polo, 30125 Venice, Italy
- How to reach the Christmas Market:
- By Bus: Buses stop at Piazzale Roma. From there, walk for about 15 minutes or take Vaporetto Line 1 to San Tomà and walk 5 minutes.
- By Train: From Venezia Santa Lucia Station, take Vaporetto Line 1 to San Tomà and walk to Campo San Polo.
- By Tram: Trams terminate at Piazzale Roma. Continue your journey on foot or by Vaporetto.
- By Car: Park at Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma. Campo San Polo is a 15 - 20-minute walk from both locations, or you can take Vaporetto Line 1 to nearby San Tomà. Parking spaces are available at Tronchetto and Piazzale Roma.
- Opening dates: The 2025 dates haven’t been released yet—bookmark this page for updates. Last year, the market was open from 2nd December to 24th December 2024.
- Opening times: Timings for 2025 are yet to be announced. In 2024, the market typically ran from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and extended until 9:30 PM on weekends.
- Decorations: Campo San Polo is beautifully lit with festive garlands, illuminated arches, and a lovely Christmas tree at its centre. The historic square is transformed with sparkling lights and wooden chalets, bringing a storybook feel to Venice’s largest campo.
- Best Activities to do: The 2025 activity schedule has not yet been announced—please check this page again soon. In previous years, visitors enjoyed open-air ice skating on a large rink, children’s games, and evening concerts.
- Food to try: This is a great spot to sample hot chocolate, cicchetti (Venetian tapas), spiced nuts, and hearty local fare such as polenta with cheese or sausage. Traditional Italian Christmas sweets like pandoro and struffoli are also available.
- Shopping: From artisan jewellery and handmade leather items to Murano glass ornaments and festive crafts, this market offers a wide selection of gift-worthy treasures. There’s also a focus on regional products like balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and festive home décor.
Tips
When is the best time to visit the Christmas markets in Venice?
Weekday mornings are the quietest, especially from Monday to Thursday before noon. If you’d like to avoid crowds and soak in the ambience peacefully, aim to visit early in the day or during the first two weeks of December, before the local and tourist rush peaks closer to Christmas.
Do the markets accept card payments or is cash preferred?
While many stalls do accept card payments, it's best to carry some cash in euros, especially for smaller vendors or food stands. ATMs are available around major squares, but they can get busy during the festive season, so withdrawing in advance is wise.
What should I wear when visiting the Venice Christmas markets?
Venice in December can be chilly and damp, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 9°C. Wear warm layers, a waterproof coat, and comfortable shoes with good grip - especially since stone pavements can get slippery in fog or drizzle.
Any specific travel tips for getting around the city during Christmas?
Venice is entirely pedestrian with waterbus (Vaporetto) routes replacing conventional transport. Services run regularly even in winter, but can be slower during fog or high tides (acqua alta), so allow extra travel time. Consider getting a multi-day Vaporetto pass if you plan to explore more than one market or stay across the lagoon.
Where to stay in Venice?
To make the most of Christmas in Venice, consider staying close to the city centre, where you’ll be within walking distance of the main Christmas markets and festive attractions. Areas like San Marco, Dorsoduro, and San Polo not only offer charming accommodation options but also easy access to transport links and scenic canals. Don’t forget to check out exclusive discounts on hotel stays featured on this page for the best seasonal deals.
Other things to do while in Venice
This city offers a variety of activities beyond the enchanting Christmas markets, blending festive charm with cultural richness and scenic beauty.
- Visit St Mark’s Basilica and Square: Admire the iconic mosaics, catch the winter light show on the basilica façade, and enjoy the magical atmosphere in Venice’s most famous square.
- Take a Gondola Ride Through the Canals: Glide under centuries-old bridges and past softly lit palazzos for a romantic winter experience like no other.
- Explore the Doge’s Palace: Step inside this Gothic masterpiece to discover its ornate halls, art collections, and eerie prison cells linked by the Bridge of Sighs.
- Wander Through the Rialto Market: Browse stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and Venetian specialities in this bustling local hub by the Grand Canal.
- Enjoy a Day Trip to Murano or Burano: Visit these colourful islands for their world-famous glassmaking, lacework, and peaceful village charm - easily accessible by Vaporetto.
Christmas Traditions in Italy
Christmas in Italy is a deeply rooted cultural celebration filled with warmth, faith, and festive food. The season officially begins on 8th December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and runs through to Epiphany on 6th January. Traditional nativity scenes, known as presepi, are lovingly crafted in homes and churches, while families gather for special meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. La Befana, a kind witch who delivers gifts to children on Epiphany, is a beloved part of Italian festive folklore, adding to the country's unique seasonal charm.
Where else to go in Italy for Christmas Markets?
If you’re looking to explore more of Italy’s festive cheer, there are several other cities that host some of the country’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. From snow-dusted Alpine towns to bustling Renaissance squares, here are four must-visit destinations.
- Bolzano: Set against the Dolomites, Bolzano is home to Italy’s oldest Christmas market, offering a magical mix of Tyrolean traditions, wooden chalets, and snow-covered surroundings.
- Verona: The city of Romeo and Juliet transforms into a Christmas village with its German-style market in Piazza dei Signori, complete with festive arches and artisan stalls.
- Florence: With its grand architecture and riverside setting, Florence hosts charming markets in Piazza Santa Croce, featuring international crafts and gourmet seasonal treats.
- Milan: Italy’s fashion capital lights up for the season with the ‘Oh Bej! Oh Bej!’ market near Sforza Castle and dazzling window displays across the city centre.
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