No Christmas is like what the one you can experience in Venice. This city is unique and the magic atmosphere of Christmas makes it ever more special. You will not see massive amounts of decoration but magnificent sites that normally you won’t see at home.
Once in awhile, you will see a brightly painted red boat/gondola carrying Santa down the canal lit up with many magical lights. Christmas trees tend to be small and skinny.
That’s due to the fact that trees are usually carried in small boats (not cars) and then brought home for several floors with no elevators. Disposing of trees is a highly specialized trade, almost a science.
One of the best ways to spend Christmas Eve in Venice is to attend the midnight mass at St. Mark’s Basilica. The midnight mass starts at 10:30 p.m. and you should get there early to get a seat (no tickets needed).
North entrance is usually a better choice as west entrance is often used by tourists and crowded. The square is fully lit with lights and the cool brisk air adds magic to the atmosphere, the canal water is splashing away in the background.
In St.Mark square, the famous caf? “Florian” is open on Christmas Day and is an excellent place to have breakfast and coffee! Each year on December 26th, the Frari Church in San Polo (in Campo dei Frari) offers a free concert at 4:00 p.m.
The church is loaded with impressive art, here is where you will find Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin, a carved monk’s chair from 1468 and Canova’s Tomb. The music is amazing. Get there early and dress warmly. The Christmas services differ from church to church. The larger ones are well worth seeing whatever your religion is.
During the days leading up to Christmas and the day after, there are many markets around the Rialto Bridge area. Some propose antiques, others foods and spices from all over Italy and souvenirs from Venice you would buy as presents and bring home to your loved ones.
Strolling through these markets is amazing during Christmas, there is something magic about it. Parents are carrying children on their shoulders or in their arms pointing and smiling towards many amazing things Venice puts forward during this holiday.
Plan ahead your Christmas Dinner and make a reservations since most restaurants will be crowded and bookd and on December 26th most of them might be closed.
During this time the weather varies as there are lots of cloudy days with mild temperatures or brilliant blue skies. The air is crystal clear and brisk. On these days, Venice is so perfectly reflected in the water that it is easy to mistake one world from the other.
Venice is definitely the best place where to be to spend a “magic” and unique Christmas!!