Christmas in Venice

People often ask me, “What is the best time to go to Venice?” Of course there are many “best times” to be in Venice. But Christmas time is one of the most enchanting, when the city takes on an extra sparkle of magic and excitement.Through the mist, lights twinkle across the streets, on the trees in the campi, or squares, where everyone stops to chat,on the balconies of palazzi, and around the buildings of the Piazza San Marco - the only piazza in Venice.

Around this time, Christmas markets appear all around town: on both sides of the Rialto Bridge, and in Campo San Bartolomeo, you can find stalls selling handicrafts, shoes, jewellery, and small gift items.

In the sestiere of Cannaregio at the Campo Santi Apostoli and all along the Strada Nuova, you can find everything from dried fruits, nuts and candies, to cashmere sweaters, leather goods, and house wares. At Campo Maria Nova next to the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, there are frequent weekend markets selling antique jewelry, glassware, clothing, and objets d’art.

But the biggest and grandest market is the one at Campo Santo Stefano, near the Accademia Bridge. Here you can find traditional Venetian products such as perfume, lace, paper, pottery, jewelry, soaps, and glass. And you can also find foods representing all the regions of Italy. Performances and activities take place amongst the chaos, much to the amusement of the crowds.

The Natale di Vetro, (Glass Christmas) fair held on nearby Murano Island is a celebration of the art of glassmaking. There are special glass art exhibitions, glass blowing demonstrations, dinners, and boat races.

Christmas in Venice is also the time to attend concerts, many of them free, which take place in the many churches. It’s a joy to hear singers and musicians performing early music in these architectural jewels with their excellent acoustics, places where music has been performed for hundreds of years. The easiest way to find out what’s happening is to check the posters that are displayed all over the city.

On Christmas Eve, you can attend midnight mass at the St Mark’s Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in the world, with its huge interior covered with glistening, golden mosaics. What a perfect time to immerse yourself in the mystery and splendor of this Byzantine masterpiece.

Venice is also a great place to welcome in the New Year. Take your pick from among the many hotels and restaurants that offer special dinners and dances. Or, you can join others from all over the world in St. Mark’s Square for an unforgettable night of music and toasts.