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Your ultimate New Year 2026 travel guide to Venice

New Year in Venice brings a magical winter charm. From dazzling fireworks over the lagoon to elegant concerts and festive dinners, Venice offers a memorable way to ring in 2026. Expect cold, misty weather, quieter canals, and a festive yet intimate atmosphere.

Why spend New Year’s Eve in Venice

Fireworks over Venice's Grand Canal with Santa Maria della Salute during New Year boat celebration.
  • Spectacular fireworks & countdowns: Celebrate under St. Mark’s Campanile as fireworks light up the lagoon. Join the midnight countdown and enjoy the festive reflections on the water.
  • Festive gondola rides: Glide through Venice’s quieter canals, surrounded by soft holiday lights and calm winter waters, for a peaceful start to the New Year.
  • Cultural concerts & performances: Attend classical concerts at Teatro La Fenice or intimate chamber performances in historic churches for a memorable, cultural celebration.
  • Festive dining experiences: Enjoy special New Year’s Eve or Day menus at Venice’s historic restaurants, featuring local seafood, traditional Venetian dishes, and seasonal treats in a warm, celebratory atmosphere.
  • Island excursions: Explore Murano’s glass workshops, Burano’s colorful houses, or Torcello’s historic sites, enjoying the islands’ charm without the summer crowds.
  • Unique winter scenery: Venice in winter offers misty canals, gentle light, and quieter streets, perfect for scenic walks, photography, and a more intimate holiday experience.

Top 9 things to do on New Year’s Eve in Venice

New Year in Venice - Brilliant Fireworks Display

Watch the fireworks

Join locals and visitors along Riva degli Schiavoni or Riva Ca’ di Dio for the spectacular midnight fireworks. The reflections on the lagoon and the festive atmosphere make it the highlight of Venice’s New Year celebrations.

St. Mark's Bell Tower

Midnight countdown to 2026

Celebrate as the iconic bell chimes and the city erupts in cheers. The illuminated skyline and buzzing piazza create an unforgettable start to the New Year.

Couple taking selfie on gondola near Rialto Bridge, Venice.

Take a New Year gondola ride

Glide through quieter canals under the glow of festive lights. A gondola ride on New Year’s Eve offers a peaceful, scenic experience and unique photo opportunities away from crowded streets.

from € 28
View from a box seat overlooking the stage at Teatro La Fenice, Venice.

Attend a New Year’s Eve concert

Venice’s theaters and churches host special concerts in December, from classical music at Teatro La Fenice to chamber performances in candlelit churches. Enjoy a cultured, atmospheric start to the year.

from €11
Gondola ride in Venice with musician playing accordion and passengers enjoying the serenade.

Celebrate on a boat in the lagoon

Many operators offer special New Year cruises with dinner, live music, and fireworks. It’s a lively, memorable way to ring in 2026 from the water.

from €28
Doge's Palace aerial view with boats on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy.

Explore Venice’s historic sites

Tour iconic landmarks like Doge’s Palace or Piazza San Marco during the quieter daytime hours. The winter light and smaller crowds make sightseeing more relaxed.

Woman exploring colorful buildings on Burano Island, Italy.

Visit Murano and Burano

Take a daytime trip to Murano’s glass workshops or Burano’s colorful houses. Winter offers a quieter, more atmospheric experience on the islands, ideal for strolling and photography.

from € 25
Hot chocolate with whipped cream in glass mugs, Christmas lights in background.

Enjoy festive Venetian treats

Warm up with seasonal snacks and drinks like vin brulé, hot chocolate, or pastries from historic cafés. Many restaurants also offer special New Year menus with traditional Venetian dishes.

Couple enjoying romantic dinner at Madame Brasserie, Eiffel Tower.

Join gala dinners and local events

Venice hosts various New Year galas, cabarets, and private events in palazzos, theaters, and historic venues. These provide elegant, festive settings to celebrate with music, food, and local flair.

Your perfect New Year itinerary

St. Mark's Basilica facade in Venice with ornate architecture and detailed mosaics.

Day 1 - December 31 (New Year’s Eve)

Morning

  • Start with a slow stroll through St. Mark’s Square and the surrounding streets while the city is still calm.
  • Visit landmarks like Doge’s Palace or the Rialto Bridge for daytime sightseeing without the usual summer crowds.

Afternoon

  • Take a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal for scenic winter views and photo opportunities.
  • If time allows, visit Murano for glassmaking demonstrations or Burano for its colorful houses, quieter in winter and ideal for strolling.

Evening

  • Enjoy a festive New Year’s Eve dinner at a historic restaurant or palazzo, featuring traditional Venetian dishes and seasonal specialties.
  • Head to St. Mark’s Square or Riva degli Schiavoni for the midnight countdown and fireworks over the lagoon.
Family strolling along a canal in Venice, Italy, with colorful buildings and boats.

Day 2 - January 1 (New Year’s Day)

Morning

  • Attend a New Year’s Day Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica or another historic church to experience Venetian traditions.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Zattere or through Dorsoduro, enjoying quiet canals and soft winter light.

Afternoon

  • Visit a museum or gallery, such as the Guggenheim Collection or Peggy Guggenheim Museum, which are less crowded than in summer.
  • Explore neighborhoods like Cannaregio or Castello for a more local, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Evening

  • Savor a relaxed dinner at a Venetian restaurant with seasonal specialties.
  • End the day with a gentle stroll along St. Mark’s Square or the Grand Canal, appreciating Venice’s serene winter atmosphere and reflections on the water.

Know before you go: New Year’s Eve in Venice

  • Plan for crowds at midnight: St. Mark’s Square and Riva degli Schiavoni get busy during the countdown. Arrive early for a good viewing spot.
  • Book early: Reserve New Year’s Eve dinners, gala events, concerts, and boat tours well in advance, as they sell out quickly.
  • Holiday hours: Many shops, museums, and attractions may close early on Dec 31 and have limited hours on Jan 1. Plan flexible, outdoor-friendly activities.
  • Dress warmly: Expect cold, damp weather (2°C–8°C). Bring a thick coat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes for walking along canals and squares.
  • Mind the tides: Acqua alta can affect low-lying areas. Check forecasts and bring light waterproof shoe covers if needed.
  • Walk the city: Venice is quieter in winter, making strolls through squares, alleys, and along canals a highlight. Vaporettos run throughout the day and night.

Frequently asked questions about celebrating New Year in Venice

Is New Year a good time to visit Venice?

Yes, New Year is a magical time in Venice. The city is beautifully decorated, hosts fireworks and festive concerts, and offers special dinners and events without the summer crowds.

What is Venice like during New Year’s Eve?

Expect a lively yet intimate atmosphere with illuminated squares, misty canals, cultural performances, and celebrations on boats and in piazzas. The pace is festive but not as crowded as summer.

Are things open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day?

Many shops and museums close early on Dec 31 or have reduced hours on Jan 1. Restaurants and event venues often require reservations for dinners or gala events.

Can I watch fireworks in Venice?

Yes, the main fireworks display takes place at midnight over the lagoon near St. Mark’s Square and Riva degli Schiavoni. Arrive early for the best views.

Is Venice crowded during New Year?

Venice is busier than typical winter months, especially around St. Mark’s Square during the countdown, but it is far less crowded than in summer. Early arrival at popular spots is recommended.

Can I take a gondola ride on New Year’s Eve?

Yes, gondolas and vaporettos operate year-round. Evening rides offer scenic, illuminated canals and a festive perspective of the city. Dress warmly for colder, misty conditions.

What should I wear in Venice at New Year?

Expect cold, damp weather (2°C–8°C). Layer warmly with coats, scarves, gloves, and waterproof shoes for walking and outdoor celebrations.

Are there special New Year menus in Venice?

Yes, many restaurants and palazzos offer set New Year’s Eve or Day menus featuring traditional Venetian dishes and seasonal specialties. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Can I combine sightseeing with New Year celebrations?

Absolutely. Daytime visits to landmarks, museums, and islands like Murano or Burano are peaceful in winter, leaving the evening free for festivities and fireworks.