Venice slows down in December, trading summer’s frenzy for peaceful canals, festive lights, and crisp air. Christmas markets glow in piazzas, and La Fenice hosts elegant seasonal concerts. Fog lingers in the mornings—perfect for moody photos. Visit by mid-month for low hotel rates and clear views before New Year crowds roll in.
Venice in December 2025 at a glance
🌧️Weather
Crisp and chilly—average highs around 7 °C / 45 °F.
☀️Daylight
8.5 hrs; sun rises ~7:40 am, sets ~4:20 pm.
🎉Key events
Christmas at St. Mark’s, Venice New Year’s Concert.
👥Crowds
Medium; quiet mid-month, busy near holidays.
🛍️ What to pack
Warm layers, scarf, waterproof shoes, gloves.
🍽️ Seasonal treats
Panettone, hot chocolate, winter seafood.
Top things to do in Venice in December
See Venice glow with holiday lights
When: Throughout December
Tags: Seasonal, Outdoors
Wander after sunset as Venice decks out its bridges, piazzas, and alleys in golden Christmas lights. The reflections in the canals turn quiet corners into glowing vignettes. Campo San Polo and Strada Nuova are especially picturesque—bring a thermos of mulled wine and a camera.
Attend a concert at Teatro La Fenice
When: December 1–31
Tags: Cultural experience, Tour
La Fenice’s famed New Year’s Concert sells out early, but December features a full calendar of opera, ballet, and classical music. Arrive 30 minutes early to admire the gold-and-velvet interiors before curtain rise. Book through Venezia Unica to avoid third-party surcharges.
Recommended experiences:
Teatro La Fenice Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
December’s lower visitor numbers make Doge’s Palace feel regal again. Take the Secret Itineraries tour to access prisons and secret council rooms. Last entry: 5:00 pm; close by 6:00 pm. Bundle up—it’s drafty inside.
Warm up at Caffè del Doge or Torrefazione Cannaregio with thick Italian-style hot chocolate. Sit canalside (blankets provided) and watch locals bustle by. Great afternoon break spot between sightseeing stops.
Ride a quiet vaporetto at sunset
When: Clear-weather afternoons
Tags: Outdoors, Tour
Hop Line 1 before dusk—December’s golden hour paints the Grand Canal like an oil painting. The boat’s heated cabin keeps it cozy; sit near the back windows for best views. Start at Piazzale Roma and ride to San Marco.
Photograph foggy alleyways early morning
When: Before 9:00 am
Tags: Explorer, Outdoors
December fog gives Venice its most cinematic moods. The best light hits before tourists stir. Head to Cannaregio or Castello districts for near-empty scenes of misty canals, laundry lines, and sleepy bacari.
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica with fewer lines
When: Early mornings
Tags: Cultural experience, Tour
Lines shrink in winter—arrive by 9:15 am for near-instant entry. Dress warmly; the basilica stays cold. Admission is free, but pay €7 to visit the Pala d’Oro altarpiece—worth every cent.
Recommended experiences:
St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets with Skip-the-Line Access
This whimsical bookstore piles volumes in bathtubs and gondolas to protect them from flooding. December adds string lights and cozy corners. Ask the cat-friendly staff for literary gift ideas.
Offbeat experiences in December
Climb San Giorgio Maggiore’s bell tower at dusk
Fewer visitors mean no queues and a view all to yourself. The winter sun sets over snow-capped Dolomites—if skies are clear. 📍Where: Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore
Join Venetians for Festa di San Nicolò
Celebrate the patron saint of sailors with mass and traditional foods on December 6. Few tourists know about it. 📍Where: Lido di Venezia
Warm up with cicchetti crawl in Cannaregio
Try seasonal bites like polenta and grilled radicchio at local bacari. Quieter streets make for easier table-hopping. 📍Where: Fondamenta della Misericordia
Take a vaporetto to see Murano’s Christmas tree
Made entirely of glass, Murano’s holiday centerpiece is stunning after dark—no tourist crush. 📍Where: Campo Santo Stefano, Murano
Catch Ocean Space’s final exhibits
Installations on art + climate run through early December—check hours before going. 📍Where: Chiesa di San Lorenzo
Visit San Francesco del Deserto monastery
Peaceful, monastic island—reachable by private boat only. Best with mild winter sun. 📍Where: Northern Lagoon
Even in winter, glassblowing demos and Burano’s colorful houses shine. Weekdays are calm; bundle up and bring your camera. Great for half-day exploring and shopping.
Visit Scrovegni Chapel for Giotto’s frescoes and warm cafés in the historic center. Less crowded in December, especially on weekdays. Book chapel tickets in advance.
Vicenza
🚄 Travel time: ~1 h by train
Palladio’s elegant architecture stands out in low winter light. Visit Teatro Olimpico and browse quiet Christmas displays at Piazza dei Signori. Less touristy than Venice.
