- Why this month: It only happens in winter, and it adds a very un-Venetian layer of fun to a city of churches and canals.
- Best time: Early afternoon or early evening
- Book by: Same day on quieter dates; earlier on weekends
- Crowds: Moderate
- Skate under open sky in one of Venice's biggest campi during the seasonal rink period.
- Don't miss: A post-skate hot drink nearby
- Insider tip: Weekday sessions are calmer than weekend slots.
Venice in December: Weather, crowds and festive events
How December compares with November and January
| Category | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
Weather | Cool and damp, around 6–12°C (43–54°F) | Colder, around 3–8°C (37–46°F), with more fog | Coldest stretch, around 0–7°C (32–45°F) |
Crowds | Low, except around Festa della Madonna della Salute | Low early, then moderate to high from Christmas to New Year | Quiet after New Year, then busier again near Epiphany |
Atmosphere | Somber, local, and misty | Festive lights, markets, choir music, and winter canal scenes | Calm, stripped-back Venice with post-holiday breathing room |
Key events | Festa della Madonna della Salute, late-November light displays | Feast of San Nicolò, Christmas market, Santa Claus boat procession, holiday museum openings, New Year's Eve | La Fenice New Year's Concert, Regata delle Befane, Epiphany |
Public holidays | Salute pilgrimage day shapes local movement on November 21 | Immaculate Conception on December 8, Christmas Day on December 25 | Holiday week runs into early January, Epiphany on January 6 |
Budget | Good value outside festival days | Best value in early December; highest rates around December 23–31 | Very good after January 6 |
Best for | Quiet church visits and local rituals | Festive city breaks, winter culture, food, and romantic evenings | Budget travelers and slow travelers |
Book early? | Usually 1–2 weeks is enough | Yes for December 20–31, especially Basilica slots, central hotels, and gondolas | Only for holiday spillover and Epiphany weekend |
Transport tips | Watch high-water alerts | Allow extra time for fog, holiday crowds, and wet walkways | Fewer crowds, but cold mornings and occasional tide issues remain |
Top things to do in Venice in December
Offbeat experiences in December
Planning your December visit
| Lead time | What to book | Why & when | Seasonal price change |
|---|---|---|---|
2–4 months ahead | Private Water Taxi Transfers: Venice Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice City | By early October if you want San Marco, Dorsoduro, or canal-side stays for Christmas week and New Year's | December 23–31: often +25–50% vs early-December weekdays |
4–6 weeks ahead | St. Mark's Basilica Entry Tickets with Skip-the-Line Access | Book by late November for the best morning slots during holiday week | December 20–31 prime slots: often +10–20% vs early-month timed entries |
3–4 weeks ahead | Venice St. Mark's Basilica & Bell Tower Guided Tour | Book by early December; small-group and guided products fill first | Holiday-week guided inventory is limited more than expensive; price jumps are usually modest but sell-outs are common |
2–3 weeks ahead | Teatro La Fenice Guided Tour | Book by mid-December around concert season and special openings | December 27–January 1: often +10–15% vs ordinary December dates where applicable |
1–2 weeks ahead | Walking Food Tour of Venice with Sightseeing | Book by the week before travel; indoor rainy-day activities get snapped up in cold weather | Weekends and December 26–30: often +5–15% vs weekday sessions |
7–10 days ahead | Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands Boat Tour with Glass Blowing | Book a week out, especially if the forecast looks clear and calm | Usually stable early month; holiday dates can run +5–10% vs standard weekdays |
3–7 days ahead | Venice Grand Canal Private Gondola Ride | Winter demand is lower overall, but sunset and Christmas-week rides go first | December 24–31 sunset slots: often +10–20% vs daytime early-month departures |
2–5 days ahead | Water Bus Transfers: Venice Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice City | Good to lock in once flights are set; useful if weather changes your walking plans | Transport products are usually flat; last-minute airport transfers around December 23–31 can tighten in availability rather than price |
December highlights: Must-do experiences for different travellers
Venice in December: Your perfect 3-day itinerary
Best day trips from Venice in December
Go shopping in Venice in December
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