This year, Venice’s program of Christmas events is finally back at its original glow. We can’t wait to welcome you during the most magical time of the year and guide you through an exciting event program that will make your Christmas in Venice even more special. Regarding your stay, take a look at our special Christmas in Venice offer.

Christmas markets in Campo Santo Stefano – from 3rd to 24th December

Campo Santo Stefano, not far from the Accademia Bridge, hosts an actual Christmas Village. The 30 wooden houses offer fascinating handcrafted products and tasty delicatessen. The atmosphere is ideal for a break between your cultural tours.

There are also plenty of activities dedicated to children and a beautiful ice skating rink.

Natale di Vetro 2022 in Murano – from December 5th to January 6th

A busy event program animates the island of Murano throughout the whole Italian Christmas time. The inaugural mass dedicated to San Nicola, protector of glass masters, takes place in the church of San Pietro Martire and it officially marks the beginning of the event. After the mass, glass masters display a series of candelabra under the church porch to form the traditional Tunnel of Lights.

Most of the glassworks will be open to the public. We suggest you take the chance to appreciate the ancient art of glassblowing. Our Discover Venice package is the ideal solution to include this experience in your itinerary.

Last but not least, the traditional regatta is pretty folkloric and it sees Venice citizens challenging each other aboard their boats… wearing Christmas costumes!

Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) in the Old Jewish Ghetto – December 18th to 26th

The Jewish Ghetto is an area that we suggest you visit at any time of the year, but it is during Hanukkah that it reaches its maximum splendor.

In Hebrew Hanukkah (or Chanukkah) means “inauguration” and it is a celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem that took place in 165 BCE after the Jews regained their freedom from the Seleucids.

Some curiosities: lighting the nine-branched candelabrum, the Hanukkiah, is typical of this celebration. The candles are placed from right to left, but lit the other way round. Every day a candle of the candelabrum is lit (the ninth candle is used to light the others), so that on the eighth day they are all burning. Eight are the days that the candelabrum of the Temple lasted, despite the shortage of oil supplies that were needed to light its candles. This episode is also remembered as the miracle of Hanukkah.

Christmas concerts

The rich program of Christmas events in Venice could not but include superb concerts that take place in some of the most evocative locations in the city.

On 20th, 21st and 22nd December, the Basilica of San Marco will host the Christmas Concert directed by Marco Gemmani. On 29th, 30th and 31st December, the Teatro La Fenice will echo the sound of the 2023 New Year’s Concert directed by Daniel Harding.