With its iconic winding canals and picturesque architecture, it is no surprise that Venice is on the bucket list of many travelers, from around the world. An art hub of its time, Venice’s lavish past is still reflected in its narrow cobbled-stone streets and marbled churches. However, it is also the elaborate Venetian cuisine that brings several together from across the globe for a taste of its local spread. Here's (mostly) everything that you should expect from Venice in December.
What makes Venice in December special?
While Venice in December can be intimidating to consider, it can make up for a relaxing holiday with little to no crowd during the festive season. With the luxury hotels lowering their bar to accommodate the low-season crowd, a trip to Venice in December becomes a budgeted affair for those looking to travel comfortably. This month of the year is an ideal time for those looking to spend some tranquil, romantic time by the canals. However, despite the cold, locals in Venice enjoy ice-skating at one of its biggest rinks at Campo San Polo — the city’s largest square. December also makes for a great time to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa at one of the city’s numerous outdoor cafes. With places like Caffè Florian serving up its signature piping hot chocolate, there's plenty to do to make the most of the chilly season in the city of canals.
Venice in December: Weather
Venice in December is marked by chilly temperatures and moderate rainfall, with heavy fog. Expect an average high of 7°C and lows of 0°C throughout the month. December in Venice sees about 8 hours of daily sunshine and an average of 54mm rain over 10 days in the month. Don't forget your gumboots!
Venice in December: Things to do
1
Doge’s Palace
With a poignant past, Doge’s Palace of Prisoners was built between the 10th and 11th centuries, and is considered to be one of the biggest Venetian masterpieces ever made. Today, the palace offers a museum with special tours of the various artefacts that are housed within its premises.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 9am-6pm
Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE,
Italy
Getting There ›
2
St. Mark’s Basilica
One of the most notable churches of Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica had a difficult past and was rebuilt in 1063 after being burned down during an uprising. Its ornate exteriors draw crowds from around the world. Basilica San Marco also houses the relics of the apostle Saint Mark, and the Pala d'Oro, a golden altarpiece decorated with jewels.
December Timings
Mon-Sat: 9:30am-5:15pm
Sun: 2pm-5:15pm
Merceria Orologio, 30124 Venezia VE,
Italy
Getting There ›
3
Jewish Museum
A unique museum dedicated solely to the Jewish community, this museum is located in the first ghetto of Europe. The museum houses valuable artefacts, sacred furnishings, silverware of several types and also wedding contracts, apart from regular Jewish ritual objects. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Jews in Venice.
December Timings
Sun-Thurs: 10am-5:30pm
Fri: 9am-3pm
Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, 2902/b, 30121 Venezia,
Italy
Getting There ›
4
Teatro La Fenice
Built in 1792, La Fenice is best known for staging various famous operas throughout the year. Today, it is not just considered as an iconic landmark, but is also remembered for its dark past where it was burned down in 1996. The theatre is named after ‘Phoenix’, after rising from the ashes.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 9:30am–6pm
Check up-to-date timings here.
Piazza San Marco, 1965
30124 Venezia VE
Italy
Getting There ›
5
Gondola Tour
Gondola tour is perhaps the most sought-after experience in Venice. A romantic ride across the canals has been a bucket-list experience for many tourists from around the world. A regular gondola ride which costs anywhere between €80 to €100 is also the best way to get around the city.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 9am-9pm
30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice,
Italy
Getting There ›
6
Leonardo da Vinci Museum
Dedicated to the artistic genius, Leonardo da Vinci Museum allows visitors to experience some of his greatest artworks up close. The museum has six exhibition rooms and four sections, including — earth, wind, fire, water — that will acquaint you with some of his greatest engineering projects.
December Timings
Mon-Fri: 10am–7pm
Sat: 9:30am-7:30pm
Sun: 9:30am-7pm
Scoletta – Complesso Monumentale, Campo San Rocco, 3052, 30125 Venezia VE,
Italy
Getting There ›
7
Hard Rock Cafe & Optional Boat Tour
A combo that allows you to skip the exhausting queues, seat yourself at the iconic Hard Rock Cafe located in the heart of the city. Move on to a romantic boat tour that you can choose to take after your day has ended. Enjoy a romantic night sky during your boat tour across the canals.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 11am-11pm
Bacino Orseolo, 30100 Venice,
Italy
Getting There ›
8
Venice Craftsmenship Tour
Apart from its canals, Venice is also known for its intricate craftsmanship — some of which includes the making of jewellery, carnival masks and glass, amongst others. Take an elaborate look into this side of Venice and avail yourself a chance to see how its rich culture is created.
December Timings
Mon-Sun: 11am onwards
Venice Tours Office, San Marco 1130 , Venezia
Italy
Getting There ›
Venice in December: Events to look out for
Venice Christmas Market
November 4, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Christmas celebrations in Venice bring out its pop-up markets and decorated gondolas. Ths year Campo Santo Stefano will be transformed into a christmas village with more than 30 wooden chalets and beautiful christmas lighting. It has a lot to offer including traditional Christmas delicacies and handmade items as well as souvenirs.
New Year’s Day on Lido Beach
December 31, 2024
Join a spectacular New Year's Eve celebration at the Lido Beach in Venice. With onlookers from around the world gathered for a night of great fun by the icy waters, this celebration is an experience to remember with sumptuous wine and dine along with some Viennese waltz.
Venice in December: 3-day itinerary
3 days in Venice
1
Venice in December: Seasonal delicacies
A favourite of many, Sarde in Saor is made using fried sardine fillets that are marinated with vinegar, pine nuts, raisins as well as onions. This delectable sweet and sour dish is paired well with white wine and is commonly available across the city. Make sure you grab a bite at Trattoria da Gigio.
The risotto is a classic, and there’s no reason why you should miss out on trying the creamy, rice preparation which is a staple in the city. What makes the Venetian risotto special is its versatility and that it could be paired with vegetables, meat or cheese. Head to Vini Da Gigio to satiate your hunger pangs for this sumptuous dish.
Being a port city, Venice has access to some of the most delicious seafood in the world. One such seasonal delicacy is Mołéche small, green crabs, that are served with fried dishes or salads. These soft-shelled crabs are dipped in beaten egg and fried golden brown before they are enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon. Try them at Corte Sconta!
Baicoli’s history takes us back to the time when sailors used to carry it as long-lasting, ship-food during their voyage. Today, it is enjoyed not only as a tea-time snack, but also with dessert wines and cream by the side. Although available in almost any cafe, get one for yourself at Impronta Restaurant Cafe..
A walk around the city during the carnevale, you’re bound to come across fritole, a small pastry fritter made using flour, eggs, milk, pine nuts and butter. Traditionally prepared to be eaten as a part of the festivities before Lent, these balls are deep fried and dusted with sugar. Sweet lovers can grab some frijole at Terr Razza Danieli.
Venice in December: Essentials
LanguageItalian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+39
Socket Type C, F and L
CurrencyEuro (€)
Venice accommodation in December
Venice offers plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation. Here are our picks for accommodation catering to different budgets:
- Luxury – Hotel Danielli, Hotel Excelsior Venezia, The Gritti Palace
- Mid-range – Hotel Galleria, Hotel Atlantied, Hotel Paganelli
- Budget – Hotel Giovannina, Anda Venice, Hotel La Meridiana
What to pack for visiting Venice in December?
Venice in December can be chilly, but one can also expect rainfall at the same time. Therefore, make sure to pack at least two to three heavy clothes apart from your regular ones. Double it up with a warm hat, scarves, or woollen socks to keep yourself warm. Carrying an umbrella or rainy boots is also a good idea. It is recommended to carry footwear that is not easily damaged by water, as Venice has to battle with wet streets in December.
Getting around
- Vaporetto: A vaporetto, or waterbus, runs throughout the day in Venice. The waterbus can be expected every ten minutes, and the services are extended upto the islands of Murano, Burano, and Lido. The price for a single ticket is 7,50€.
- Water taxi: While using a water taxi can be an expensive affair, it is an effective mode of transport for those tourists who are looking for a more recluse environment during their travel. Priced between 100€ to 130€, the taxi can accommodate four people aboard its luxury boats.
- Gondola: Gondola tours across the city are available at all time. These rides last for 30 minutes and cost 80€ per boat. Choosing a gondola is the best way to go about admiring the beautiful cityscape of Venice.
Venice in December: Visiting tips
- It is a good idea to book your air-tickets in advance to avail cheaper fares during the low season.
- Keep in mind that Venice goes through Acqua Alta (high tide) at every possible hour, make sure you carry water-resilient footwear.
- It is recommended to move around using a vaporetto (Water bus) instead of a taxi, as Venice has an excellent and economic public transport system otherwise.
- Locals in Venice follow the rules (such as walking on the right side), so make sure you respect the same as well.
- Do not swim/wade in the canals, as the water can be unsafe to ingest.
Explore Venice through the year
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Planning to visit Venice in December?
Here are a few detailed guides on essentials in Venice that will help you plan your trip better.
