What will the Advent markets be like in Venice this year? Program and important information in one place

Venice, in northern Italy, is known for its gondolas, canals, historical landmarks, romantic atmosphere, and the famous carnival.

Each year, the city attracts millions of visitors.

During Advent, Venice is adorned with thousands of lights that reflect magically on the water’s surface. You can also enjoy great food and encounter fewer tourists than at other times of the year. During the pre-Christmas weekend, the Christmas markets in Venice will enchant you.

We will provide you with all the important details in the following lines.

Advent markets of Venice

Thanks to its location, Christmas Venice has a truly fairytale atmosphere that you won’t experience in other cities. Similar to other large Italian cities, you can find markets in several places in Venice.

Of course, the most beautiful Advent markets in Venice can be found in the historic center of the city on the islands located in the Venetian Lagoon.

These festive markets, or “Mercatini di Natale” as the Italians call them, offer a unique opportunity to experience the holiday spirit, Venetian-style.

Let’s dive into the details of each market so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Christmas markets in Mestre

Among the stops on your Christmas tour in the Veneto region is the characteristic Christmas market in Mestre. Piazza Ferretto, Via Poerio and Via Allegri host, in fact, a large number of stalls selling typical gastronomic products, handicrafts and Christmas decorations.

Among the delicacies that are absolutely worth trying are the typical Buranelli biscuits, local cheeses and wines and the inevitable hot chocolate.

For the little ones there is the magical weekend appointment with Santa Claus and his right-hand man, the Elf: for incredible selfies with the legendary Santa Claus!

When and where will it all break out?

The program of the Advent fair in Venice

The annual “Natale in Laguna” or Christmas on the Lagoon market will be held this year. The main event takes place in Piazza Ferretto, a square lined with typical Venetian palaces, and will be transformed into a fair featuring a wide range of handicrafts and traditional delicacies..

The stalls will offer traditional goods such as Christmas ornaments and decorations made of Murano glass, carnival masks, and jewelry. Visitors can also enjoy an entertainment program including various musical and theatrical performances, concerts, workshops, and tastings.

The refreshments and drinks menu typically includes typical Italian Christmas sweets, candied and dried fruit, dates, chestnuts, olives, cheeses, cold meats, wine, and balsamic vinegar.

Christmas markets at Campo San Maurizio

When and where will it all break out?

Program of the Venice Christmas Market

Campo San Maurizio is situated in the San Marco district, just a few steps from Campo Santo Stefano, on the street that connects this square with Piazza San Marco. The Campo is notable for its size and the presence of significant buildings such as Palazzo Bellavite and Palazzo Zaguri.

What makes this market special is that it is a historical antiques market which has been held here in its unchanged form since 1970. This gives it a very impressive and unforgettable atmosphere. During the second weekend of Advent, visitors can find original products for sale in this unique place, making it an excellent source for unusual Christmas gifts.

Ice rink and fair at Campo San Polo

Ice skating is a beloved tradition in Venice, ideal for everyone’s favorite winter pastime!

When and where will it all break out?

Program of Christmas markets in Venice

Thousands of venetians and tourists from across the globe enjoy ice skating in Campo San Polo each winter. After all, there’s nothing more cheerful than gliding across the ice in the middle of the city. 

Ice skating is fun, healthy, and could be the perfect way to spend a very romantic winter day.

The square also hosts a small Venetian glass and lace market every year before Christmas. the Venetian Advent markets can thus bring original inspiration for your Christmas gifts.

Admission
Adults €10.00 and children under 12 €8.00.
In the case of renting skates, it costs €12.00 for adults and €10.00 for children under 12 years of age.

Interesting places in Venice

Venice has been one of the most popular cities in Europe for many years. Once an important commercial and maritime center, it is now a hub for tourists, as well as a center for social and cultural activities.

What are some must-see places when visiting the Christmas markets in Venice?

St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, isn’t just any square – it’s a world-famous landmark drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. It’s the heart of Venice’s vibrant celebrations, especially during Carnival and Christmas.

Imagine this: the iconic square becomes the centerpiece of the Venetian Christmas market, with a magnificent Christmas tree standing tall at its center. The architectural wonders surrounding the square, like St. Mark’s Basilica and the towering Campanile (Venice’s tallest building!), add to the magic. And when the Christmas lights illuminate the arches and buildings, the scene is simply breathtaking.

Two icons of the city rise above the square – St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile, an almost 99-meter-high bell tower, the tallest building in Venice. The Christmas lighting of the arches of the buildings on St. Mark’s Square is impressive.

Doge’s Palace

After visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, it is very easy to move on to another wonder of Venice – the Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace, which is one of the best examples of Venetian Gothic architecture.

The exterior is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Venice thanks to two levels of monumental colonnades. While visiting the Doge’s Palace, you can see from the inside the famous Bridge of Sighs, a covered bridge that once connected the Doge’s Palace and the nearby prison.

Grand Canal

Venice has approximately one hundred water canals, which you can explore more closely with a traditional gondola ride.

The largest and most famous is the Grand Canal, which actually divides Venice into two parts. Four bridges span this canal, but only one of them is familiar even to those who do not live in Venice – the majestic Rialto Bridge, which was built at the end of the 16th century.

On the day before Christmas Day, the Italian Santa Claus, or Babbo Natale, often rides along the Venetian canals in a gondola.

Murano and Burano

One of the most famous Venetian craft traditions is the “murrine,” an intricate decoration made of blown glass from Murano.

It’s worth visiting the island of the same name to see the glass museum. Another famous island in Venice, associated with a centuries-old craft tradition, is Burano, known for its lacemaking and small, colorful houses.

What’s the weather like at Christmas in Venice?

No worries about visiting Venice in the winter, and there are some perks to it too: cheaper flights and hotel rooms. The city is way less crowded, so you can save time on sightseeing.

What’s the weather like in Venice this Christmas? The temperature usually ranges between 32°F to 39°F. It’s pretty cold, damp, and a bit windy over there. But don’t worry, with the right clothes, you’ll be fine!

And if you’re lucky, you might get to experience a snowy Christmas in Venice. When it snows and the flakes cover the roofs of the monuments and squares, Venice looks absolutely stunning!

Venice at Christmas isn’t just a trip, it’s a memory in the making.

Trust us, if you’re looking for a Christmas that’s both magical and truly special, Venice is the place to be.