Thinking of visiting Venice (Italy) in December and wondering what to expect?
What is it like to visit Venice in December? How is the weather? What to wear? Are there any Christmas Markets? What are the crowds like? What is there to see and do during the holiday season? Is everything open? And is it even worth visiting Venice in the winter months?
In this guide, we share our experience-based tips and useful information for visiting Venice in December. Find out!
Where to stay: If you are looking for a hotel in Venice, check out the H10 Palazzo Canova on the Grand Canal near Rialto Bridge. This popular hotel has spacious, elegant rooms, a stunning rooftop terrace, and the perfect location for exploring the city on foot or by boat.
Unique experiences: In addition to the main sights that you absolutely have to see, here are some of my recommended experiences for a more memorable winter visit to Venice (all of these are perfect for long dark evenings when you can’t do much else anyway):
- Classical Music Concerts.
- Cichetti Tours (traditional Venetian ‘tapas’).
- Cooking Classes.
- Mystery and Legends Tours.
Venice in December – Overview:
Is December a Good Time to Visit Venice?
Yes, December is a good month to visit Venice – if you know what to expect. There are quite a few advantages of traveling in the winter season, but also a couple of disadvantages.
The main advantages of visiting Venice in December are the lack of crowds and lower accommodation prices.
Venice is one of the top cities in Italy and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting millions of tourists every year. But in December, the city is pretty much as quiet as it ever gets, giving you a chance to experience Venice in a more authentic way.
Important! Keep in mind that the above mostly applies for the first three weeks of December and not so much between Christmas and New Year. December 26-31 is really busy in Venice, and accommodation prices are about double compared to the rest of the month.
The main disadvantages of visiting Venice in December are colder weather and shorter days. There are also fewer options for guided tours.
You can find more information about all of this further below.
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Venice
The Weather
December in Venice is cool, with average daytime temperatures around 5–10°C (40–50°F) and nighttime lows closer to freezing. The wind can make it feel even colder, especially if you are closer to the water.
At the beginning of the month, it can sometimes get as warm as 12-15°C (50-60°F) but by Christmas – New Year, it’s usually freezing at night and not warmer than 5-7°C (40-45°F) during the day.
It’s often cloudy and grey, and you can always expect some rain. That said, the average number of rainy days in December is just 6 (which is less than in the spring and early summer). Your chances of having sunshine and blue skies are a lot higher than having rain.
Good to know: Don’t worry too much about the weather forecast, especially if checking a week or two before you go. It will likely change a few times as you get to your travel dates anyway. And even if there is rain in the forecast, the wind blows the clouds away and it usually doesn’t last very long.
Acqua Alta
When visiting Venice during the winter season, there is always a chance that you will experience acqua alta (high tide), which can flood parts of the city.
But I wouldn’t let the chance of acqua alta stop you from visiting Venice in December.
First, you can’t really predict it long in advance. Second, the chances of an exceptionally high tide aren’t that big. Even when it happens, in most cases, high water doesn’t last longer than an hour or two, and only the lowest areas around St Mark’s Square are impacted. Plus, the city puts up elevated walkways if needed.
In case the water gets high and floods parts of the city, get a pair of rain boots and make the best of it. If anything, it will be a very memorable visit.
How Long Are the Days
In December, daylight hours in Venice are limited. Sun rises around 7.30-7.50 AM and sets around 4.30 PM and by 5 PM it is dark. The advantage is that you can experience stunning sunrises and sunsets without much effort. The downside is that you will have to fill long, dark evenings.
And it’s dark indeed! Venice is one of the darkest cities I have ever visited. The main streets and tourist landmarks are somewhat lit, but most smaller streets and canals are really dark.
As long as you stay on the main streets with illuminated storefronts, it’s ok, but the moment you turn into a quieter street, it’s usually lit by just one or two lanterns. Furthermore, there is hardly any light from the windows since many buildings in the city center are rented to tourists, and most of them are empty in December…
Walking around Venice on a quiet December evening, you can experience a truly unique atmosphere. I can only compare it to exploring Bruges in Belgium in the dark – it feels like taking a trip a few centuries back in time. I have to add that I never felt unsafe, but we also never stayed up later than 9-10 PM.
TIP: Plan some nice evening activities to make the most of your visit to Venice in the dark winter months. Some of the best things to do in the evenings are attending a Venetian concert or doing a local food tour. As already mentioned before, walking tours focused on the legends and mysteries of Venice are also perfect for dark winter evenings!
READ ALSO: Venice Itinerary for 3 Days
What to Wear
Dressing for Venice in December, I would prioritize warmth and comfort above anything else. Bring a winter jacket and a few warm layers. I wore my Merino t-shirts and wool turtleneck sweaters on most days. Thermal tights are nice to have as well.
I highly recommend wearing warm winter shoes or boots. I always have cold feet, so I wore these winter boots to Venice in December. I saw many people walking around in sneakers, but I wouldn’t have wanted to miss my winter shoes. Not having to worry about cold or wet feet made the entire trip so much more relaxing and enjoyable.
A scarf, gloves, and a hat are essential for keeping warm. You may want to pack a small travel umbrella as well.
Depending on the hotel you are staying at and what you plan to do (going to a theater, dining at fancy restaurants, etc.), you may want to pack somewhat dressier clothes, but otherwise, casual is just fine.
How Busy Is It?
Compared to the bustling summer months, December in Venice feels really peaceful. Local guides told us that the first half of December is the quietest time of the entire year.
You can visit the most popular sights without a long wait and often even without advance reservations (which is practically impossible in the high season). You can explore the narrow streets and canals without having to squeeze your way through. You can find a table for lunch or dinner without having to book ahead. And you can stay at a nice hotel in the city center without having to break the bank.
The busiest areas are around St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace/Bridge of Sighs, and Rialto Bridge. But it’s only somewhat busier from around 10 AM to 2-3 PM and is not even remotely comparable to the crowds in the warm season. The rest of the city is very quiet during the day and practically deserted in the mornings and evenings.
That said, keep in mind that this applies for the biggest part of December, but not for the holiday season. It’s a lot busier between Christmas and New Year’s Eve (December 26-31), but also nothing like in the summer.
READ ALSO: Tips for Visiting Doge’s Palace
What to See and Do in Venice in December
If you are wondering what to see and do in Venice in December, my answer is quite simple – you can do pretty much everything that you could also do at any other time of the year! In fact, because it’s not busy, you can explore deeper and see more in less time.
Venice’s iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace are a must-visit any time of year, but December offers the added charm of fewer crowds. You can visit museums, explore the quiet streets, and take a gondola ride to enjoy the canals.
I would not take a gondola close to St. Mark’s Square, where the wind is stronger and the waves are bigger, but a gondola ride in the smaller canals can be perfectly enjoyable in the winter as well.
In addition, there are performances at Teatro La Fenice, evening concerts in churches and other historic venues throughout the city, and ‘traveling’ operas in historic palazzos.
The only thing that I noticed when looking for things to do in Venice in December is that some guided tours were not available at this time of the year.
On the other hand, most tours we did were practically private. In most cases, it was just me and my friend, sometimes two other people. The boat tour to the islands was a bit busier, but most people only visited the Murano and Burano islands. There were just six of us going to Torcello.
READ ALSO: Gondola Ride in Venice: Tips & Tricks for A Better Experience
Do You Need to Book Things in Advance?
This really depends on the specific place/activity. Normally, in December (before Christmas), you can visit pretty much any place – including the top landmarks – without reservations. That said, some places are busier at specific times and some activities are booked up even though it’s low season.
As a general rule, I would recommend pre-booking the main things that you absolutely want to see and do, especially if your time in Venice is limited. For example, if you have just one day in Venice, definitely reserve tickets in advance. If, however, you have several days in the city and don’t mind a short wait here or there, you can visit most places without reservations.
Finding a hotel is normally not an issue in December, but for the best deals, I recommend booking ahead. If you are planning a trip during Christmas – New Year, then definitely book as much as possible in advance!
READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Venice in One Day
Our experience: We visited Venice in the first week of December and stayed for four days. We planned everything ahead and booked most tickets – Doge’s Palace, San Mark’s Campanile and Basilica, and several guided tours a few days before the trip. To my surprise, the queues were either non-existent or really short, so we would have been able to visit most places without a reservation. Still, I am glad we planned the itinerary and booked ahead.
Despite it being the lowest season, some attractions were sold out, and we wouldn’t have been able to visit if we had not reserved. For example, the rooftop terrace of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi was fully booked for the biggest part of the month. Since we were flexible, we found an empty time slot just a few days in advance, but there were just a few openings in their booking calendar and only in the first week of December.
We went to San Giorgio Maggiore Island and were able to see the church and visit the tower. But we couldn’t visit the labyrinth or other parts of the Benedictine Monastery because we hadn’t booked in advance. They only run tours at specific times, so by booking ahead, we would have known when to come so that we could explore everything.
Also, I booked the earliest slot at St Mark’s Basilica and was the first one to enter it as it opened. We have visited this cathedral several times before, but seeing it without the crowds was an incredible experience.
TIP: In the warmer season, you can visit St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace without the crowds with this exclusive after-hours tour.
READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Churches in Italy
Christmas Market, Festive Decorations & Ice Skating
Unlike most European cities, Venice isn’t really a Christmas city. That said, there are some decorations and events. The festive atmosphere in Venice is subtle yet charming, blending perfectly with the timeless beauty of the city.
You can find a nice Christmas Tree at St Mark’s Square, and some smaller Christmas trees here and there throughout the city. The main shopping streets have festive lighting. Some hotels and shops have seasonal decorations as well.
Venice doesn’t really have a big Christmas Market. For that, you may want to consider a day trip to Verona or Treviso. That said, if you are visiting Venice around mid-December, you can find a small Christmas Market on Campo Santo Stefano.
It has a few charming booths offering handmade crafts, Murano glass ornaments, carnival masks, and local treats. It’s a good place to buy some traditional Italian Christmas foods, such as fruit-filled panettone, creamy nougat (torrone), and other delicacies. You can even book a photoshoot at the Christmas Market!
Good to know: In most years, Venice also puts up an ice skating rink on Campo San Polo. It’s usually open from the beginning of December to mid-February. You can rent the skates on the spot.
READ ALSO: Italian Food to Try in Each Region
Christmas & New Year’s Eve
If you are visiting Venice during the holiday season and are looking for something special to do on Christmas or New Year’s Eve, there are quite a few options.
Many high-end hotels have themed gala dinners, shows, live music, special lunches, or New Year’s parties. There are also some concerts and other events.
That said, some of these are very exclusive and expensive, while others are much more affordable and easier to book (like, for example, this New Year’s Eve gala dinner and cabaret show). In any case, be sure to make reservations well in advance!
If you are in Venice for New Year’s Eve, the best place to see fireworks is along Riva degli Schiavoni (more or less between Doge’s Palace and the Arsenale area).
So, this is my experience and tips for visiting Venice in December. I hope that it gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you plan a truly memorable trip!
Having been to Venice multiple times in all seasons, I have to say that December is one of my favorite times. In the peak season, the city often feels like an open-air museum or a theme park. Visiting in the low season gives you an opportunity to experience Venice in a more authentic way and truly appreciate this unique city.
Go for it and have a great trip!
More tips for your visit to Italy:
- Best Places to Visit in Italy
- Italy Itinerary for 2 Weeks
- Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites
- Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi Coast
- Best Things to Do in Rome
- Tips for Visiting Rome
- Best Things to Do in Milan
- Best Things to Do in Florence
- Best Things to Do in Verona
- For many more destinations all over Italy, travel guides, and itineraries, please see our Italy travel guide.
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