Resting on Christmas in Venice, you will find yourself in a magical winter fairy tale that will give you unforgettable emotions. And besides, only here you will be able to see the Italian Santa Claus riding a gondola!
Features of the celebration of Christmas in Venice
On the eve of the holiday, the Christmas tree in St. Mark's Square is decorated with luminous garlands (as are the Venetian streets and numerous canals), and the river trams (vaporettos) are decorated with lights and flowers. As for the locals, during this period they put pots with Christmas trees on the balconies.
It is worth noting that the Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale - rests all year, and on Christmas he gives gifts to all children, and for this you need to write him a letter, which should be dropped into a special red mailbox (hangs on almost every corner).
The Venetian Christmas menu is not complete without a blessed goose, lentils, rice in almond milk, various types of pasta, pastries with nuts and dried fruits, Pandoro Christmas cake, sparkling wine, a dessert in the form of nougat made from almonds, honey, egg whites and sugar. Many families put a dough manger with figures of biblical characters on the table. And, for example, tourists can order a Christmas dinner at the “Ristorante Alle Corone” restaurant.
Entertainment and celebrations in Venice
On Christmas Eve, it is recommended to attend Mass at the Basilica of San Marco. It is advisable to come here earlier, and not exactly at 22:30, since the cathedral is quickly filled with those wishing to attend festive events - free concerts, performances of children's choirs, theatrical performances. Festive events will await those wishing to and in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, and in other churches in Venice
You can admire Christmas Venice by going on a vaporetto cruise (since their timetable changes during the Christmas period, it is advisable to check the opening hours at the pier).
From December 6 to mid-February, those who wish will be able to skate on the skating rink on Campo San Polo (skates are also available for rent).
Christmas markets in Venice
On December 2-24, the Venetian square Santo Stefano turns into a Christmas village - here you can taste local delicacies and homemade sweets, buy Christmas gifts and various souvenirs in the trade stalls - wooden houses in the form of fancy lamps, Murano glass, porcelain dolls, ceramics, candles, lace, carnival masks, jewelry and home decorations, as well as listen to music and take part in festivities.
And on December 9-10 it is worth visiting the “Market of Miracles”, where antiques and second-hand things (postcards, books and other things of interest to collectors) are traded.
