We look forward to welcoming you during the most magical time of the year and would like to suggest some unmissable events that will make your Christmas in Venice even more special. As for your upcoming stay, do not miss our Magic Winter in Venice Package and all our special offers for Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Venice, with a special mention for the exclusive New Year’s Eve dinner.

Advent in Music 2025 – from 30th November to 21st December

Four free concerts in four Venetian churches celebrate Advent with sacred music, featuring the organ as a powerful instrument of spiritual expression. The events, organized by the Alessandro Marcello Association, begin on Sunday 30 November at 4 p.m. in the Church of Santi Apostoli, with Arno Hartmann on organ and Giada Gatti on flute, in a Baroque and Classical programme linked to the liturgical season.

On 7 December at 4 p.m., in the Church of San Rocco, Deniel Perer on organ and soprano Minyoung Park will perform. On 14 December at 4 p.m., in the Church of San Polo, home to the Gaetano Callido organ, Diego Cannizzaro will present Sicilian compositions such as variations and pastorales. The series concludes on 21 December at 4 p.m. in the Church of San Trovaso, with organist Regina Neumüller playing the famous Baroque instrument.

Ice rink in Campo San Polo – from 29th November to 17th February

Every winter, Campo San Polo turns into a small Christmas village. Lights, music and food stalls create a festive atmosphere, with hot chocolate, mulled wine and traditional Venetian sweets to enjoy. The ice-skating rink is the most popular attraction, open every day with skate rental available.

The experience becomes even more magical at sunset, when the Christmas lights are reflected on the ice.

Murano Lights Up the World 2025 – from 21st November to 1st March

The exhibition project “Murano Lights Up the World” returns this year for its third edition, transforming St Mark’s Square into an open-air gallery. Promoted by the City of Venice and The Venice Glass Week, with the support of the Venice Rovigo Chamber of Commerce, the event invites twelve international artists and designers to reinterpret the traditional Murano chandelier in a contemporary way, in collaboration with the island’s most renowned glassworks.

From 21 November 2025 to 1 March 2026, twelve spectacular chandeliers will light up Venice’s evenings, celebrating Murano’s glassmaking tradition and its constant capacity for innovation.

Santa Run and Santa Water Parade – 14th and 21st December

On Sunday 14 December 2025, the 10th Santa Run will set off: a 5 km race designed for both runners and families, winding through the historic centre and turning the city into a joyful celebration of solidarity. The registration fee is 12 euros for adults, while children up to 12 years of age participate for free; the fee includes costume, refreshments and a final gadget, and part of the proceeds will be donated to AVAPO Venezia Onlus.

On Sunday 21 December, hundreds of Santas on board traditional Venetian boats decorated for the holidays will once again parade along the Grand Canal for the 11th edition of the Santa Claus Water Parade. The event is organized by the Coordinamento delle Associazioni Remiere di Voga alla Veneta in collaboration with the City of Venice and Vela. The boats will gather from 10 a.m. at Punta della Dogana, then depart at 10:30 a.m. and follow the Grand Canal to Rialto–Erbaria, where the awards ceremony will take place at around 11 a.m.

Christmas Island at the Lido – from 29th November to 20th December

On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, the Lido lights up with the first weekend of “Christmas Island”: the island dresses up for the season with traditional Christmas markets set up in Piazzale Santa Maria Elisabetta, Gran Viale and Piazzetta Lepanto. On Saturday 29 at 4:30 p.m. in Piazzetta Lepanto, the Christmas tree lighting is scheduled, followed by a Christmas concert with the Giuseppe Verdi Female Choir of Venice and I Flauti del Morosini, conducted by Francesca Seri.

New Year’s Concert – 29th, 30th, 31st December and 1st January

Among the rich programme of events dedicated to the holidays in Venice, the eagerly awaited New Year’s Concert at La Fenice Theatre is a must, now in its twenty-third edition. The concert will take place on 29, 30, 31 December and 1 January and will be conducted by Maestro Michele Mariotti.