Should You Visit Venice In December? The Honest Truth

When you think of Venice in December, you might assume freezing temperatures and even snowy days. Indeed, the weather is pretty cold (usually just above freezing), at least to someone like me used to the very mild winter of Cagliari (the capital of Sardinia).

On the other hand, there are fewer tourists, and there’s a little winter charm.

My friend and I visited Venice in December. We spent five days there (this is the itinerary we followed) and I was shocked by how much I loved it. Yes, it was very cold and I had to wear lots of layers (but then again, I am not really used to such cold temperatures), but the usual tourist attractions were open and way less crowded.

I quickly realized it might be one of my favorite times to visit Venice – and I have also been there in March, June, August and September.

So if you are wondering when it the best time to visit Venice to avoid the crowds, you have your answer: go in December!

In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know about visiting Venice in December, including the weather and acqua alta (high water), and share other important tips that will help you plan a fabulous Venice winter getaway.

My post What You Must Know Before Visiting Venice includes lots of other useful travel tips to plan a wonderful trip.

Why Visit Venice In December

Honestly, Venice in December is magical. The city feels peaceful, with fewer tourists and locals going about their daily lives. The winter light creates beautiful reflections on the canals, and the cooler temperatures make exploring the narrow streets much more pleasant than during the hot summer months.

Weather in Venice in December

December weather in Venice is cold but not extreme. The average temperature stays between 0°C and 8°C (32°F to 46°F). It rains about 6 days during the month (which is actually less than in the spring months), usually short showers – but again, that’s an average: for example it did not rain at all during the 6 days I spent there. Snow is very rare in Venice.

The humidity can make it feel colder than the temperature shows. The cold air and wind from the lagoon often brings a chilly breeze through the streets, especially in areas close to the water, like Riva degli Schiavoni (which is where I stayed during my last visit).

On sunny days, the weather is perfect for walking around and exploring. Just bring warm clothes and layer up, and you’ll be fine. At night, it gets colder so you’ll need to layer up.

If it’s a little too cold for you, just break up your exploration around the city by stopping in churches and museums to warm up (though I must admit the rooms visited during the Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour were freezing).

Museums usually maintain a steady temperature throughout winter, and Venice has hundreds of them scattered across every sestiere. Plus, the winter light streaming through the church windows creates stunning effects you won’t see in summer.

Another trick to take a break from the cold weather is to stop for a coffee or for cicchetti, the famous tapas-like snacks that are typical of the city and that are usually paired with a glass of wine.

If you’re traveling to other parts of Italy and want the big picture about the weather, you can read my guide, When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Italy? If you’re also visiting Rome, you can also read The Best Time To Visit Rome. Both articles favor the shoulder season in Italy, but there’s the upside to traveling in winter, too.

How long are days in Venice in December?

The days in Venice are quite short in December. The sun rises between 7:30 and 7:50 am and sets around 4:30 pm, giving you about 9 hours of daylight.

This means you’ll see beautiful early sunsets over the lagoon, and that even if you don’t wake up too early you are still in time to see a gorgeous sunrise – my friend and I would see it every day when we’d go for breakfast.

The golden hour starts around 3:30 pm, painting the palazzos in warm orange light.

While longer days are certainly nice to explore, these shorter days create a special atmosphere in Venice. The early evenings are perfect for ducking into warm bacari (Venice’ typical wine bars) for cicchetti and a glass of wine. The atmosphere is overall more relaxed.

The city lights reflect on the canals as early as 5:00 pm, and the empty streets feel like they’re all yours. While the main streets are quite well illuminated, many of the side streets and narrow alleys tend to be quite dark – there isn’t much public illumination on these side alleys, and there’s not much light coming from the surrounding buildings.

My post How Long To Stay In Venice will help you decide how many days to dedicate to this wonderful city.

What are the chances of acqua alta in December?

Acqua alta (high water) can occur in Venice in November and December – those are the two months with the highest chances. The high water typically occurs between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, with occasional nighttime flooding after 11:00 pm.

The flooding lasts just a couple of hours before the water retreats. However, don’t be too concerned. First of all, you really can’t predict acqua alta that much in advance so don’t let this affect your decision on when to visit Venice.

I visited Venice in December without experiencing any acqua alta at all.

When it does happen, Venice is well-prepared with wooden walkways (passerelle) in the main streets. Besides, the Mose (Venice flood barriers) is put to work to minimize the disturbances during acqua alta episodes.

In any case, most acqua alta only affects low-lying areas like Piazza San Marco. The rest of Venice stays dry and walkable. For a comfortable visit, I recommend staying in higher areas like Cannaregio or Castello, and bringing waterproof boots or getting plastic shoe covers from local vendors.

It seems like a hassle, but many tourists actually enjoy experiencing this unique Venetian phenomenon. Furthermore, the reflections in the flooded squares create stunning photo opportunities, especially in front of Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Is Venice in December crowded?

December in Venice has two very different faces. Early December is wonderfully quiet – that’s when my friend and I visited. You can walk through normally packed spots like Rialto Bridge without squeezing past other tourists. Local restaurants have plenty of tables available and you don’t really need to book a spot in advance.

There are more people in the Rialto and St. Mark’s Square area, and along Riva degli Schiavoni and Doge’s Palace, but it’s nothing like in the peak summer months.

Everything changes when Christmas tourism picks up. The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve (from 26 to 31 December) gets busy, but nothing like summer crowds. Even during this peak winter period, you can easily find quiet corners.

If you want to explore lesser-known areas in Venice, I recommend venturing out to places like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro. These neighborhoods stay peaceful even during holidays, and they have some of the best traditional restaurants in the city.

Is Venice cheaper in December?

Yes, Venice is cheaper in December, especially in the first half of the month. Hotel prices drop significantly from summer rates, often by 40-50%. Many 4-star hotels offer 3-star prices, and small boutique hotels frequently include extras like breakfast or room upgrades.

Winter months in Venice are the perfect time for budget travelers because of how much easier it is to find a deal – but keep in mind prices increase immediately after Christmas when there’s a surge of tourism.

If you wish to stay in the center of the action and have the budget to splurge, I recommend the iconic Hotel Danieli on Riva degli Schiavoni. It’s plush, and prices in December are a fraction of what they are in the busy summer season.

For something that’s more budget friendly, there’s Residenza Veneziana which is located in the Castello Sestiere. It has plush rooms with views of the canals.

My post Where To Stay In Venice shares the best hotels in the city for any budget.

Transportation costs in Venice stay the same year-round for Vaporetto and private water taxis, and the same goes for gondola rides in December: they have fixed tariffs that don’t change throughout the year and you’ll have to pay cash (unless you book online).

Are attractions open in Venice in December?

All main attractions in Venice stay open during December. The Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica, and major museums maintain their normal opening hours. You won’t find long lines at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or Galleria dell’Accademia in December, which is great for enjoying the art.

Some smaller museums have shorter hours in winter, but this matches well with the shorter days. The churches look different in winter, too, with the light coming in at lower angles through the windows.

December brings extra things to do in Venice. Campo Santo Stefano has a big Christmas market with local vendors selling gifts, food, and hot wine. You’ll find similar markets in Campo San Polo and Santa Margherita from late November through early January.

One thing I need to point out is that there are less tours running in December – some tours are simply not available in the off-season, and many tours will virtually be private tours as there isn’t much request. My friend and I were the only ones during the Jewish Ghetto tour, and there was only another couple during the Cicchetti tour.

Can you ride a gondola in the winter?

Gondolas run all year in Venice, including during cold December days.

The gondoliers give you warm blankets, making the experience extra special, and you can bring a warm drink. With fewer boats on the canals in winter, the rides are more peaceful and romantic than during the busy summer months.

The best time for a winter gondola ride is on a clear, sunny day. Morning rides have fewer boats around, and afternoon rides let you catch some beautiful winter light. Just make sure to bundle up and enjoy this classic Venetian experience.

One recommendation I have is not to ride a gondola directly off St. Mark’s Square, as this area is directly exposed to the wind and there’ll be bigger waves.

Best things to do in Venice in December

December in Venice offers a mix of classic attractions and special winter activities. Without the summer crowds, you can enjoy the city’s famous spots at a more relaxed pace. The cooler weather makes walking and exploring much more comfortable than during the hot months.

Here are some of the things you can’t miss:

• Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and climb the Campanile for amazing views over Venice. In winter, the morning fog creates beautiful scenes across the city, and you won’t have to wait as long in lines.
• Go on a Secret Itineraries Tour of Doge’s Palace and enjoy seeing the prisons and the torture chambers.
• Take a food tour through the Rialto Market area. Winter is perfect for trying hot local specialties like baccalà mantecato and risotto al radicchio. The market is less crowded, and you can actually chat with vendors about their products.
• Explore the Christmas market at Campo Santo Stefano, where local artisans sell Murano glass decorations and traditional Venetian treats. Get a cup of vin brulé (mulled wine) to warm up while you browse.
• Join the locals for aperitivo at traditional bacari. These small wine bars are cozier in winter, and you’ll find seasonal cicchetti like warm polpette and grilled radicchio di Treviso.
• See a performance at Teatro La Fenice, Venice’ magnificent theater – you can look for what’s on on the official website.
• Opt for a day trip from Venice – for example a boat tour to Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands: without the typical tourist crowds of the summer, Murano and Burano are absolutely stunning and have a more intimate atmosphere.

The quiet December atmosphere lets you experience Venice at a more relaxed pace. Without tourist crowds, you can wander through narrow calli, discover hidden campi, and stop anywhere that catches your eye without feeling rushed.

The early sunset, around 4:30 pm, gives you plenty of time to enjoy Venice’s evening lights and find a warm restaurant for dinner.

If you decide to join a food tour, I recommend this Venice: Food Tasting Tour with Cicchetti and Wine. The tour includes 15 different tastings across 6-8 famous restaurants and bars. There’s a large variety of food and samples, and it’s a fun way to get to know the city a little more.

My post What To See And Do In Venice shares more ideas on activities and attractions in the city.

Should you book tickets in advance?

December is generally relaxed for bookings in Venice. For most attractions, booking a few days ahead is fine. The Doge’s Palace tickets, St. Mark’s Basilica, and museum tickets are usually available even the day before your visit.

But everything changes during the Christmas holiday week. From December 26th to January 1st, Venice gets busy again. For this period, book your tickets at least two weeks in advance. This is especially important for special tours like the Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace or the St. Mark’s Bell Tower visits because these can sell out quickly during the holidays.

If you decide to book in advance, you can opt for combination tickets that include fast-track access to several main sites. For example, this Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Combo is a great way to visit both sites (and it includes terrace access at St. Mark’s, which I highly recommend).

If you’re planning a trip to Doge’s Palace, make sure to read my article, How To Visit Doge’s Palace Venice: Best Ticket Options, Tours, & Insider Tips. I discuss secret itineraries, share the best tours, and provide helpful tips for booking tickets.

Restaurants need more planning for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Many super popular places, like Antiche Carampane or Osteria alle Testiere, are small and fill up weeks ahead for holiday dinners. For these special nights, I recommend booking as soon as you know your travel dates.

Otherwise, most places accept last-minute walk-ins which allows you a bit more flexibility.

Christmas in Venice

Venice in winter has its own special charm during the Christmas season. This isn’t much of a Christmas destination, and you won’t find Christmas markets as you would in other places in Italy (for example in the small towns in the Dolomites). Venice only has small Christmas markets like the one in Campo Santo Stefano.

Yet, the city is decorated with strings of lights crossing the narrow streets, and local shops put up beautiful window displays. The most impressive Christmas tree is the one in St. Mark’s Square, close to Doge’s Palace, and there are some smaller trees in other areas.

From December 8th, when Italy celebrates the Immaculate Conception, Venice fills with holiday spirit. Many churches display hand-carved presepi (nativity scenes), and the one in San Giovanni e Paolo is particularly beautiful.

If you are in Venice during New Year’s Eve, consider going to Riva degli Schiavoni to see the impressive fireworks.

Overall, Christmas in Venice is nice. It’s definitely the busiest time of winter in the city, but it’s charming and still more comfortable than the hot, crowded summer months.

What to wear in Venice in December

The key to staying comfortable in Venice in December is layering. The temperature changes throughout the day, and walking between sunny and shaded streets makes a big difference. A warm coat is essential; make sure it’s waterproof for possible rain.

Here are some examples of good things to include in your packing list for Italy in the winter:

• A heavy winter coat or jacket
• Warm sweaters for layering
• Long pants or jeans (no shorts)
• Closed, comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof boots or ankle boots
• Warm socks and thermal underwear for the colder areas
• Scarf, hat, and gloves
• Small umbrella

When it comes to traveling to Italy in the winter, it’s always best to be more prepared because weather can be a little unpredictable.

One extra tip: bring shoes with good grip. The stone pavements in Venice can get slippery when wet, and winter brings more rainy days than usual.

I have written a more detailed Packing List For Venice that will tell you exactly what to wear in any season.

Conclusions: Is Visiting Venice In December A Good Idea?

Venice in winter might not have the sunny appeal of summer, but December brings out an entirely different side of the city. After having visited in December, I have to say to me this is the best time to go!

With fewer tourists around and lower hotel price, it’s an incredible time to visit and even if you just have a day in Venice, or spend three days in Venice (which is the minimum I recommend), you get to see lots. Sure, you’ll need to pack warm clothes and maybe deal with some acqua alta, but these minor inconveniences come with major benefits.

The relaxed atmosphere, quiet museums, peaceful gondola rides, and cozy bacari make up for the cold weather and shorter days. You can enjoy St. Mark’s Square without massive crowds, take perfect photos from almost empty bridges, and you don’t have to elbow your way around attractions.

Plus, with better hotel deals and more availability everywhere, December lets you experience Venice without breaking the bank or fighting for dinner reservations.

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