Things to Do in Venice in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Venice
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Dramatically fewer crowds - major attractions like St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace have wait times under 15 minutes versus 2+ hours in summer
- Hotel prices drop 40-60% compared to peak season, with luxury canal-view rooms available for €150-250 versus €400+ in summer
- Authentic Venetian atmosphere emerges as locals reclaim their city - neighborhood cafés serve regulars, markets operate at normal pace, and you'll hear more Italian than tourist languages
- Unique winter photography opportunities with dramatic fog rolling off the Adriatic, empty bridges at sunrise, and Christmas decorations reflecting in the canals
Considerations
- Acqua alta (high tide flooding) occurs 3-5 times per month in December, with water levels reaching 110-130 cm (43-51 inches), making St. Mark's Square temporarily inaccessible
- Daylight hours are severely limited - sunrise at 7:45am and sunset by 4:30pm means only 8.5 hours of natural light for sightseeing
- Many seasonal restaurants and some smaller museums close or operate reduced hours, particularly between Christmas and New Year when even locals leave the city
Best Activities in December
St. Mark's Square Winter Photography Tours
December mornings create ethereal fog effects around the Byzantine domes and campanile, while evening mist transforms the piazza into a mystical scene. The dramatic winter light at 4pm golden hour is unlike any other season. Crowds are minimal before 10am, giving you unobstructed shots of the basilica facade.
Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries
December is perfect for the exclusive Secret Itineraries tour as group sizes are capped at 25 people and actually fill up slowly in winter. You'll explore Casanova's prison cell and cross the Bridge of Sighs from inside without summer's suffocating crowds and heat.
Murano Glass-Making Workshops
Winter is peak season for Murano glass artists as tourism drops but production continues for spring collections. Factory visits are more intimate with masters actually having time to demonstrate techniques. The warm furnaces provide welcome relief from December's chill.
Venetian Bacaro Food Tours
December brings seasonal specialties like baccalà mantecato (whipped cod) and warming ombra (small wine glasses) culture comes alive as locals gather indoors. Many bacari serve winter cicchetti unavailable in warmer months, including game meats and hearty soups.
Gondola Rides with Winter Ambiance
December gondola rides offer unparalleled romance with canal reflections of Christmas lights and zero competition for photo spots. The traditional felze (covered cabin) is often available, providing weather protection while maintaining the authentic experience locals used year-round.
La Fenice Opera House Performances
December is peak opera season with special holiday performances and New Year's concerts. The intimate 1,000-seat theater creates an incredible acoustic experience, and December audiences dress elegantly, adding to the authentic Venetian cultural atmosphere.
December Events & Festivals
Regata delle Befane
Traditional Epiphany regatta on January 6th where gondoliers dressed as the Befana (Christmas witch) race down the Grand Canal. This authentic local celebration draws Venetian families rather than tourists, offering genuine cultural immersion.
Christmas Markets at Campo Santo Stefano
Venice's main Christmas market features local artisans selling Murano glass ornaments, Burano lace, and traditional Venetian masks. Unlike tourist shops, these are actual craftspeople from the islands selling authentic pieces.