venice christmas markets 2023
Last updated Oct 09, 2023
Venice is always special, but even more so at Christmas, when stunning seasonal lighting, decorations (even the gondolas are decked out!) and music combine to propel its beauty and atmosphere to the next level. Indeed, the sound of the church bells from Piazza San Marco on Christmas Day alone would bring a tear to a glass eye.
Venice and the surrounding areas of Mestre and Verona also offer some gorgeous Christmas markets to explore, brimming as they are with local crafts and food, as well as atmosphere. Here’s a round-up of our favourites. Buon Natale!
venice markets
Venice is filled with vibrant piazzas, many of which spring even more to life with annual Christmas markets. Campo S. Bartolomeo, Campo San Salvador, Campo San Luca, Campo Manin and Campo Santo Stefano are the main ones to visit for Christmas markets, with some erecting temporary ice rinks so you can enjoy full festive feels. Of these, Campo Santo Stefano is the biggest, transforming into what is best described as a Christmas village, complete with the most gorgeous little wooden cabins for stalls. One section of this market is devoted entirely to local foods, selling the likes of candied chestnuts, speciality pasta, creamy nougat and traditional oils and vinegars. Wear elasticated pants!
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natale di vetro (christmas in glass) at murano
The island of Murano is famous for its stunning Venetian glass, and its annual Christmas celebration is equally striking. Taking place throughout December until early January, it features an open-air exhibition of spectacular local glassworks (the highlight of which is a stunning, seven and a half meter tall, three-ton, glass Christmas tree that was first installed on the island in December 2006), live glassblowing demonstrations, music and entertainment and events such as the Glasswork Regatta (a boat race with rowers dressed as angels and other festive costumes) and the Furnace Food (a series of dinner parties thrown by glassworkers in their own factories). If you fancy some truly unique and unmistakably Venetian gifts, this is the place for you.
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mestre markets
Mestre has three main Christmas markets: Mercatino di Natale which will likely take place in 2023 from the 29th November to the 24th December at the Piazza Ferreto; the Christmas Market in Via Allegri runs throughout December into early January; and Mercato dei Portici which is likely to kick off the last weekend of November in 2023. All are rich in Christmas atmosphere, and offer the usual market fare of local crafts, food and wine. They’re also very close to our aparthotel in Mestre!
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verona markets
For those willing to wander a little further for their Christmas fix, fair Verona is the spot. While the entire city transforms into a winter wonderland with various local markets popping up everywhere, the main one takes place in the central Piazza dei Signori. With architectural beauties such as Palazzo della Region, Loggia del Consiglio, Palazzo del Podesta and Arche Scaligere as your backdrop, the setting is breathtaking. Keep an eye out for stalls selling traditional teddy bears dressed in the cutest Christmas outfits, which make gorgeous gifts for the little people in your life.
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Travelling to Venice this festive season? Then stay with us at our aparthotel in Venice Mestre. This absolute beauty of an aparthotel (our first opening in Italy!) features a range of stylish and contemporary studio and one-bedroom apartments, and a Staycafé and gym, and is the perfect base to explore Venice’s many Christmas markets, as well as its countless other delights.
