Whether you’re hoping to enjoy an Italian-style Christmas or just want to escape to the City of Water at this time of year, there is plenty to do and see in Venice, Italy, in December. From Hanukkah celebrations and the observance of The Immaculate Conception to strolling through the Campo Santo Stefano Christmas Market or celebrating the New Year at the Festa di San Silvestro, you’ll have ample opportunities to enjoy mild winter weather and festive cheer.
Venice weather in December
Although winters are typically cold and wet in much of Italy’s moderate continental climate, temperatures rarely drop below freezing in December. Instead, you can expect an average high of 45 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 34 degrees for most of the month. However, Venice is also subject to sudden cold wind currents blowing from the eastern European plains known as bora, and you may see frost build up overnight as a result, although you probably won’t see much snowfall. since the bora is typically a dry wind.
Rainfall or precipitation in the form of snow is expected for six days a month, on average, with a monthly accumulation of 2.4 inches. In addition, the city experiences a phenomenon known as acqua alta (high waters) during bad weather conditions, along with strong winds and a rising tide that floods several streets and corridors.
What to pack
With relatively cool days and cooler nights, you’ll need to pack a variety of clothes to suit the changing weather in Venice throughout the month of December. You will need to bring a warm winter coat, ideally one that has room underneath for a thick sweater, as well as a lighter (but still warm) coat for daytime travel. You will also need to pack warm gloves, a knit hat, and a scarf, especially if you plan to go out on the water on a gondola ride. Although rain and snowfall are rare in December, you may want to pack waterproof shoes in case of a sudden outbreak of acqua alta, but you probably won’t need to bring an umbrella as the month is almost dry.
December events in Venice
Although Italy is largely a Catholic and Christian nation, you will be able to find some Hannukkah celebrations in most major cities, and you will also find many celebrations of religious holidays of all kinds, as well as national holidays such as St. Stephen’s Day in December. .
- Hanukkah: Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that takes place over eight nights and usually takes place between early and mid-December (and sometimes November). In Venice, Hanukkah is traditionally celebrated in the Venetian ghetto, which was the first segregated Jewish community in the world, dating back to 1516. In the Ghetto, inside the Cannaregio Sestiere, you will see the lighting of the large Menorah every night, and have the opportunity to participate in fun and traditional Hanukkah festivals with the locals. Sampling the wide variety of kosher foods is a must, and there is no shortage of delicious treats available to buy.
- The Immaculate Conception ( Immacolata Concezione) : on this day, December 8, the Catholic faithful celebrate the conception of Jesus Christ by the Virgin Mary (Madonna). Since it is a national holiday, you can expect many businesses to close in observance, as well as various masses (services) held throughout the city at different times of the day.
- Campo Santo Stefano Christmas Market : From mid-December to mid-January, the festive Christmas market in Campo Santo Stefano is filled with stalls selling high-quality and often handmade Venetian items such as nativity scenes, children’s toys, and delicious seasonal treats. Lots of food, drinks, and live music are also a big part of the festivities that will put you in a jolly holiday mood.
- Christmas Day (Giorno di Natale) – You can expect everything to be closed on Christmas Day (December 25) as Venetians celebrate one of the most important religious holidays of the year. Of course, there are many ways to celebrate Christmas in Venice, from attending midnight mass at St. Mark’s Basilica to visiting Christmas nurseries in the city.
- Saint Stephen’s Day (Il Giorno di Santo Stefano): This holiday takes place the day after Christmas (December 26) and is usually an extension of Christmas Day. Families venture to see nativity scenes in churches, as well as visit Christmas markets and enjoy some quality time together. The feast day of Santo Stefano is also celebrated on this day and is celebrated especially in the churches that venerate Saint Stephen.
- New Year’s Eve (Festa di San Silvestro): Like all over the world, New Year’s Eve (December 31), which coincides with the Feast of San Silvestre (San Silvestro), is celebrated with much fanfare in Venice. A grand celebration is held in St. Mark’s Square culminating with a fireworks display and a countdown to midnight.
