Christmas in Venice…Mystery, Masks and Mistletoe!

19/12/2016 Off By tripsology
Venice - Italy

Venice Night By Stuck in Customs (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

One of the most enchanting places on earth, Venice is a dream trip at any time of year but the mystery and magic that surrounds La Serenissima in December is too hard to ignore. The festive season adds a special atmosphere to the city’s streets and canals and it feels, dare we say it, eerie as the winter mist settles in and it just becomes so dramatic.

Gondola Ride - Venice

Gondola Ride, Venice

Imagine how romantic it would be to kiss under the mistletoe overlooking the Grand Canal? It really is the stuff dreams are made of.

Ponte De Rialto Bridge - Venice

Ponte De Rialto, Venice By Gabriele Tudico (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

In the run up to Christmas, Venice twinkles under pretty lights and dazzling decorations adorn the city. Beautiful Christmas music can be heard in special concerts in its piazzas and churches and the magic of Christmas just takes over. Venice simply sparkles during the season of goodwill.

Venetian Masks, Venice Carnival

Venetian Masks, Venice Carnival

If you fancy doing your Christmas shopping here, you’re in for a treat. You’ll find plenty of ornate trinkets, handmade glass ornaments and speciality lace and with Carnival just around the corner, there’s a fabulous choice of decorative Venetian masks. You could either give these as gifts or hang them on your tree to give it a real touch of drama! You will also be spoilt for choice in the opulent designer boutiques and perfumeries dotted around the maze of streets and alleys.

This time is also perfect to visit Venice as the crowds have long gone home and it feels pretty quiet compared to the warmer spring and summer months when it gets really busy and can often spoil the ambience a little.

St Mark's Basilica, Venice

St Mark’s Basilica, Venice

Visitors at this time of year can enjoy a pleasant stroll around Venice’s churches and museums without the long queues and throngs of tourists. Do be aware that the churches are only open for Mass on Christmas Day. Speaking of which, why not join in with the locals and attend the glorious Midnight Mass at Saint Mark’s Basilica?

Venice Canals

Venice Canals

Christmas in Venice must surely rank as one of the most romantic, dreamy trips you could take. There are some stunning hotels too which are just so atmospheric and cosy at this time of year. Here are some of our five star favourites to tempt you to Venice this Christmas. There are plenty of hotels and guest houses to suit every budget but why not push the boat out (or should we say gondola!) and lap it up in one of these sumptuous places on your festive adventure.

Our Five Star Favourites

Belmond Hotel Cipriani

Belmond Hotel Cipriani - Venice

Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice By Morn (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0

The Gritti Palace

The Gritti Palace - Venice

The Gritti Palace, Venice

• Baglioni Hotel Luna

Baglioni Hotel Luna - Venice

Baglioni Hotel Luna, Venice By Toni Paci (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0

Hotel Danieli

Hotel Danieli - Venice

Hotel Danieli, Venice By No machine-readable author provided. Galileo~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims) CC-BY-SA-3.0

San Clemente Palace Kempinski

San Clemente Palace Kempinski - Venice

San Clemente Palace Kempinski, Venice By bktfilms for San Clemente Palace Kempinski CC BY-SA 4.0

Bauer Palazzo

Bauer Palazzo - Venice

Bauer Palazzo, Venice By Moonik (Own work) CC BY-SA 3.0

Have you stayed in any of these luxury hotels or have you celebrated Christmas or New Year in Venice?  You must tell us all about it and share your pics with our members.