Picture the shimmering lights reflecting off Venice’s iconic canals, the mouthwatering aromas wafting from festive food stalls, and the cheerful melodies filling the air. Add in Venice’s Christmas markets, and you have a truly magical destination for the holiday season.
The Christmas markets in Venice bring joy, splendor, and illusion between late November and early January each year. They are the perfect places to explore and purchase Christmas gifts for loved ones and also an ideal excuse to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine. We can find these markets spread throughout the island, as well as in Mestre. Below, you will find a list of our favorites.
Christmas markets in Venice
Christmas Market Campo Santo Stefano
This market is the most important one in the city and a dream come true for all Christmas enthusiasts. In Italian, it is known as Mercatino di Natale di Campo Santo Stefano.
The square in Campo Santo Stefano transforms into a Christmas village with numerous wooden booths where artisans, merchants, and producers display their seasonal products, including some traditional Venetian objects such as carnival masks and Murano-blown glass.
You can purchase souvenirs for Christmas gifts and enjoy various seasonal foods from the area, such as Marzapane, a typical Venetian sweet whose name derives from Pane di San Marco (bread of San Marco), as well as classic Italian sweets such as Panettone and Pandoro. You can also indulge in hot chocolate and mulled wine, the king of European Christmas markets.
Christmas Market Campo San Polo
The Campo San Polo Christmas Market is a small marketplace that showcases traditional products from the Venetian islands. You’ll find delicate items such as the Merletti (lace) from Burano, Murano glass, and other handicrafts.
This market is an ideal place to find authentic items from the city and soak up the festive Christmas atmosphere. Additionally, every year, an ice-skating rink is set up in the same square, which typically remains open throughout the winter season.
Christmas Market Palazzo Zenobio
If you’re searching for luxurious and high-end gift ideas for Christmas, the Palazzo Zenobio has a great market to explore. It’s a covered market situated inside one of the most significant Venetian Baroque-style palaces.
Looking for high-quality handcrafted items? This holiday market has incredibly unique options, including exclusive designer clothing and handmade jewelry. What’s more, it also boasts a serene and festive atmosphere that makes holiday shopping that much more enjoyable.
Christmas Market Campo San Vidal
Did you know that there is a Christmas market in Venice dedicated entirely to food?
Located in Campo San Vidal, it’s the perfect place to indulge in all your cravings and try out the delicious seasonal street foods that the city has to offer. It’s no wonder this is one of our favorite Christmas markets in Venice!
You will find multiple booths offering various types of food, as well as specific ones for traditional mulled wines and hot chocolates. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!
Christmas markets in Mestre
Christmas Market in Piazza Ferretto
Every year in Mestre, the typical Christmas market of the city is held in Piazza Ferretto, which is a must-visit.
This bustling market provides a festive and Christmassy ambiance where you can discover a wide range of products and items. You’ll find Christmas ornaments, jewelry, various types of food and drinks, typical goods from the lagoon and surrounding regions, as well as a variety of handicrafts.
As Mestre is one of the accommodation points for many tourists that visit Venice, this market serves as an alternative source of entertainment to those of the Venice lagoon. If you have room in your suitcase, make sure to stop by!
Christmas Market in Via Allegri
During the Christmas season, from late November to early January, the stands of artisans and independent food stalls on Via Allegri in Mestre become another attraction. This street is a meeting point for both locals and tourists visiting the city.
Just like at Piazza Ferretto, you’ll find a wide variety of stalls selling festive gifts, decorations, and food. These stalls are perfect for enjoying while you shop or explore.
As you can see, there are plenty of Christmas markets in Venice to enjoy. Take your time and stroll through these vibrant markets, picking up some special ornaments or trinkets to bring home. And if you’d like to learn more about Venice’s culture and history, why not sign up for a walking tour? Led by knowledgeable local guides, our walking tours of Venice bring the city’s iconic spots to life with fascinating insights.