Dramatic, magical, and romantic – that’s Venice during the winter! With unique and enchanting landscapes, Venice in winter is completely different from what you’ll find during the summer. It is truly like visiting two different places.
As the winter wears on, you’ll experience a quieter city with more relaxed activities. However, this all changes in February, when its world-famous carnival takes over. To give you an idea of things to do, see and eat during the winter in Venice, here is our guide on what not to miss.
Best winter festivals and events in Venice
Christmas markets
During the Christmas season in Venice, several markets are held throughout the city, which gives it a unique charm. In these festivities, Venice is transformed into a magical Christmas paradise.
Piazza Campo Santo Stefano is home to the city’s largest and most significant Christmas market, where you can enjoy the local gastronomy and find handicrafts and souvenirs for your Christmas gifts and travel memories to bring home. At the same time, the market comes alive with concerts and shows where there are also options for children.
Want to learn more? Discover our guide to the best Christmas markets in Venice.
Winter concerts
For a city like Venice, music is a fundamental part of daily life and a significant part of the entertainment it offers. Therefore, throughout the year, especially in winter, you’ll find various musical events such as concerts, shows, operas, and musicals.
Searching for winter concerts in Venice is an exciting task, as the city offers a wide variety of venues and events throughout the season. The best places to search for winter concerts in Venice are La Fenice Opera House, Teatro Malibran, Tourist Information Centers, and Music Conservatories.
Festa della Marie
The Festa delle Marie is a typical Venetian celebration that coincides with the carnival. It consists of a colorful parade and procession featuring 12 girls dressed in beautiful traditional costumes. All participants stroll through the main squares and streets of the city, offering a stunning visual spectacle to Venetians and visitors.
In addition to being a celebration of beauty and tradition, the Festa della Marie offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Venetian traditions and be a part of how they proudly honor and keep the city’s past alive.
Traveler’s tip: Venice is winter is a great idea. Use our Venice neighborhood guide to choose the best area to stay.
Regata delle Befana
One of the most entertaining and awaited winter events is the great Regata della Befana. Every year, this traditional regatta takes place on January 6th, coinciding with the feast of Epiphany and the legend of La Befana.
Who is La Befana, you ask? She’s a a character from Italian folklore resembling a friendly witch. Most importantly, La Befana is responsible for delivering gifts on January 6th!
The Befana Regatta is an event where participants dress up as La Befana herself and row boats along Venice’s canals. Their witchy costumes entertain spectators watching from the banks. The regatta includes various races, such as separate events for men and women and competitions for different age groups. This diversity ensures an exciting and dynamic experience for everyone involved.
This event is of significant interest and entertainment for tourists and Venetians alike, who watch the spectacle from bridges, ports, and canal banks.
Carnival
One of Venice’s most special annual events is its world-famous carnival. This spectacular celebration takes place during the month of February, when the city swells with people dressed up in unique Venetian masks and costumes.
The Venetian carnival has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Its main attraction is its distinctive costumes and masks, which play an important role in allowing participants to conceal their identity and social status.
One of the things you can do allegorical to the carnival at any time of the year is to visit an atelier that makes costumes and masks, as well as participate in a workshop on mask making.
Food to try in winter in Venice
Frittele
Frittele are traditional Venetian sweet fritters eaten during Carnival. They are made with a dough mixed with pine nuts, raisins, and lemon zest. They are fried until golden brown and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Galani
Regardless of their name, crostoli, cenci, chiacchere, bugie, frappe, or galani are popular Venetian sweets made with a simple dough and fried until crispy and golden brown, then sprinkled with sugar.
Fegato alla Veneziana
A dish that represents the entire Veneto region is fegato alla Veneziana (Venetian liver). It is a rich and savory dish that highlights the delicate flavor of the liver. For its preparation, ingredients such as onion, white wine, olive oil, butter, and others are used to create a unique and irresistible taste.
Canoce
Like shrimp? Then you need to try canoce!
Canocchie or canoce (as they are known in Venice) are crustaceans that resemble shrimp. Since they come from cold waters, qinter is the best time to find them on menus around the city. Canoce are prepared in a variety of ways in Venetian cuisine. One of our favorite ways to enjoy them is sautéed with olive oil, parsley, pepper, and salt – perfect for an appetizer!
Seppie in Nero
Le seppie in nere (“cuttlefish in black”) is the perfect choice for exploring typical Venetian cuisine. Whether in pasta, risotto, or polenta, the cuttlefish lends a rich, salty flavor. The dishes made with cuttlefish are characterized by their intense black color, which comes from their ink.
As you can see, visiting Venice in winter is a great idea. Less crowds and fun events make this time of year a great time to visit this beautiful city. And while you’re there, make sure to sign up for one of our many walking tours. From being alone in St. Mark’s Basilica after hours to enjoying Venice at night with a food and wine tour, you’ll see this vibrant city in a whole new light.