tottie

We will be in venice this Christmas and wonder whether our Festive meal on Christmas eve or Christmas day should be booked for lunch time or in the evening and whether Christmas Venetian style is celebrated on the 24th or the 25th?
Any help or information on customs in Venice woulld be appreciated

sandi_travelnut

Can't answer all your questions but my family and I were in Venic over Christmas 2004. The city shuts down very early. I would highly recommend you email or call your hotel and ask for suggestions on they type of dinner and price range you're looking for. Most places will offer a pre-fixe meal but they may be able to find a place that will let you order from the regular menu. Either way, make reservations as soon as you can. The streets become quite deserted by about 8pm. There's a few Christmas markets but they will be winding down, if not gone by Christmas Day. It's certainly not the same kind of holiday vibe you might be used to but the one thing in your favor is that you will still be in Venice...and that's magical any time of year (except maybe August).

Girlspytravel

And Sandi-having spent the last two years in Venice in August, I would say that it is, without question, the most fab time of year to be there-fab weather, not hot, humidity clears out, everyone out and about cruisin' the canals, there are parties going on in the campos everywhere, music every night, singing on the canals-and the best part-the lowest prices of the year in hotel and apt. rates. Nothing like it, imo.

I continue to hope that everyone thinks like Sandi-because otherwise, those low season fares are going up!

And Tottie-Venice is having a huge Christmas market right now in Campo San' Stefano, it looks really fun-weather, so far, has not been bad at all -mid to high 40's and 50's recently during the day. You'll have a fabulous time-do make sure and do a booking for the new Clock Tower tour in Piazza San Marco-12 Euros, and with fabulous views of the sea and San Marco from up top of the Clock, plus you get a history of its 500 year history, as well as an up-close view of the inner workings. And don't miss the guided tour of the opera house La Fenice-a trip to Venice would not be complete without a tour or going there for a performance. Have fun!

sandi_travelnut

No disrespect Girlspytravel, as I am not speaking from experience only repeating what most people say about Italy in August and the horrible crowds and heat.

Girlspytravel

No, like I said, Sandi, spread the word that August is awful in Italy, so I can continue to enjoy my 68 Euros a night two bedroom apartment with a balconcino overlooking the Campo Santi Apostali! (smile)

kappa

Last year I was in Venice before Christmas, the first week of December. That was the first time ever I had seen the Venetian Chrismas market at Campo San Stefano. Untill then I always missed it by arriving a week too early. It's not a huge market at all (the campo is not that big already) but fun for sure. Stands with usual Christmas goodies, hot wine (seems they call it Vin Brulé - Do I remember correct? Funny, it is French meaning Burnt Wine but in France it's called Vin Chaud = hot wine), wine and cheese of the region. At one corner was a sort of stage where a choir was singing Christmas tunes.

Sorry I cannot give you info about 24 & 25th. I will experience that soon though because like you I will be in Venice for the first time during Christmas. Enjoy your venetian holidays!