We're off to Venice for five days from 30th December. Any tips on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Venice? Suggestions on possible restaurants on New Year's Eve and what will be open on New Year's Day would be welcome.

don't have anything for you--will be there the same time, though, so marking for reference!

(I am certainly glad you thought to post this--I know you (we? ) will get great input!)

I have no idea if things are closed on New Year's day, but if you need to depend on a hotel restaurant, as is sometimes the case in other places, I can highly recommend the restaurant at the Hotel Metropole.

http://metropole.hotelinvenice.com

PamUK - Glad you posted this. We will be in Venice at the same time as you. We have not yet made reservations for New Year's Eve dinner. We are waiting until we arrive on the 29th to make them. Hope we are not making a big mistake by waiting. Have fun in Venice!

If you do a search (highlight Italy) on "Venice New Year," you'll find some recent threads about this topic. Several people recommend booking advance (using help of your hotel), as many places are closed.

One place I visited last month does have a NYE dinner/evening -- Centrale Lounge.

http://www.centrale-lounge.com

I recommend consulting with your hotel. They can make recommendations & reservations for you. I was in Venice last Christmas and my hotel had the special Christmas menu from most of the major restaurants around, along with the prices. Do it soon!