Our family of two adults and two teens (17 and barely 20) will be in Venice on Christmas Day. We've got the rest of our trip figured out, but looking for ideas of what to do this day. Of course we can just make our own self-guided walking tour of the city, but would appreciate any other ideas. Also, if anyone has been in Venice on Christmas Day, any insight into just how "shut down" the city is? Thanks in advance for any ideas!

It is pretty quiet. Which is the best part.

I would have your dining planned out. I made brunch reservations at one of the fancy hotels, and then wandered around. I think what I did wrong was to not book my dinner pick far enough in advance; I ended up picnicking and drinking wine in my room which was fine. I’m pretty sure I ended up walking over to the Jewish ghetto.

i heard conflicting things from different entities—some of the stuff in the main square might be open. My hotel didn’t think so—the main tourist office said yes. I didn’t try. Venice itself is like an open air museum and really the best part is just getting lost. Enjoy the quiet because the crowds really descend on Venice in the days after Christmas. (26 is a national holiday, so it’s pretty quiet as well) Vaporettos run on a limited schedule, but I don’t know how often—I rarely used them.

The shut down issue—well, in a way it’s both more noticeable and less noticeable than other places. You’ll see people about, but it’s not like there’s shopping or anything along those lines. But you’re not badly impacted like you would be in say London, because it’s not like you need entertainment, or transit really. I guess I’d describe it as restful/quietly beautiful

We were in Venice on Christmas Day 2016. It was definitely quiet, but since wandering all over Venice getting lost is our main activity when there, it wasn't an impediment. The best thing, though, was having Piazza San Marco literally all to ourselves at night, alongside the magnificent lit Christmas tree. We ordered champagne and cake at one of the classic cafés there (the only one open, if I recall), sat outside in the freezing cold, and thought it was the best Christmas ever.

I have spent Christmas time in Venice at least 6 or 7 timers including last year. Stayed at a cheap (but very nice 3* hotel with a large view of Grand Canal from their breakfast room) hotel in San Polo side of Rialto. The 5* Aman hotel was next to my hotel and the owner said George Cloony had stayed there when he got married in the city. Not bad ... ) I was thinking of going there again but got invited by a friend to Bidapest, so not this year.

Anyway, I agree with above posters. I love Venince in Christmas time for its quietness. Sites are not crowded at all which is a delight. I like walking through the medieval streets and alleys of Venezia day and night ( yest, night even in winter.). Also I recommend taking boats to Islands such as Murano and Burano. I picnicked a few times on these islands, on Christmas day sitting by the water, under the sun, no cold at all. Take a water bus - vaporetto also to Giudecca, next to Venice proper along a large water way of the same name ( Giudecca Canal ) , enjoy walking on the canal side street with a gorgeous view of Venice proper. If you like this kind of things, you will love them.

In recent years there have been so many cheapish souvenir shops of the same style ( and leather shops )., popping up all over Venice, usually manned by Chinese or Eastern European (Russian & Ukrainian etc) girls. I'm sure they are run by "mafia" people. You will see such over and over again with signs that vsays " -50% disounts " Maybe you can ignore them.

The Christmas Market at Campo San Stefano revived last year after a few years of being closed. A small one but might be on this year again if you arrive on 24th or earlier but if you miss it, it is not a big loss from what I saw last year. Also there is a skate rink at Campo San Polo.

Hi Everyone!

Thanks so much for the advice. We'll plan our dining in advance and plan to walk around the city, and probably take a water bus. Great to have some idea in advance of what will be going on. Thanks again!

You can also spend time in the Jewish Quarter, where it will be life as usual. We went to a nice gathering there on Christmas Day and enjoyed a glass of wine and watching members of the local synagogue dancing and singing.

The Jewish Quarter will be less lively on Christmas Day this year because Chanukah will be celebrated at the beginning of December. But it will life as normal that day.

If I recall correctly, Chanukah was being celebrated in the Jewish Quarter when we were there in 2016. That's why we were treated to a neighborhood gathering with food and song and dance.

I second the motion to pre-plan dinner that day. Do ask your hotel folks for info--they would probably make the reservation for you.