Blog - Life in Italy

Christmas in Venice is very different from any other country or city in the world. You will not see massive amounts of decoration pieces in windows on houses, instead you will see magnificent sites that normally you won't see at home. Once in awhile, you will see a brightly painted red boat/gondola carrying Santa down the canal lit up with many magical lights. Christmas trees tend to be small and skinny. This is true due to the fact that they are usually brought home in small boats (not cars) and then carried up several flights of stairs. Disposing of Christmas trees in Venice is a highly specialized trade, almost a science. One of the best ways to spend Christmas Eve in Venice is to attend the midnight mass at St. Mark's Basilica. The midnight mass starts at 10:30 p.m. and you should get there early to get a seat (no tickets needed). Try to enter through the north entrance and not the west entrance often used by tourists. The square is fully lit with lights and the cool brisk air adds magic to the atmosphere, with the canal water splashing away in the background. In Piazza San Marco area , the famous "Café Florian"   is open on Christmas Day. A good place for Christmas breakfast and coffee in the morning! Each year on December 26th, the Frari Church in San Polo (in Campo dei Frari) offers a free concert at 4:00 p.m. The church is filled with impressive historical art, including Titian's Assumption of the Virgin, Canova's Tomb and a carved monk's chair from 1468. The music is magnificent. Get there early and dress warmly. The Christmas services differ from church to church. The larger ones are well worth seeing whatever your religion is.

During the days leading up to Christmas and the day after, there are many markets around the Rialto Bridge area. Some propose antiques, others foods and spices from all over Italy and souvenirs from Venice you would buy as presents and bring home to your loved ones. A wonderful site during this time under the Christmas spirit and lights is to stroll through these markets and see parents carrying children on their shoulders or in their arms pointing and smiling towards many amazing things Venice puts forward during this holiday. Sometimes it seems as though even more places are closed on December 26^th than on the 25^th.  It is best to plan ahead and make Dinner reservations for your Christmas. During this time the weather varies as there are lots of cloudy days with mild temperatures or brilliant blue skies. The air is crystal clear and brisk. On these days, Venice is so perfectly reflected in the water that it is easy to mistake one world from the other.

Before coming to Venice, save money and enjoy more space and comfort by renting an apartment from The key to Italy/Venice Apartments.  We're an Apartment rental agency based in Rome that offers nearly 50 apartments for rent for holiday makers/vacationers visiting this one romantic City!

Can you think of a more magical place to spend the holidays other than Venice!!