Venice in Winter 2026/27: Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Acqua Alta & Tips

In short: Venice is quieter in winter than in summer, but Christmas lights, New Year’s Eve fireworks and the high-water season come with it. This page brings together what you need for a trip from November to February: the city programme, the Christmas market in Mestre, notes on acqua alta and the access fee, and ideas for evenings and children. The city’s 2026/27 programme had not been published as of 2 November 2026; the sub-pages state what is confirmed and what is open.

Venice in winter: the key pages

Winter Christmas & New Year’s Eve in Venice Lights, tree, Campo San Polo ice rink and fireworks over the Bacino Winter Christmas in Mestre Christmas market with wooden huts and ice rink on Piazza Ferretto Water Acqua alta High water in Venice: when it comes and how to prepare Planning Best time to visit Weather and crowds month by month Costs Admission and access fee Status of the rules for day visitors Music Teatro La Fenice Concerts and opera in winter Evenings Venice by night Ideas for after dark Family Venice with kids Museums, islands and practical tips Winter Venice Carnival 2027 23 January to 9 February; theme and programme still open Live Venice webcams Live streams from the Grand Canal, Rialto and the Bacino di San Marco

What do you need in winter?

Venice in winter — decision helper
What you wantWhere to find itNote
Christmas atmosphereChristmas & New Year’s Eve in VeniceLights, tree and ice rink in the old town; 2026/27 programme open
Christmas marketChristmas in MestreThe city market is on the mainland, not in the old town
New Year’s EveChristmas & New Year’s Eve in VeniceFireworks over the Bacino di San Marco, not visible from the piazza
High waterAcqua altaMore likely in winter; plan for forecasts and suitable footwear before you travel
Costs for day visitorsAdmission and access feeThe fee applied until 26 July in 2026; as far as we know it does not apply in winter
Evening programmeVenice by night and Teatro La FeniceConcerts and quiet evenings instead of high season

Frequently asked questions about Venice in winter

Is Venice worth visiting in winter?

Yes, if you value quiet, lights and concerts: the city is less crowded than in summer. On the other hand, expect acqua alta, shorter days and some closed businesses.

When does the Christmas programme in Venice start in 2026?

The city has not published the 2026/27 programme yet. Last year the lights came on on 21 November.

Is there an access fee in winter?

As far as we know, no: the fee applied until 26 July in 2026. For 2027 the city has decided on 72 fee days from 26 March to 15 August; Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Carnival fall before that.

Where can I find a Christmas market?

The city’s Christmas market with wooden huts is in Mestre on Piazza Ferretto.

Related topics

Status: 2 November 2026. The city’s 2026/27 programme has not yet been published.