Venice is perhaps the most famous city in the world; there are many reasons, but one in particular stands out: it is a simply unique location, entirely built on water and with a glorious and exciting centuries-old history.
The city of Venice enjoys a very particular urban planning, as well as a cultural, artistic and architectural heritage resulting from its past as the Serenissima Republic that, in the golden ages, has produced a number of buildings, works and monuments remarkable, to admire with open mouth.
When Christmas comes, then, Venice becomes even more special; for this reason it is among the favorite destinations to spend not only the same Christmas day, but also the Christmas holidays in general, from a simple weekend to a day trip.
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What to do in Venice at Christmas
On the occasion of Christmas, Venice is transformed: the lights and decorations scattered throughout the city make it even more romantic and, along with the visit of churches and historical monuments, you can walk through the famous Christmas markets and meet Santa Claus in the company of the little ones!
Here are the things to do in Venice if you decide to visit during the Christmas holidays:
Take a trip to Murano and Burano
Those who decide to spend a few days in Venice can take the opportunity to visit the two nearby islands, Murano and Burano: here you can discover and learn the glass blowing, celebrated by the Christmas festival in Glass full of events, exhibitions and workshops entirely dedicated to glass craftsmanship.
Fonte: dal web
Welcome to San Nicola
Every year, on December 23rd, San Nicola arrives in Venice and does so in the most Venetian way possible: by gondola! Children are always delighted by this experience, also because Saint Nicholas is used to distribute sweets and gifts.
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Celebrating New Year’s Eve in San Marco
Counting down waiting to greet the current year and inaugurate the new one in St Mark’s Square is something incredible. The evening begins with choirs, which create a magical atmosphere, continues with the classic dinner (also) based on lentils and ends with a really exciting fireworks display.
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Ice-skating
Already from the first days of December, the second largest square in Venice, namely Campo San Polo, hosts a huge ice rink where young and old can try their hand at ice tricks. All this, with the scenery of bars, shops and restaurants specially decorated and illuminated where you can go shopping and taste a typical sweet.
Fonte: dal web
Participate in the Santa Claus Race
On the occasion of the Christmas holidays, walking through Venice is very common to meet different people dressed as Santa Claus; everything is normal, as they are preparing for the Santa Claus Race! This is an unmissable event that, every year, welcomes about 1000 participants including professionals and amateurs who compete in a real race of 5 or 10 km with finish in Piazza San Marco.
Fonte: dal web
Attend the Regatta of the Epiphany
Another show not to be missed is the Regatta of the Epiphany: it takes place on January 6 and has as protagonists adults and children dressed as witches traveling on a broom. The regatta takes place on the Grand Canal and each participant distributes sweets and coal to anyone they meet.
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On the same day, then, you can also attend an event that takes place only twice a year: around noon, the bell mechanism of the Clock Tower in Piazza San Marco is activated, the side panel opens and appears a carousel of wooden statues depicting the Three Wise Men and the Virgin Mary.
Visit the Church of San Pantalon
Being in Venice during the Christmas holidays is also a good opportunity to visit the famous Church of San Pantalon; although its facade has remained unfinished, it contains inside a real artistic jewel, namely its ceiling, included by the BBC in the list of the ten most beautiful ceilings in the world.
The Church of San Pantalon overlooks Campo San Pantalon and is named after the martyr San Pantaleone of Nicomedia (San Pantalon in Veneto). Its date of foundation is uncertain, but it is certain that it existed as early as 1161 as mentioned by Pope Alexander III.
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The famous ceiling can be admired simply by looking up: it is a vast painting on canvas, specifically 44 canvases joined together for 443 square meters of surface, defined the largest work on canvas in the world.
The painting depicts the Martyrdom and the Glory of San Pantaleone, works by Giovanni Antonio Fumiani that trace the most important moments of the death sentence of the saint by Galerio Massimiano. The most evocative scene is certainly the central one, with which we celebrate the triumph of Saint Pantaleon welcomed in Paradise by Christ and surrounded by numerous angels who give him the palm of martyrdom and the crown of glory.
Fonte: dal web
The exceptional feature of the work is given by the extreme ability of Fumiani who, prolonging the painting even in the real architectural structure of the church, gave rise to a visual illusion unique in the world.
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