Planning a trip to Venice during the Christmas season is a magical experience, but knowing what’s open and closed can help you make the most of your visit. While the city retains its charm with twinkling lights, quiet canals, and festive spirit, some services and attractions have limited hours, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

1. Public Transportation

Public transport services like vaporettos generally continue to operate throughout the holidays, but expect reduced schedules, particularly on Christmas Eve (December 24th) and Christmas Day (December 25th). Be sure to check timetables in advance if you’re planning on navigating Venice’s waterways on these days. Taxis and water taxis are typically available, but booking in advance is recommended.

2. Tourist Attractions

Many of Venice’s iconic attractions, including Doge’s Palace and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, often remain open with limited hours during the Christmas period, though they may be closed on Christmas Day or have special hours on the 24th and 26th. Churches, including St. Mark’s Basilica, are open for religious services, and attending a Christmas Eve Midnight Mass can be a beautiful experience. However, it’s best to check ahead for any specific closures, especially if you're interested in visiting lesser-known museums or galleries.

3. Restaurants and Cafés

Finding a good meal in Venice during the holidays is usually no problem, but it’s important to know that many restaurants close on Christmas Day and sometimes Christmas Eve. That said, several will offer special Christmas menus (cenone di Natale), featuring traditional Venetian dishes like baccalà mantecato or bigoli in salsa. If you plan on dining out, it’s a good idea to book ahead, as places can fill up quickly.

Some Venetian cafés and bars stay open, especially in popular tourist areas, so you can always enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate by the canal, but options may be more limited in the quieter parts of the city.

4. Shopping

Venice’s famous Christmas markets, like the one at Campo Santo Stefano, typically run until Christmas Eve, so if you’re looking for local crafts, glass ornaments, or festive gifts, it’s best to visit early. Many shops, particularly those catering to tourists, remain open on Christmas Eve but may close for a few days around Christmas and New Year’s. Major chain stores are more likely to stay open than smaller, independent boutiques.

5. Special Holiday Events

Cultural venues like La Fenice usually host special holiday performances, including concerts and operas, which can make for a wonderful Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve treat. Keep an eye on event schedules for exact dates and times, as these may vary. Outdoor Christmas events, like ice skating rinks, can also provide some festive fun, especially in areas like Campo San Polo.

6. Essential Services

Pharmacies follow holiday hours, with a few remaining open on a rotation basis for emergencies. Supermarkets and grocery stores may close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day, so it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials beforehand.