With its old-world charm, unique sense of decadence and extraordinary history, Venice has long captured the hearts of many a discerning traveller. But, come summer, these crowds can often mean long queues and packed-out streets – making the dreamy lagoon city slightly less easy to explore.
Wintertime, however, brings a new side to Venice. The scent of coffee fills the air, as does the sound of chiming bells; sleek black gondolas move idly through waterways, and misty alleyways create a mysterious atmosphere throughout the ancient city.
Needless to say, the events around winter are truly spectacular. Here are a few of our favourites…
Venice Carnival
One of the most famous festivals in Italy is also one of the oldest – first becoming official during the Renaissance period and reaching peak popularity in the 18th century. Each year, around January and February, the Venice Carnival sees crowds of beautiful masks parading around the city, from pretty porcelain creations to full eerie plague doctors.
Various events are held around the city at this time, from masquerades and dancing shows to grand balls and wine tasting.
La Fenice
One of the most famous and renowned landmarks in the history of Italian theatre, La Fenice, showcases breathtaking operas throughout the winter months. It peaked in fame during the 19th century, becoming the site for premieres of many famous composers – Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi to name but a few.
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay after a night of goosebump-inducing arts, just over an hour’s drive away is the astonishing Hotel Villa Cipriani.
Hotel Villa Cipriani
Dating back to the 16th century, the unforgettable building sits in the land where artists Titian, Giorgione and Canaletto forever immortalised landscapes – in the ancient village of Asolo. Book in for the night and experience the charm of a true Patrician Cinquecento residence.
St Mark’s Basilica
It’s small wonder the basilica in San Marco is a top choice for tourists – but this doesn’t make getting in there during the summer any easier. In the winter season however, the basila turns into a peaceful, wondrous haven of glistening fold. If you set off really early you might even get the 8500 square metres of stunning mosaics and Byzantine domes to yourself.
The Venice Biennale
From art and contemporary dance to architecture and theatre, the Venice Biennale is held every other year in the city and has done so since 1893. This year, up until the 21st November you’ll be able to visit the exhibition and discover the wonderful arts that makes Venice so culturally unique.
Hotel Giorgione
The exhibition is held in San Marco, just over 20 minutes away from another historic venue – the dreamy Hotel Giorgione. Take a lido there and spend the night in a true 15th century building, which was converted into a remarkably beautiful hotel a century ago.
Feast of St. Martin
In November, you may encounter paper-crowned children hitting pots and pans with wooden spoons in Venice, asking for gifts and coins and singing songs of the saint this long-standing festival is named after – St. Martin. Today in Venice you’ll find St.Martin cakes – short pastry in the shape of the man on a horse and topped with coloured sugar, as well as plenty of traditional autumnal treats such as chestnuts and wine.
Naturally, the most rewarding way to spend a day in Venice is to explore to your heart’s content with no set destination in mind, but noting these places and events in advance can ensure you tick everything off your frosty Venice holiday to-do list. If all else fails, there’s always Christmas shopping!
