The magical Christmas spirit is about to envelop the province of Venice, transforming it into a charming festive setting with markets, skating rinks and merry-go-rounds.
The weekend of December 2 and 3, 2023 promises to be full of unmissable events, anticipated by a preview on Friday 1. Here is an overview of the main events scheduled:
Events first weekend december christmas venice
1. Venice lights up Christmas
The Christmas calendar gets into full swing in the lagoon area with "Venice lights up Christmas."
On Saturday 2 in Mestre, the Christmas train, accompanied by the merry elves Barbamoccolo, animates the square and surrounding streets.
In Venice, in Campo San Polo, the skating rink will be open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2. Christmas is. Mirano
The Christmas atmosphere embraces Mirano and its hamlets with the Fantasy Market on Dec. 3. An opening parade called "White Christmas" will start from Gramsci Street at 3 p.m., followed by a concert by violinists Krystall Kuartet in Martiri Square at 5 p.m.
3. Christmas Island
The Venice Lido lights up with Christmas lights, markets, rides and the traditional Santa Claus race on Dec. 2 and 3, also offering new attractions for young and old.
4. Christmas markets in Scorzè
Scorzè comes alive on December 3 with a full day of festivities, markets and Christmas atmosphere from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Schools, associations and local artisans will bring their products and activities to the downtown area.
5. Ice skating rinks
During the holiday season, Campo San Polo in Venice will host an ice skating rink open from December 2. At the same time, another rink will open in Chioggia at 5 p.m. Rinks will also be present in Mestre and Marghera.
6. Free concert in honor of Maria Callas
In celebration of the centenary of Maria Callas' birth, the Teatro La Fenice will host a free concert conducted by Frédéric Chaslin on December 2 at 12 noon.
7. Free visits to the Torcello Museum
On December 3, in conjunction with the "Sunday at the Museum" initiative, it will be possible to visit the Torcello Museum free of charge.
8. Mestre Fantasy Weekend
From December 1 to 3, the Carpenedo Bissuola library will host the "Mestre Fantasy Weekend," an event dedicated to fantasy lovers with three days of engaging activities.
9. InLaguna Film Festival
From November 30 to December 3, the third edition of InLaguna Film Festival will bring independent cinema to Venice, with eleven films in competition.
10. Meetings with authors and artists
Several cultural meetings are scheduled, including one with writer Mariolina Venezia and another with cartoonists Valerio Held and Irene Di Oriente.