February in Venice 2026: all the events
February in Venice 2026? Discover the Real Deal brought to you by the Venice Insider Guide. All you need to know about visiting the lagoon city in its most enchanting month.
Our mission is to help you see Venice beyond the tourist traps - through genuine insights, practical culture, and spot-on recommendations for curious, savvy travelers.
Discover all the events from the beginning to the end of the month in this guide, even beyond Carnival.
February: The Perfect Time to Visit Venice? Absolutely!
February in Venice 2026 is when the city wraps itself in a lovely winter charm, with crisp air, soft lagoon light, and a much more laid-back vibe than the peak summer months.
It's a great time to dive into the city's rich culture, history, and traditions - especially during the legendary Carnevale di Venezia.
What to Pack for a February Visit to Venice in 2026?
February in Venice 2026 can be chilly and damp. Average temps range between 1°C and 9°C, and that lagoon breeze can make it feel even nippier.
Recommended gear:
- A warm, waterproof coat that'll keep you dry in case of rain
- Thermal layers and sweaters to layer on
- Comfortable, waterproof shoes with good grip for walking along the canals
- Scarf, gloves, and a hat for keeping warm and toasty on chilly days
- A compact umbrella for those occasional downpours
Dressing in layers is key - mornings can be misty and cool, while afternoons can be beautiful and sunny.
Visitor Arrivals: Is Venice Crowded in February in 2026?
February in Venice 2026 is considered low season - except during that magical time of Carnevale. Outside of major event days, you'll find the museums and landmarks are much less crowded than in the spring and summer.
However, during the peak days of Carnevale di Venezia (Jan 31 - Feb 17, 2026), the city comes alive, with visitors pouring in from all over the world. Hotel rates and ticket prices go up during this time, so it's a good idea to book ahead of time.
Trip Costs in February in Venice 2026: What to Expect
Travel costs in February in Venice 2026 vary, depending on whether you're visiting during the Carnival time.
- Accommodation: More affordable than in the peak summer, except during the Carnival weeks.
- Food and Drink: Standard Northern Italy pricing - you can snag some great deals on traditional bacari food.
- Events and Experiences: If you want to attend a fancy masked ball or a gala evening, be prepared for the premium prices.
All in all, February offers better value than peak summer - especially if you avoid the busiest days of the Carnival.
February in Venice 2026: What to Do
What to do in February in Venice 2026? This month is divided into two parts: the first half is all about the Carnival, and the second half is a lot more relaxed but still just as lovely.
First Half of the Month: Carnevale
The first half of the month revolves around Carnevale di Venezia - a spectacular celebration of masks, drama, history, and public shows in some of Venice's most iconic locations, like Piazza San Marco.
Be prepared for stunning costumes, artistic installations, and free open-air performances all over the city.
The Other Half of the Month
After February 17, Venice becomes a lot more laid-back and peaceful. This is the perfect time to explore the museums, churches, artisan workshops, and hidden neighborhoods without the crowds.
February in Venice 2026: Top Activities
There's loads to do in Venice in February 2026, so we've picked out the best attractions and activities for you.
Carnevale
Catch the parades, the artistic mask competitions, and the grand costume displays. The city turns into a living stage set.
Masked Balls
Exclusive masked balls take place in historic palaces - one of the most famous ones is in noble Venetian residences, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime taste of the aristocracy.
Kids Carnival
Organized by La Biennale di Venezia, this family-friendly program includes workshops, performances, and creative labs designed especially for kids.
Festa delle Marie
A historic procession celebrating twelve young Venetian women. The parade moves through the canals towards Piazza San Marco, blending tradition, folklore, and drama.
After the Carnival: Top Events in February in Venice 2026
Among the best things to do in February in Venice in 2026, we have described below the most popular events beyond Carnival.
1. "The Nutcracker" - Ballet at Teatro La Fenice
From February 25 to March 1, 2026, the classic ballet The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky is staged at Teatro La Fenice.
2. Trio Orelon Chamber Music Concerts
Chamber music performances by Trio Orelon take place on February 18 and 19 at the Sala Apollinee in Teatro La Fenice, featuring works by Faure, Britten, and Pejačević.
3. "Eisfeld II" Installation - Palazzo Diedo (Cannaregio)
Eisfeld II, a really immersive art installation by Olaf Nicolai, is still going on until February 22, 2026 at Palazzo Diedo in Cannaregio, where you can get all wrapped up in ice, art and pure sensory experience.
4. “Mani-Fattura: Lucio Fontana Ceramics” – Peggy Guggenheim
The Mani-Fattura exhibit - featuring some truly amazing ceramic works by Lucio Fontana - is still open till March 2, 2026 at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, with plenty of interesting talks and presentations to take in.
5. “Il mondo di Tabata” Film Series
Over at the Biblioteca di Zelarino, the Il mondo di Tabata film series is keeping going right through to February 25, 2026, with screenings and author discussions to keep things lively.
6. Ongoing Art Shows and Exhibitions (through March)
Come February, there are loads of great exhibitions in Venice:
- Terry Atkinson's artwork is still on show at Ca’ Pesaro – International Gallery of Modern Art (right up till March 1)
- Munch. The Expressionist Revolution at Centro Culturale Candiani (same time - March 1)
- Oltre i limiti. Sportitalia at M9 – Museo del ’900 (March 15 is the last day for this one)
7. A Classic: La traviata by Giuseppe Verdi
If you love opera you won't want to miss out on La Traviata at the world-famous Teatro La Fenice, one of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses.
8. On the Ancient Silk Road with Miras Silk Road Collective
Some real highlights of Venice’s February programme are the cultural concerts and musical journeys inspired by ancient trade routes, which are basically a journey of sound and discovery.
9. Mirandolina, from La locandiera by Goldoni
And in a nod to classic Venetian drama, the city is also hosting some fantastic theatrical productions inspired by that great playwright Carlo Goldoni - really celebrating the rich dramatic heritage of the place.
Where to Stay in February in Venice 2026?
For practicality, it might be a good idea to check out accommodations near Piazza San Marco or in the Cannaregio district, which has a lovely local feel to it. Bookings do get snapped up fast during Carnival, mind.
What to Eat in February in Venice 2026?
February's Carnival time - and that means all about the treats. You can't go past:
- Frittelle - traditional fried dough balls filled with cream or raisins
- Galani - those crispy Carnival pastries
- Sarde in saor
- Fresh seafood pasta
And don't forget to wash it all down with a glass of a local Venetian wine.
What's on in February in Venice 2026?
February - opera, children’s festivals, historical processions, art exhibitions, and masked galas all combine to make this a month that's totally culturally rich and diverse - and the city basically becomes an outdoor stage.
So, is Venice worth going to in February 2026?
Absolutely. February in Venice 2026 offers a refined and memorable Venetian experience - away from all that summer tourist chaos. If you appreciate cultural depth, wonderful scenery, and the authentic season vibes, this is the perfect time to visit.
What's happening in February in Venice 2026?
Carnevale di Venezia steals the show, but you can also catch opera at Teatro La Fenice, La Biennale di Venezia's family events and loads of great classical theatre productions inspired by that great Venetian writer, Goldoni.
Visiting Venice in February 2026
February’s got a real quiet magic to it - peaceful canals, masked figures at sunset, winter light that really brings out the atmosphere. It's the perfect time for slow travel, taking some great photos and getting properly immersed in the culture.
Traditional Events in February in Venice 2026
February in Venice is all about those historic parades, fancy aristocratic balls and all those old-time rituals - it's like stepping into a bygone era.
Conclusion
February in Venice 2026 is just the perfect combination of elegance, history, performance and season charm.
Whether it's the glamour of Carnival, the great operatic evenings or just those lovely winter strolls through the empty calli, Venice in February 2026 is a must-do - really a journey of a lifetime.
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