Enjoy the magic of Venice in Christmas

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Written by Sarah Dudleymore

Saturday, 22 November 2008 04:52

by SarahDudleymore

No Christmas is like what the one you can experience in Venice. This city is unique and the magic atmosphere of Christmas makes it ever more special. You will not see massive amounts of decoration but magnificent sites that normally you won't see at home.

Once in awhile, you will see a brightly painted red boat/gondola carrying Santa down the canal lit up with many magical lights. Christmas trees tend to be small and skinny.

That's due to the fact that trees are usually carried in small boats (not cars) and then brought home for several floors with no elevators. Disposing of trees is a highly specialized trade, almost a science.

The best way to enjoy Christmas Eve in Venice is to attend the midnight mass at the basilica of St. Mark. The midnight mass starts at 10:30 p.m. and you should get there early to find your seat (no tickets).

North entrance is usually a better choice as west entrance is often used by tourists and crowded. The square is fully lit with lights and the cool brisk air adds magic to the atmosphere, the canal water is splashing away in the background.

In Piazza San Marco, the famous caf? "Caff? Florian" is open on Christmas Day. A good place for Christmas breakfast and coffee in the morning! Each year on December 26th, the Frari Church in San Polo (in Campo dei Frari) offers a free concert at 4:00 p.m.

The church is filled with some masterpieces like Titian's Assumption of the Virgin and Canova's Tomb and a carved monk's chair from 1468. We suggest you to get there early and dress warmly. Christmas services are different from church to church.

During the days before Christmas and the day after you will see many markets around the Rialto Bridge area. Some are selling antiques, others are selling spices and food from all over Italy and souvenirs from Venice you would buy as presents and bring home to your loved ones.

A wonderful site during this time under the Christmas spirit and lights is to stroll through these markets and see parents carrying children on their shoulders or in their arms pointing and smiling towards many amazing things Venice puts forward during this holiday.

Plan ahead your Christmas Dinner and make a reservations since most restaurants will be crowded and bookd and on December 26th most of them might be closed.

Weather during Christmas varies but you can expect cloudy days with mild temperatures and brilliant blue skies. The air is crystal clear and Venice is perfectly reflected in the water that it is easy to mistake one world from the other.

Can you think of a more magical place to spend the holidays other than Venice!!

About the Author:

When planning a trip to Venice, check out some of the most beautiful Apartments in Venice with "The Key to Italy" a leader agency in vacation rentals in Venice.