For 2026, we confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Venice, running from November 28 to February 7. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Italy.
The short version
- Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Mestre, Jesolo, San Donà di Piave, Portogruaro and San Stino di Livenza: 9
- First: Jesolo Sand Nativity, Jesolo, November 28
- Free events: None confirmed yet
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).
At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Venice
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 9 confirmed for 2026
- Towns
- Mestre, Jesolo, San Donà di Piave, Portogruaro and San Stino di Livenza
- Season
- November 28 to February 7
- Free events
- None confirmed yet
- Last checked
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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Mestre
Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.
Christmas show
Il gatto con gli stivali (Puss in Boots) (Mestre)
- When: Sun, Nov 29, 4:30 pm
- Where: Teatro del Parco, Via Sernaglia 1, 30174 Mestre (opens in maps)
- Cost: €7 per ticket
- Ages 3 to 8
Expand to see the parent tip
On Sunday, Nov 29, Teatro del Parco in Mestre hosts Il gatto con gli stivali by the Simona Bucci company, in the children's series Piccoli sguardi, grandi orizzonti (Small Glances, Big Horizons). The show lasts 55 minutes and is recommended for ages 3 to 8.
The fairy tale is about a miller's inheritance: the mill to the first son, the donkey to the second, and a cat to the youngest, who is disappointed at first. But the cat is clever, talks, and with a few tricks changes his master's life until he marries the king's daughter. A ticket costs €7, and single tickets are sold at the box office every Sunday starting one hour before the show. People with disabilities are entitled to a free ticket, subject to availability.
Parent tip: Single tickets are sold at the box office from one hour before the show. It is not strictly a Christmas show, but it falls on the weekend that opens Advent. Expect it to be in Italian.
- Host
- Teatro del Parco (Comune di Venezia e Arteven) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro del Parco, Via Sernaglia 1, 30174 Mestre (opens in maps) (near Venezia)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas show
BABBO NATALE: Il Musical (Santa Claus: The Musical) (Mestre)
- When: Sat, Dec 19, 9 pm
- Where: Teatro Corso, Corso del Popolo 30, 30172 Mestre (opens in maps)
- Cost: Advance tickets (prices on the theater's website)
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
Teatro Corso in Mestre presents BABBO NATALE, Il Musical, a theater concert that retraces the legend of Christmas's best-loved character, from his origins to the magic that lights up children's eyes every year. The show mixes songs, lights, stories and enchanted atmospheres, and is designed expressly for the whole family.
There is only one date, Saturday, Dec 19 at 9 pm, so it is an evening outing: better to consider it for children who handle late evenings well. Tickets are available online on Ticketone and at the sales points the theater lists, including Venezia Unica at Piazzale Roma, the IAT office at the airport and a few points in Mestre and Marghera. The theater is right in the center, on Corso del Popolo, and is easy to reach by public transit.
Parent tip: The show starts at 9 pm, so it is best to buy in advance and arrive a little early. Expect it to be in Italian.
- Host
- Teatro Corso (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro Corso, Corso del Popolo 30, 30172 Mestre (opens in maps) (near Venezia)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas show
Il Canto di Natale (A Christmas Carol) (Mestre)
- When: Sun, Dec 20, 4:30 pm
- Where: Teatro del Parco, Parco Albanese, via Bissuola, 30173 Mestre (opens in maps)
- Cost: €7
- Ages 4 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
In the family series Piccoli sguardi, grandi orizzonti (Small Glances, Big Horizons) at Teatro del Parco, Fondazione TRG presents Il Canto di Natale, directed by Claudia Martore and Claudio Dughera. It is the story of Scrooge and the three spirits of Christmas past, present and future, told to children as an invitation to change, to care for others and to discover that it is never too late to become better.
The show is recommended for ages 4 and up and is on Sunday, Dec 20 at 4:30 pm, right in the festive season. A ticket costs €7. Single tickets for the series are sold on the day itself, from one hour before, at the Teatro del Parco box office, or in advance online. People with disabilities are entitled to a free ticket, subject to availability.
Parent tip: Single tickets are sold at the theater from one hour before the show. For reserved seats in the stalls, write to teatrodelparco@comune.venezia.it. Expect it to be in Italian.
- Host
- Teatro del Parco (Comune di Venezia e Arteven) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro del Parco, Parco Albanese, via Bissuola, 30173 Mestre (opens in maps) (near Venezia)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Jesolo
Family Christmas event
Jesolo Sand Nativity
- When: Nov 28 to Feb 7
- Where: Jesolo Sand Nativity, Jesolo Lido, 30016 Jesolo (opens in maps)
- Cost: See the website for hours and tickets
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The famous sand nativity scene (presepe di sabbia) returns to Jesolo, now in its 24th edition: large sculptures modeled in sand tell the story of the Nativity and leave grown-ups and children open-mouthed. It is one of the regular Christmas events on the Venetian coast and is part of the program of Jesolo Città del Natale (Jesolo, Christmas Town), along with the Ice Nativity (Presepe di Ghiaccio) and the village of wooden huts.
The exhibit is open from Nov 28, 2026 to Feb 7, 2027, so it can be visited at leisure even after the holidays. Hours and prices for this edition are best checked on the website before you go. The visit can be combined with a stroll among the huts of the Christmas village on via Trentin.
Parent tip: Check updated hours and prices on the website before you go. The exhibit stays open until Feb 7.
- Host
- VisitJesolo (JesoloVenice) and the Municipality of Jesolo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Jesolo Sand Nativity, Jesolo Lido, 30016 Jesolo (opens in maps) (near Venezia)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Family Christmas event
Presepe di Ghiaccio (Ice Nativity) (Jesolo)
- When: Dec 5 to Jan 10
- Where: Piazza I Maggio, 30016 Jesolo (opens in maps)
- Cost: See the website for hours and tickets
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
In the historic center of Jesolo, in Piazza I Maggio, the Presepe di Ghiaccio (Ice Nativity) returns: a nativity scene with works sculpted in ice that brings the magic of Christmas to an unusual setting. It is a stop children enjoy, curious to see the clear, glowing figures up close.
The display can be admired from Dec 5, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027 and is part of the program of Jesolo Città del Natale (Jesolo, Christmas Town), along with the sand nativity scene at the Lido and the wooden huts of the Christmas village. Hours and prices for this edition are best checked before the visit. It is in the historic center, not at the Lido: keep that in mind if you want to see both nativity scenes on the same day.
Parent tip: The Ice Nativity is in the historic center (Piazza I Maggio), a few kilometers from the sand nativity at the Lido.
- Host
- VisitJesolo (JesoloVenice) and the Municipality of Jesolo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Piazza I Maggio, 30016 Jesolo (opens in maps) (near Venezia)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in San Donà di Piave
Christmas show
Lo Schiaccianoci (The Nutcracker) (San Donà di Piave)
- When: Sun, Nov 29, 4 pm
- Where: Teatro Metropolitano Astra, Via Giannino Ancillotto 16, 30027 San Donà di Piave (opens in maps)
- Cost: €5, 3 tickets for €12
- Ages 4 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
On Sunday, Nov 29, Teatro Metropolitano Astra in San Donà di Piave opens the Christmas season with Lo Schiaccianoci by the Panta Rei company, in the Domeniche per famiglie (Sundays for Families) series. The show is recommended for ages 4 and up and lasts 50 minutes.
Clara returns to her family's toy shop to sell it, but at midnight the shop comes to life: talking toys, mischievous mice and a Mouse King to face, to save the Kingdom of Sweets and find the magic Krakatuk nut. Live actors, puppets, shadows and video images go with a story about the value of memories and imperfections. The single ticket costs €5, with a family offer of 3 tickets for €12. Sales start Nov 4 at the box office and on vivaticket.com.
Parent tip: The box office is open Monday from 9 am to 1 pm, Wednesday from 3 to 7 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, plus one hour before the show. Expect it to be in Italian.
- Host
- Teatro Metropolitano Astra (Comune di San Donà di Piave e Arteven) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro Metropolitano Astra, Via Giannino Ancillotto 16, 30027 San Donà di Piave (opens in maps) (near Venezia)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas show
Un Babbo a Natale (A Santa for Christmas) (San Donà di Piave)
- When: Sun, Dec 20, 4 pm
- Where: Teatro Metropolitano Astra, 30027 San Donà di Piave (opens in maps)
- Cost: €5; family offer: 3 tickets for €12
- Ages 3 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
The Domeniche per famiglie series at Teatro Metropolitano Astra presents Un Babbo a Natale by Teatro Giovani Teatro Pirata. The main character is Roberto, a solitary boy who hates gifts, lights and family celebrations, until, right at Christmas, with the help of a little girl, he finds the holiday spirit he had been hiding. Actors and puppets share the stage in a 50-minute tale.
The show is recommended for ages 3 and up and is on Sunday, Dec 20 at 4 pm. The single ticket costs €5, and there is a family offer of 3 tickets for €12. Tickets have been on sale since Nov 4 at the theater box office, open Monday and Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, and online on Vivaticket.
Parent tip: With the family offer, three tickets cost €12. The box office also opens one hour before the show. Expect it to be in Italian.
- Host
- Teatro Metropolitano Astra (Comune di San Donà di Piave e Arteven) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro Metropolitano Astra, 30027 San Donà di Piave (opens in maps) (near Venezia)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Portogruaro
Christmas show
ABC del Natale (The ABC of Christmas) (Portogruaro)
- When: Sun, Dec 13, 5 pm
- Where: Teatro Russolo, Via Silvio Pellico, 30026 Portogruaro (opens in maps)
- Cost: €6, €4 for under 15
Expand to see the parent tip
On Sunday, Dec 13, Teatro Russolo in Portogruaro hosts ABC del Natale by Teatro Telaio, in the series Giovanissimi e Primi passi a teatro (Very Young and First Steps at the Theater). The show lasts 50 minutes and the music is performed live.
We are in a famous stable, and two animals, the Donkey and the Ox, complete with tails and ears, have kept the doors of the house open for more than two thousand years and warm young and old by telling ancient stories. Noticing that the young audience doesn't always recognize the characters, they decide to explain everything from the beginning, playing with words, to build a Christmas alphabet together. The full ticket costs €6, and the ticket for under 15 costs €4.
Parent tip: The Primi passi a teatro series is aimed at children ages 1 to 3, so check with the theater before you go for the right age for this show. Expect it to be in Italian.
- Host
- Teatro Russolo (Comune di Portogruaro e Arteven) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro Russolo, Via Silvio Pellico, 30026 Portogruaro (opens in maps) (near Venezia)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in San Stino di Livenza
Christmas show
La notte dei regali (The Night of the Gifts) (San Stino di Livenza)
- When: Sun, Dec 6, 4 pm
- Where: Teatro R. Pascutto, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII 7, 30029 San Stino di Livenza (opens in maps)
- Cost: €5, online €3.50, 3 tickets for €10
Expand to see the parent tip
On Sunday, Dec 6, Saint Nicholas Day, Teatro R. Pascutto in San Stino di Livenza presents La notte dei regali by the La Piccionaia company, in the Domeniche a teatro (Sundays at the Theater) series. With Gianni Franceschini on stage, the little old man Gastaldo drives the gift cart of Santa Lucia and also collects the gifts of the Befana (the kindly gift-bringing witch), sometimes those of San Nicola or Babbo Natale, and even those of the Three Kings (Re Magi).
Telling of his century-long experience, Gastaldo takes the young audience from the mythic tales of northern Europe all the way to Sicily. The show uses puppets, figures, live painting and simple costume changes. The full ticket costs €5, online €3.50 plus advance sales fees, and there is a family offer of 3 tickets for €10 at the box office. Advance sales since Nov 2 on vivaticket.com.
Parent tip: For information, including the recommended age, call the Biblioteca Comunale (town library) at 0421 473921. Expect it to be in Italian.
- Host
- Teatro R. Pascutto (Comune di San Stino di Livenza e Arteven) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro R. Pascutto, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII 7, 30029 San Stino di Livenza (opens in maps) (near Venezia)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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More Christmas events for kids in Italy
- Christmas events for kids in Rome
- Christmas events for kids in Bolzano
- Christmas events for kids in Bergamo
- Christmas events for kids in Trento
- Christmas events for kids in Milan
- Christmas events for kids in Turin
- Christmas events for kids in Naples
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- Christmas events for kids in Italy
A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.it (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Venice: questions parents ask
What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Venice?
For 2026, we confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Venice, each on its host’s own page: La notte dei regali (The Night of the Gifts) (San Stino di Livenza), BABBO NATALE: Il Musical (Santa Claus: The Musical) (Mestre), Il Canto di Natale (A Christmas Carol) (Mestre) and 6 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
The story of Christmas in Venice
In Venice, Christmas starts with a saint and a train station. Saint Lucy's body rests in a church a few steps from Venezia Santa Lucia station, and the season ends on January 6 with five rowers dressed as the Befana racing down the Grand Canal. For a visiting family, this page leans toward the mainland and the coast: family theater in Mestre and nearby towns, and two famous nativity scenes in Jesolo, one made of sand and one of ice.
How Venice celebrates Christmas, and what makes it different
Venice does Christmas on the water. In 2025 the season lit up on November 21 with 50 km of lights, 26 three-dimensional installations and more than 4,000 LED elements, which stayed on until Epiphany. Instead of a parade down a street, there are parades of boats: hundreds of rowers dressed as Santa glide down the Grand Canal, and on January 6 the Befana rows a race.
It all begins with Saint Lucy. Her body arrived in the city from Constantinople around 1204 and from 1280 rested in a church in Cannaregio, which was demolished between 1861 and 1863 to make room for the railway. That is why the station is called Venezia Santa Lucia, and her relics now lie in the nearby church of San Geremia. For a visiting family, that is a nice story to tell the moment you get off the train.
What a child will meet: Befanas in rowboats and nativity scenes made of sand
The Befana is the gift bringer of Epiphany, on January 6. In Venice she is a rower. The Regata delle Befane began at the Christmas dinner of 1978, when two club members, Nino Bianchetto and Enzo Rinaldo, challenged each other to a rowing race and wrote the rules on a napkin. Some people date the idea to 1979. Today five rowers dressed as the Befana race on the Grand Canal, each in a mascareta, a traditional narrow rowing boat, of a different color, and a giant stocking hangs under the arch of the Rialto Bridge.
In Jesolo the nativity scenes are made of sand. They have been sculpted since 2002, and in 2021 about a thousand tons of golden sand were needed, held together only by water, with no glue. In 2018 the same sculptors built the nativity scene of Saint Peter's Square.
Saint Lucy's day is December 13. On this page, a show in San Stino di Livenza tells the story of the gift bringers, Santa Lucia, Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, the Befana and the Magi, with puppets and live painting.
Planning a Christmas visit to Venice with kids
This page lists the confirmed events from late November to mid-December, and one thing to know right away: none of them are inside the historic center of Venice. They are on the mainland and the coast, in Mestre, Jesolo, San Donà di Piave, San Stino di Livenza and Portogruaro. The two big attractions in Jesolo are long-running: the Jesolo Sand Nativity from November 28 to February 7, and the Ice Nativity in Piazza I Maggio from December 5 to January 10.
The rest are family theater on Sundays and a few Saturdays: Puss in Boots at Teatro del Parco in Mestre on November 29 for ages 3 to 8 and The Nutcracker in San Donà di Piave the same day, then shows on December 6, 13, 19 and 20. Tickets are mostly 5 to 7 euros, and several theaters sell family bundles. No events here are marked free, so check prices with the host. Most shows are in Italian.
A fun story: a stocking, a napkin and a very snowy race
The Regata delle Befane of January 6, 2026, was the 45th edition, and the rowers raced even in snow and wind, which made it hard to line up the boats at the start. Riccardo Romanelli, the reigning champion, won in the light blue mascareta. While the Befanas row, the Pink Lionesses hand out sweets and hot chocolate to children on the Riva del Vin.
Traditions today
- Santa Lucia at San Geremia: On December 13 people remember the saint who protects eyes and children. Her body rests in the church of San Geremia, a short walk from the station named after her.
- The Regata delle Befane: On the morning of January 6 five rowers dressed as the Befana race in mascarete on the Grand Canal, from the Bank of Italy building to the arch of the Rialto Bridge.
- The Santa Claus water parade: On a Sunday in December hundreds of rowers in red go down the Grand Canal in mascarete, sandolos and gondolas, from Punta della Dogana to the Erbaria at Rialto.
- The trees of San Marco and Piazza Ferretto: In 2025 two twin 15-meter trees with 200 glowing stars kicked off Christmas in the historic center and in Mestre.
- The ice rink at Campo San Polo: A real ice rink in one of Venice's biggest squares, open every day in 2025 until February 17, with gloves required.
- The sand nativity scenes of Jesolo: Since 2002 sculptors from Europe and America have shaped the Nativity from sand and water, and the sand is reused the next year.
A fact for kids
In 2021 in Jesolo the sand nativity scenes were made with about a thousand tons of sand, which stayed up only because of water, without a single drop of glue.
Questions about Christmas in Venice
Is Venice worth visiting at Christmas with kids?
Yes, if you like the idea of Christmas on the water. Venice has boat parades with rowing Santas, a Befana rowing race on January 6 and a real ice rink in Campo San Polo. Note that most of the family events on this page are on the mainland and the coast, in Mestre and Jesolo, not in the historic center.
When does the Jesolo Sand Nativity open?
The 24th edition of the Jesolo Sand Nativity opens on November 28 and runs until February 7, 2027. It is at Jesolo Lido. Check the official site for hours and tickets, since this page does not list them.
Is there an ice nativity scene in Jesolo?
Yes, the Presepe di Ghiaccio, an ice-sculpted nativity scene in Piazza I Maggio in Jesolo's old town, is on display from December 5 to January 10, 2027. The sand nativity scenes open about a week earlier, on November 28. Both are in Jesolo, so you can plan two themed outings.
What are the Jesolo sand nativity scenes?
They are an exhibition of nativity scenes sculpted from sand, which began in 2002 and has grown into a big yearly show. In 2021 about a thousand tons of golden sand were used, held together only by water, with no glue. At the end the sand is cleaned and reused.
Did the sand nativity scene in Saint Peter's Square come from Jesolo?
Yes. In 2018 the Patriarch of Venice, Francesco Moraglia, arranged for the Pope's nativity scene to be made by the Jesolo Sand Nativity. The sand traveled to Rome by truck and the same Jesolo artists sculpted it. Visitor donations go to charity: 750,000 euros over 18 editions.
Where can kids meet Santa in Venice?
None of the events on this page is a Santa meet-and-greet. Santa does appear in some family shows, such as the Christmas musical about Santa Claus at Teatro Corso in Mestre on December 19 and the actor and puppet show A Babbo a Natale in San Donà di Piave on December 20. In 2025 hundreds of rowers dressed as Santa paraded down the Grand Canal on a Sunday in December.
What is the Santa Claus water parade in Venice?
It is a boat parade on the Grand Canal with hundreds of rowers dressed in red on mascarete, sandolos and gondolas. The 11th edition took place on Sunday, December 21, 2025, gathering at 10 a.m. at Punta della Dogana and ending at the Erbaria at Rialto. It is organized by the city, rowing associations and Ca' Foscari University.
What is the Befana?
The Befana is the gift bringer of Epiphany, on January 6. In Venice she is celebrated with a rowing race on the Grand Canal. Among the Christmas gift bringers, a puppet show in San Stino di Livenza on December 6 tells the story of Santa Lucia, Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, the Befana and the Magi.
What is the Regata delle Befane?
It is a rowing race held on the morning of January 6 on the Grand Canal. Five rowers of the Bucintoro Royal Rowing Society, dressed as the Befana in shawls and capes, each race in a mascareta of a different color. Before the start, a procession of boats takes the racers and the big stocking to the starting line.
How did the Regata delle Befane start?
With a bet between friends. At the 1978 Christmas dinner, club members Nino Bianchetto and Enzo Rinaldo teased each other about their rowing and decided to race on the morning of Epiphany on the Grand Canal. The rules were written on a napkin. Some say the idea dates to 1979, so the exact year is uncertain.
Where does the Befana regatta start and finish?
The start is in front of Palazzo Dolfin Manin, home of the Bank of Italy, with the Rialto Bridge behind. The boats go around a buoy at the mouth of the Rio di San Polo and return to the finish under the Rialto arch, where the big stocking that symbolizes the regatta hangs.
What do kids get along the Riva del Vin on Befana day?
While the Befanas row toward Rialto, on the Riva del Vin the Pink Lionesses hand out sweets and hot chocolate to children, and mulled wine to adults. It is a good spot to watch the finish under the bridge. The boat procession leaves at 10 a.m. from the Salt Warehouses, home of the Bucintoro, and the race starts at 11.
Who won the 2026 Befana regatta?
The race held on January 6, 2026, was the 45th edition and was won by the reigning champion, Riccardo Romanelli, in the light blue mascareta. It was rowed despite snow and wind. Andrea Ciccarello in red, Sandro Inchiostro in white, Francesco Guerra in pink and Federico Bianchini in yellow followed.
Why is the Venice train station called Santa Lucia?
Because it was built where the church of Santa Lucia stood, in Cannaregio. The church and convent were demolished between 1861 and 1863 to make room for the railway, and the new station took the saint's name. Her relics were moved to the nearby church of San Geremia.
Where is Saint Lucy's body in Venice?
In the church of San Geremia, a few steps from the train station. The body is kept in a glass case. For kids it is a short stop right after getting off the train, since the station has the same name as the saint.
How did Saint Lucy's body get to Venice?
It arrived from Constantinople around 1204, at the time of Doge Enrico Dandolo. It was first kept on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, and on January 18, 1280 the relics were carried in procession to a church in Cannaregio.
When is Saint Lucy's day in Venice?
On December 13. Saint Lucy is considered the protector of eyes and children, and her body rests in the church of San Geremia, a short walk from the station that bears her name.
How were the Christmas trees in San Marco and Mestre in 2025?
They were twin firs 15 meters tall, with a base 7 meters wide and 200 glowing stars. The one in Piazza Ferretto in Mestre was lit on Friday, November 21 at 6 p.m. The one in Piazza San Marco was lit on Saturday, November 22 at 6:30 p.m., right after the inauguration of the Murano glass chandeliers under the Procuratie Vecchie.
Is there a Christmas train for kids in Mestre?
In 2025 yes. The Christmas Express, a little train with Christmas music, ran around Mestre on weekends and holidays from November 29 to December 28, with runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. This year's dates are not on this page, so check with the organizers.
Why do you need gloves to skate at Campo San Polo?
Because in 2025 the rink in Campo San Polo was real ice and gloves were required for everyone. It was open every day from November 29 until February 17, 2026, with skate rental on site. Two more rinks were open in Mestre, in Piazza Ferretto, and in Marghera, in Piazza Mercato.
What family theater is on in Mestre and nearby this Christmas?
In Mestre, Puss in Boots is at Teatro del Parco on November 29, A Christmas Carol for children on December 20 and the musical about Santa Claus at Teatro Corso on December 19. In San Donà di Piave there are The Nutcracker on November 29 and A Babbo a Natale on December 20. Portogruaro hosts ABC del Natale on December 13, where an ox and a donkey explain Christmas to children.
How much do the family shows near Venice cost?
Most are inexpensive. Teatro del Parco shows are 7 euros, San Donà di Piave shows are 5 euros or 3 tickets for 12 euros, and the San Stino di Livenza show is 5 euros. ABC del Natale in Portogruaro is 6 euros, or 4 euros for under 15. The Teatro Corso musical sells tickets in advance, with prices on the theater's site.
Are Christmas events near Venice in English?
Most events here are in Italian, since they are local theater shows and exhibitions. The sand and ice nativity scenes in Jesolo are visual, and the boat parades need no language at all. For the shows, check with the host.
Sources
- La Regata delle Befane celebra la 45esima edizione con l'arrivo sotto il Ponte di Rialto, Italpress
- Venezia. It's Christmas Time (comunicato stampa, 18 novembre 2025), Comune di Venezia / Venezia Unica
- Il presepe? Un miracolo (di mille tonnellate) di sabbia, Avvenire
- Regatta on Three Kings' Day, Reale Società Canottieri Bucintoro
- Santa Lucia, Venice, Wikipedia
- Saint Lucia, example of light and peace, a restless martyr lying in Venice for 900 years, Venezia 1600 (Comune di Venezia)
- Natale a Venezia, la città dei canali diventa un presepe a cielo aperto, SiViaggia
- Jesolo Sand Nativity 2025 ispirata al Cantico delle creature, Gente Veneta