Every year, for a few weeks in late winter, Venice transforms into a world of masked extravagance. Streets overflow with lavishly costumed visitors, decorated gondolas glide through canals, and centuries-old traditions come out to play. Toss in a few million visitors, some confetti rockets, and lots of parades, and you’ve got one of the most insane celebrations in the world. Want in? Here’s everything you need to know about attending the 2025 Venice Carnival.
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Attending The 2025 Venice Carnival:
If there’s one thing to know about the Venice Carnival, it’s that winging it is not an option. Some of the most spectacular moments—like the Water Parade and the Flight of the Angel—draw massive crowds, while other events require advance booking and specific costumes. If you want to make the most of your time, you’ll need a plan.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, including:
Venice Carnival 2025 Dates & Tickets
Pre-Carnival events kick off on February 14, 2025, and the official Venice Carnival runs from February 22 to March 4, 2025. We recommend a three-day stay to experience the carnival and Venice without feeling rushed.
You do not need a special ticket to be in Venice during the Carnival. You also don’t need to worry about paying the Venice Access Fee (it only applies during specific days in the spring and summer).
However, certain events, including masked balls, workshops, and special performances require a ticket and advance booking.
What To See At The Venice Carnival 2025
If there’s one thing you can count on during the Venice Carnival, it’s spectacle—plenty of it. On any given day, you might see a noblewoman in an 18th-century ball gown sipping espresso next to a pirate covered in gold sequins, or an entire troupe of jesters performing slapstick on a side street. It’s all part of the magic.
To experience it fully, you’ll want to plan around the biggest events while leaving time to wander. Booking a guided tour can provide historical context, while unstructured time lets you enjoy a bit of spontaneity.
Here’s a look at the most iconic events:
Water Parade on the Grand Canal
Sunday, February 16, 2025 | 11 am to 12:30 pm | FREE
This event is among the most attended during the Carnival and to secure a front-row view, you’ll need to claim your spot at least two hours before the start. It’s worth the effort, though. Hundreds of traditional boats glide down the Grand Canal, each decorated and filled with costumed passengers.
Find more information about the Water Parade
The Feast Of The 12 Maries
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 3:30 pm – 5 pm | FREE
The Festa delle Marie is another highlight of the Carnival, rooted in a 10th-century event when Istrian pirates kidnapped twelve young brides during a ceremony. The Venetians, led by Doge Pietro Candiano III, heroically rescued them, and the festival was established to commemorate this victory.
Today, twelve young Venetian women are selected to participate in a grand procession, starting from San Pietro di Castello and culminating in Piazza San Marco. They are presented to the city, and at the end of the Carnival, one is chosen to be the “Maria” who will take part in next year’s Flight of the Angel.
Find more information about The Feast of the 12 Maries
Flight Of The Angel
Sunday, February 23, 2025 | 12 pm | FREE
This centuries-old tradition once featured a daring acrobat walking a tightrope from St. Mark’s bell tower to the square below. However, after a tragic accident in the 18th century, the act was discontinued.
Fast forward to 2001 and add in some health and safety regulations, and the tradition has returned. In current times, the winner of the previous year’s Festa della Marie descends from the bell tower to Saint Mark’s Square with the help of a secure cable.
It may not have the same thrill, but it’s still one of the most popular events (get your spot early).
Masked Ball
Every night | Ticket Required
If you’ve ever wanted to sip prosecco beneath a Murano glass chandelier while dressed in 18th-century finery, this is your chance.
The official ball of the Carnival takes place at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi—a Renaissance palace overlooking the Grand Canal. Here, you’ll dine on Venetian dishes while masked performers and musicians perform.
If you prefer something more exclusive, private masked balls range from small, intimate affairs to over-the-top spectacles. Prices start at €300 but can exceed €700.
At most masked balls, period costumes are mandatory.
The Most Beautiful Mask Parade
Multiple Days | FREE
Did you know you don’t have to be a professional, or even Italian, to be a part of a Venice Carnival parade? All you have to do is dress the part and book your time slot, and you can take the stage for all to see.
The competition runs on February 15, 16, 22, 23, 27, 28, and March 1, 2025, with three rounds each day at 12 pm, 4 pm, and 5 pm. The best-dressed winner of each round moves on to the grand finale on March 2 at 4 pm.
To enter, sign up at the dedicated desk near the stage in Piazza San Marco.
Arsenal Water Show
February 21 to 23 and February 27 to March 4, 2025 | 6:45 pm & 9 pm | Ticket Required
How exciting can a water show be? You’d be surprised. Set in the historic Darsena Grande of the Arsenale, the 30-minute Arsenal Water Show brings to life the tales of Giacomo Casanova through high-tech lights, water choreography, boat displays, and more.
Tickets are priced between €35 and €45 for adults, and €20 to €30 for youths, depending on seating preferences. We recommend allowing three hours for the experience, which includes transportation.
Official Parade And Presentation of the Maria of the Venice Carnival 2025
March 4, 2025 | 3 pm – 5 pm | FREE
Every dazzling celebration deserves a grand finale, and in Venice Carnival terms, this means yet another extravagant parade and presentation. On Mardi Gras (the last day before Lent), the 12 Maries cruise down the Grand Canal in a water parade before being welcomed onto the stage in Piazza San Marco.
Here, the judge-chosen Maria of the Year and the public-chosen Maria of the Gazzettino are crowned, and with that, the Carnival draws to a close in a whirl of applause, music, and confetti.
To experience this event, you have two options. Find a spot by the Grand Canal to witness the Maries glide by or watch the ceremony in Piazza San Marco. It’s nearly impossible to do both, thanks to the crowds, so we recommend claiming your spot in Piazza San Marco a couple of hours in advance.
Find more information about the Presentation of the Maria of Venice Carnival
Add A Guided Tour To Your Itinerary
Beyond the lineup of Carnival events, there’s an abundance of things to do in Venice during the festival. Our favorites include:
- Get crafty and make your own Venetian mask
- Uncover the secrets of the Venice Carnival during a treasure hunt with a secret workshop
- Have a laugh and learn more about Venice on a guided tour led by a costumed actor
- Explore St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace on a half-day tour
- Escape the madness and head to the islands of Burano and Murano in a private water taxi
- Leave the navigating to an expert on a full-day guided Venice tour
- Take in the chaos of St. Mark’s Square from above during a tour of St. Mark’s Basilica’s Terrace
- Don your finest and attend a concert at the Church of San Vidal
- Feel like royalty while gliding down the Grand Canal in a private gondola
- Learn the art of glassmaking on the island of Murano
History Of The Venice Carnival
Venice Carnival’s roots stretch back to 1162 when Venetians took to the streets of Saint Mark’s Square in celebration after defeating the Patriarch of Aquileia. Over the next six centuries, the annual festival grew more elaborate, with extravagant masks and costumes allowing people of all social classes to join together, free from societal constraints.
Then came 1797. With Venice under Austrian rule, the party was shut down indefinitely—no more parades, no more masked balls, no more indulgent weeks of mischief. For nearly two centuries, the Carnival faded into history. But in 1979, Venetian artisans had a different idea: bring it back, bigger and more spectacular than ever. It worked, and since then, the Venice Carnival has become one of the most dazzling events in the world.
How To Get Around Venice During the Carnival
Walking is by far the best way to explore Venice, so pack comfortable shoes and be ready to navigate winding alleyways, lively piazzas, and the occasional bridge bottleneck. If you find yourself stuck on the wrong side of the Grand Canal, look for a traghetto—these gondola ferries shuttle passengers across for just €2.
For longer journeys, hop on a vaporetto (Venice’s version of a water bus). Water taxis are another option, but they can come with a hefty price tag.
If squeezing onto a crowded boat in full Carnival chaos doesn’t appeal, a guided tour can save you the hassle while offering expert insights along the way.
For a full breakdown of Venice’s public transport system, check out our guide here.
Tips For Attending The Venice Carnival 2025
- Pack comfortable walking shoes
- Leave space in your itinerary for impromptu street shows
- Plan to stay for at least 3 days to avoid feeling rushed
- Be prepared for chilly and damp weather—it’s winter in Venice!
- Book everything in advance, including accommodation, restaurants, events, and tours
- Purchase a simple mask to wear during the day and rent a more extravagant one if you’re planning to attend a ball
- Wake early to explore before the crowds
Where To Eat During the Venice Carnival
You’re inevitably going to work up an appetite while enjoying the festivities of the Venice Carnival. Here are a few suggestions on where and what to eat:
First up, we have the frittelle—aka the unofficial official treat of the Venice Carnival. Eaten by Venetians only during the Carnival, this perfectly fried dough ball is filled with raisins and pine nuts or stuffed with velvety custard, zabaione, or rich chocolate. To get your hands on the best, head to Pasticceria Tonolo, Pasticceria Rizzardini, or Pasticceria Nobile.
Best Restaurants in Venice
Caffè Florian: €€€€ | Breakfast With a View – This historic café is located in St. Mark’s Square and its prices absolutely reflect its opulence. A cappuccino and quiche will set you back €35, but if you time it right, you can have a prime seat to one of the many performances held in the square.
Osteria Enoteca San Marco: €€ | Wine Bar – Just a short stroll from the main attractions, this upscale wine bar serves traditional Venetian comfort food and delightful small plates. It’s a cozy spot to relax with a glass of local wine.
Ristorante La Bitta: €€ | Homestyle – If you want to escape the madness of the Carnival, head to Dorsoduro to this quaint and cozy establishment. The menu focuses on hearty meat dishes, pastas, and fresh salads.
For more options, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Venice.
Where to Stay During the Venice Carnival
Hotels near the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square put you right in the heart of the action, while Cannaregio and Dorsoduro offer a quieter escape when you need a break. To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve rounded up the best hotels for your Carnival adventure:
The Gritti Palace Venice
€€€€+ | St Mark’s Square
This mega-luxury hotel places you at the center of it all, with a rooftop restaurant and striking interiors crafted by a top Italian designer.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
€€€ | Giudecca
For a luxury Venice experience without €400-a-night regret, this Giudecca stay offers a rooftop pool, family-friendly vibes, and a free water taxi to the action.
Hotel Flora
€€€ | St Mark’s Square
A three-star with a little extra charm, Hotel Flora features antique-filled rooms, a quiet courtyard for morning coffee, and a prime location near the main events of the Venice Carnival.
Hotel Giorgione
€€ | Cannaregio
Classic Venetian décor, a relaxing courtyard pool, and an easy walk to Carnival’s grandest events make Hotel Giorgione a great option for budget travelers.
For a full list of the best places to stay in Venice, check out our article on Where to Stay in Venice.
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