Venice Carnival 2027

<p>Venice's centuries-old Carnevale fills the calli and piazze with elaborate masks, costumed balls and water parades for just over two weeks each winter. The free public events around St Mark's Square — the flight of the angel, the best-mask contest — are the highlight for families.</p><p>Book accommodation months ahead; the city is at its busiest and most atmospheric. Wrap up warm — late January in Venice is cold and often misty.</p>

Venice Carnival unfolds across the historic centre, focused on Piazza San Marco. Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), then reach the islands by Alilaguna waterbus across the lagoon to San Marco or Rialto, or take the airport bus to Piazzale Roma, where the vaporetto network begins. Arriving by rail, trains terminate at Venezia Santa Lucia, right on the Grand Canal. From either gateway, vaporetto Line 1 or 2 threads to the main Carnival stops. Venice is car-free, so everything beyond the waterbus is on foot — wear comfortable shoes.