Italy: 4 reasons why Venice is better in the off-season

Venice: Now that summer is over, fall through winter is an ideal time to visit Italy – namely, Venice. Why? With less tourist crowds in the fall and winter, Venice plays hosts to a number of events and happenings in the city for discerning travelers to get their hands on.

From the Veleziana Regatta and Venice Fashion Week, to holiday happenings at The St. Regis and world-famous Carnival in early 2023, Venice in the off season presents a culturally diverse, locals only kind of experience that you just won’t get in the summertime high season.

Faithful to its motto “Cultivating the Vanguard”, The St. Regis Venice offers to its guests the opportunity to discover Venice from a very new perspective. The city is often considered like an open-air museum, an ancient city wonderfully asleep in her Renaissance dream, but the identity of Venice goes far beyond that cliché.

The St. Regis Venice unites the captivating spirit of the city with the timeless sophistication and service of the brand, re-interpreting Venice’s rich history through a modern lens. From showcasing contemporary art using the historical glassmaking techniques, cocktails inspired by masterpieces of celebrated avant-garde artists to the launch of the first electric charging post in Italy, The St. Regis Venice hopes to reshape travelers’ perception of Venice on their next trip to the city.

On October 16, sailing enthusiasts and travel lovers alike can attend the Veneziana Regatta, an internationally known sailing event, and the only one in the world that allows racers to reach the San Marco basin with full sail. A true spectacle to witness, it’s not just an event, but a regatta that requires special tactics precisely because it takes place in very different environments and conditions: passage from the sea to the lagoon, with its currents, bottlenecks and wind shifts.

From October 19-29, Venice will play host to Venice Fashion Week, fashion will be on display from well-known Italian and sustainable designers as well as young up and coming fashion designers. The city will be ripe with events, performances, fashion shows, conferences and exhibitions that take place in hotels, art galleries, boutiques and artisan ateliers.

December is, quite understandably, dominated by Christmas in Venice. The city is at its most magical during the holidays, with lights & decorations sprinkled all over Venice, and traditional Christmas markets selling local goods and delicious Italian treats. Venice’s best address, The St. Regis Venice, will be decked out in holiday lights & decor, and will host several holiday events including a decadent Christmas dinner and a festive New Year’s Eve event.

In February, the world famous Carnevale di Venezia will be taking place from the 4th to the 21st. Famous for its elaborate masks and over the top costumes, colorful parades and themed parties, Venice during Carnevale is a treat for the senses and warrants a spot on your travel bucket list.