Santa Claus in Venice arrives by water. On Sunday, December 22, the Grand Canal will host the 10th edition of the Santa Claus Water Parade and the 12th edition of the Valesana Regatta of Santa Clauses. A festive Sunday blending sport and Christmas spirit, with decorated boats and participants in red hats and white beards rowing their way to a friendly “battle” on the water.
Hundreds of Santa Clauses aboard traditional Venetian boats will create a colorful procession organized by the Coordinamento delle Associazioni Remiere di Voga alla Veneta. The rally begins at Punta della Dogana at 10 a.m., with the procession departing at 10:30 a.m. and traveling along the Grand Canal to Rialto. Simultaneously, the traditional Valesana Regatta of Santa Clauses, organized by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, will take place on the Grand Canal.
The regatta starts at 10:30 a.m. from San Zaccaria, concluding at Ca’ Foscari’s headquarters around 10:45 a.m. Many participants will race in Mascarete (typical Venetian boats), dressed as Santa Claus and aboard vessels decorated as sleighs. Both events will culminate at Campo dell’Erbaria around 11:00 a.m., where the awards ceremony will be held.
The festivities will continue with prizes for the best-decorated boats, accompanied by Christmas carols, hot chocolate, panettone, and sparkling wine.