Travel with You, Me, Away

Venice Carnival for couples: dates and planning

The Venice Carnival turns the city into an open-air stage for a few weeks each winter. For a couple it is a trip with fixed dates, so this page sets out what the organisers have published for 2027 and what is still open.

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Venice Carnival 2027 dates

The official Carnevale di Venezia site shows the 2027 edition as running from January 23 to February 9, 2027. The organisers are the Comune di Venezia and VELA. On 9 November 2026 the site had published no day-by-day programme for 2027. Its latest news item, dated 19 October 2026, announces that applications are open for artists and performers for the 2027 edition.

Treat the headline dates as the frame of your trip and wait for the official programme before you plan around a specific parade, show or evening.

Sources: Carnevale di Venezia official site

Ideas for two during carnival

The official carnival site lists an Official Dinner Show at Ca' Vendramin Calergi, which is ticketed, as well as sections on masks and costumes, the traditional carnival sweets and the Festa delle Marie. Use these official pages to see what is offered and how to book.

Beyond the programme, the simplest romantic plan is slow. Walk the quieter streets early in the morning when costumed visitors are fewer, and leave one evening free instead of filling every hour.

Sources: Carnevale di Venezia official site

Crowds and booking advice

Carnival fixes your dates, so rooms and trains can sell out early. Book accommodation as soon as you have chosen your days, choose a cancellable rate if you can, and decide whether you want the busy final weekend or a quieter weekday.

Staying in Venice itself saves time in the evening, but mainland rooms are an option if the island is full. Build in time for queues and keep one indoor plan for cold or wet days in January and February.

Masks and what to look for

A mask is the souvenir most couples take home. Look for a workshop where the maker can explain how it was made, ask whether it is made by hand and what it is made from, and be careful with very cheap pieces sold in the busiest streets.

Plan the rest of the trip

These pages cover Venice beyond carnival.

Sources