Venice is amongst one of the world’s most magical places to spend Christmas and New Year. Aside from being free of crowds, the tantalising beauty of the city creates a festive atmosphere like no other, with the Venetians celebrating in true Italian style.
Owner of the Bauers Hotel, Francesca Bortolotto Possati, creates her own inimitable festive atmosphere for the Christmas Season. Carefully considering “the light, mood and colours” Francesca brings the very special spirit of Christmas alive to create a Venetian fairytale both in her own home and at the Bauers Hotels.
Christmas at the Bauers begins with the arrival of the tree, from her very own family vineyards. This uniquely decorated six foot Christmas tree has become an iconic part of the Venetian Christmas. Presiding over celebrations at the hotel, and decorated every year with ornaments that Francesca Bortolotto Possati has gathered from her travels, the tree takes on a different theme each Christmas. Each decoration has its own story, from glittering Murano glass to tiny figurines, collected from across the world. The result is a stunning showcase for the celebrations, excitedly anticipated every year by Venetians and guests alike at the Bauers Christmas Party.
The Murano glass so particular to Venice is produced on the island of Murano in the Venice Lagoon. Colours, techniques and materials vary depending on the look a glassmaker is trying to achieve, but the artisans of Murano are still employing these centuries old techniques to make goods varying from contemporary art glass to champagne stoppers and jewellery.
Tall stemmed glasses sparkle on the festive table, and the season’s menu is all you would expect from this luxury hotel. Francesca Bortolotto Possati likes to celebrate with a fish based menu both at home and at the hotel. Crab, lobster, truffle, ravioli, whole fish platters, and sea bass fresh from the Venice Fish market make a delicious alternative to meat, followed by stuffed Panettone made in Sicily.
At home, Francesca’s family and friends share dinner before taking Midnight Mass at St Mark’s Basilica, while Christmas Day is celebrated with a visit from Babbo Natale and presents.
Venice is alive with activities with for the entire family at Christmas, with special museum exhibitions, antiques, gondola processions and Christmas Markets, whilst Francesca Bortolotto Possati makes it extra special for children at the hotel with a tree and presents in each room, a special ice-skating ring is set up just for the holidays in the beautiful Campo San Polo. Children’s Christmas DVD’s and menu’s complete the magic of the festive season at the Bauers, for an enchanting Christmas in the heart of historic Venice. This year, two Italian actors will also read fairy-tales to adults and children in the Ballroom at the hotel, we can’t wait!
