Festive decorations on a canal in Murano, Italy

© John Warburton-Lee/DanitaDelimont.co

Murano aglow. Christmastime in the Venetian Lagoon

About a mile north of Venice is the collection of seven islands called Murano. The tightly packed islands in the Venetian Lagoon are joined by a series of bridges over the various canals between the islands. And during the festive season, those canals are decorated with lights, making the whole scene even more romantic. If you’re planning a trip to Italy over Christmas, stay through 5 January. That’s Epiphany Eve, when a witch-like character known as Befana swoops into the chimneys of Italian homes, leaving sweets and presents for children. Sound familiar?