A Christmas Photoshoot in Burano | Engagement Winter Getaway in Venice

Planning a Christmas holidays trip to Venice? Discover why a Christmas photoshoot in Burano is one of the most romantic and visually stunning experiences you can have.

This is the story of Kemi and Arsan, a newly engaged couple who traveled from California to celebrate their love in Venice and capture timeless winter memories in the colorful island of Burano.

A Romantic Christmas Escape to Venice

Kemi and Arsan met in California and quickly fell in love. After their engagement, they decided to take a romantic winter vacation to Venice for the Christmas holidays.

Venice in December is peaceful, foggy, and deeply atmospheric—perfect for an engagement getaway. With a mix of Armenian and Nigerian heritage, the couple is planning a vibrant multicultural wedding.

Venice could be a great destination, because it is home to a big Armenian community and San Lazzaro degli Armeni is often chosen by Armenian couples from all over the world for a destination wedding. But for now, they wanted to slow down and enjoy some quiet time in Italy.

Finding a great holiday deal, Kemi and Arsan jumped at the chance to explore the city during the off-season. And while Venice is stunning year-round, they were especially drawn to Burano, the island of colors, for their Christmas engagement photoshoot.

After the biggest acqua alta in decades, Venice is now back to normal. This couple did not fear acqua alta and luckily we didn’t find any, because acqua alta in Burano can be extremely tricky. The island becomes almost inaccessible when the water rises too much.

Why Choose Burano for a Christmas Photoshoot?

Burano is a tiny island near Torcello at the northern end of the Lagoon, known for its lace work and brightly coloured houses.

2,777 people live here and of course, the primary economy is tourism.⁠ Since before the Venetian Republic, Burano was home to fishermen and legend says that the houses were painted in bright hues so they could see their way home when fog blanketed the lagoon.⁠⠀

Burano in winter is pure magic. This tiny fishing island at the northern edge of the Venetian Lagoon is famous for its brightly painted houses, charming canals, and cozy atmosphere.

Burano looks colorful and happy even in a bubble of fog on the darkest days of the year⁠⠀

Burano is ideal for a winter photoshoot beacause of these elements:

• Colorful Backdrops: Even in the fog, Burano bursts with color—reds, blues, yellows, greens. The houses are painted in bright hues that pop in photos, even on gray days.
• Quiet Streets: Fewer tourists in winter mean more intimate moments captured on camera without distractions.
• Soft Lighting: The natural winter light and mist create a soft, diffused glow—ideal for romantic, cinematic portraits.
• Easy Access by Boat: Getting to Burano from Venice by vaporetto (water boat) adds to the adventure. The ride through the fog feels surreal, like you’re sailing through a dream.

Behind the Scenes of a Winter Photoshoot in Burano

The most natural way to experience Venice is by boat, any boat. With the fog it takes on a completely mystical atmosphere. The sound of water while navigating. Everything is hidden and you feel like you protected by a big misty blanket. ⁠

Kemi and Arsan’s Christmas photoshoot in Burano began with a boat ride through the Venetian Lagoon. Wrapped in fog, Venice looked like a mystical painting. We arrived in Burano hoping for clear skies, but even the mist couldn’t hide the charm of this place.

Burano looked like a storybook—colorful houses lining the canals, festive lights glimmering through the haze, and peaceful silence all around. The contrast between the couple’s warm clothing and the candy-colored buildings created a beautiful visual harmony.

Pro Tip: For a photoshoot in Venice, I usually recommend couples wear vibrant clothing because the city is full of neutral tones. In Burano, it’s the opposite—the houses are colorful, so wearing neutral outfits (like beige, cream, or soft pastels) works beautifully against the vivid backgrounds.

Things to Do in Burano During Christmas

Besides your Christmas photoshoot in Burano, here are some cozy winter activities to enjoy:

• Explore the colorful streets and canals at your own pace.
• Visit lace shops and see the traditional handmade lace that Burano is famous for.
• Try local seafood dishes like risotto di gò (a traditional fish risotto) in one of the island’s rustic restaurants.
• Capture festive decorations—the island quietly embraces Christmas with lights, nativity displays, and small markets.
• Take a short walk to Mazzorbo, a nearby island connected by a wooden bridge, where you can enjoy peaceful vineyards and views.

What to Do in Venice at Christmas

After your visit to Burano, Venice itself has plenty to offer in December:

• St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is adorned with twinkling lights and a Christmas tree.
• Enjoy classical concerts at historic churches or theaters.
• Warm up with cioccolata calda (Italian hot chocolate) at cozy cafes.
• Explore quiet alleyways and bridges without the summer crowds.
• Take a gondola ride—yes, even in winter! Gondoliers provide blankets and the calm water makes for a romantic ride.

Celebrate Love with a Christmas Photoshoot in Burano

A Christmas photoshoot in Burano is an intimate experience filled with color, quiet moments, and the magic of winter in the Venetian Lagoon. Whether you’re newly engaged like Kemi and Arsan, celebrating an anniversary, or just taking time for yourselves, Burano in December offers a peaceful, romantic escape from the world.

The foggy day gave an extra element of magic during this Christmas Holidays in Burano engagement photoshoot. The atmosphere is mystical and hazy, your day will feel like a magical adventure in this timeless city. You’ll see everything differently. ⁠⠀

Ready to book your photoshoot in Burano?