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Venice Carnival 2026: masked balls, historic festivities, and unforgettable evenings to enjoy as a Couple

27/01/2026

During Carnival, Venice reveals its most seductive side. The city transforms into a stage suspended between history and imagination, where elegant masks, music, and soft lighting create a truly unique atmosphere. The Venice Carnival 2026 is the perfect occasion for a romantic getaway filled with special evenings, dances in historic palaces, and moments to be shared as a couple.

In collaboration with Destination Venice, we present a mini guide to the most evocative events of the year, designed for couples who wish to experience Carnival with style, authenticity, and a touch of exclusivity.

The Charm of Masked Balls: Timeless Elegance
The most refined heart of Carnival beats in the masked balls hosted in ancient Venetian palaces, where velvet drapes, stucco decorations, and candlelight recreate the atmosphere of grand 18th-century festivities. Taking part in one of these evenings means stepping into a parallel world of period costumes, live music, and time-honored rituals.

Among the most sought-after events:
Ballo del Doge – the iconic event of the Venetian Carnival, renowned for its spectacular setting and international elegance
Historic palace balls – exclusive evenings combining dance, performances, and gourmet cuisine, perfect for couples seeking a night outside of time

Thanks to the collaboration with Destination Venice, participation can be arranged with great attention to detail, from event access to costume advice and logistics.

Tradition and Spectacle: Carnival Bringing the City to Life
Alongside the most exclusive events, Carnival also unfolds through its historic traditions and public performances that animate streets and squares:
The Venetian Water Festival, an evocative water parade that opens Carnival with lights, music, and decorated boats
The Feast of the Maries, a historical reenactment celebrating elegance, beauty, and Venetian tradition
Evening shows and artistic performances in the city’s iconic locations, where the night itself becomes a stage

Perfect moments to enjoy strolling together, letting yourselves be surprised by a Venice that changes its face at every corner.

After the Festivities, the Romantic Silence of the Lido
After an evening of dancing, masks, and music, true luxury lies in stepping away from the excitement and rediscovering calm. The Lido of Venice offers this perfect balance: just a few minutes by boat and the atmosphere becomes more intimate, luminous, and relaxed.

At Russo Palace, Carnival continues in a more private dimension: rooms overlooking the lagoon, elegant silence, leisurely breakfasts, and the feeling of being guests in a more secret Venice.

A Carnival Designed for Two
Experiencing the Venice Carnival 2026 as a couple means choosing an experience that blends spectacle and intimacy, tradition and comfort, emotion and tranquility. From the splendor of masked balls to the peaceful return to the Lido, every moment becomes part of a shared story.

With the support of Destination Venice and the refined hospitality of Russo Palace, Carnival becomes not just a celebration, but an emotional journey—one to be savored slowly, together.