Ice Nativity – Presepe di Ghiaccio
The Nativity sculpted in ice in the historic center
About Ice Nativity
The magic of Christmas sculpted in ice
The Ice Nativity is one of the most beloved Christmas experiences in Jesolo, in the Province of Venice. In Piazza I Maggio, in the heart of the historic center of Jesolo Paese, a path of about two hundred square meters hosts sculptures entirely made of ice, in a refrigerated chamber maintained at arctic temperatures.
An international team of sculptors
The works are signed by a collective of international sculptors led by Canadian David Ducharme, with artists from various countries. Dozens of large blocks of ice are transformed into a traditional Nativity scene, with the Holy Family and the arrival of the Magi, alongside polar landscapes populated by bears and icy settings.
A highly attractive Christmas event
Open throughout the holiday season, the Ice Nativity has become a classic of the Jesolo winter: since the format's inauguration, it has already attracted over one hundred and sixty thousand visitors, confirming itself as a destination capable of attracting families and the curious even out of season, when the coast takes on the colors of Christmas.
Ice Nativity — edition 2026
The 2025-2026 edition of the Ice Nativity was inaugurated on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Piazza I Maggio, in the historic center of Jesolo Paese, and concluded on January 11, 2026.
Over approximately two hundred square meters, the international team led by Canadian David Ducharme — with sculptors like Nicolai Torkhov (Russia), Vaclav Lemon (Czech Republic), and the Baisas brothers — worked with 75 blocks of ice, each weighing 136 kg, in a refrigerated chamber at -12°C. One section depicted polar bears in an arctic setting, the other the traditional Nativity scene with the Holy Family and the arrival of the Magi.
Programme Ice Nativity 2026
December 6, 2025 - January 11, 2026 — Piazza I Maggio
- Exhibition path with the Nativity scene (Holy Family and arrival of the Magi) and polar landscapes with bears
- 75 blocks of ice weighing 136 kg each, refrigerated chamber at -12°C
- International team led by David Ducharme
- Activities and workshops for families
Hours
- Monday-Friday: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Weekends and holidays: 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM continuous
- December 21 - January 6: extended continuous hours every day
Highlights Ice Nativity 2026
Prices Ice Nativity 2026
Practical information — Ice Nativity
Where
Piazza I Maggio, historic center of Jesolo Paese (VE).
How to get there
By car from the A4 highway, exit Noventa di Piave-San Donà and take the SS14 towards Jesolo; by train to San Donà di Piave-Jesolo with a bus to Jesolo Paese.
Visit
The installation is inside a refrigerated chamber at arctic temperatures: warm clothing is recommended. Extended hours on holidays.
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Where does it take place — Ice Nativity
Piazza I Maggio (Jesolo Paese)
Piazza I Maggio, 30016 Jesolo