I will arrive New Year's Eve via the overnight train from Paris. Any suggestions for the evening? Will most of the shops and sites be closed on New Year's Day? Thanks for the help! (My group of travelers--my mother, 2 nephews and 1 niece (age 16 to 69!)
Shops may be closed, but most of the sites in Venice are outdoors or churches - which should be open.
Celebration on new year's eve on Piazza San Marco - music, bellinis, kissing, fireworks, dancing. see http://www.capodannovenezia.it/en/index.html Enjoy!