Christmas in Naples: 7 things to see and do in the city

Naples during the Christmas holidays is even more dazzling. There are so many traditions and places that make this city unique at a time like this. One visit to San Gregorio Armeno will get you completely into its festive mood, with all the ancient traditions that take place at Christmas in Naples.

There would be so much to say and discover about all this. In this article we try to give you some tips you cannot give up if you want to experience the best Neapolitan Christmas of your life.

Do you trust us? Read on and don't regret it!

If you are planning to spend your Christmas in Naples, you have come to the right place! The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions to make your Christmas unforgettable. From illuminations decorating the streets to traditional nativity scenes, from Christmas markets full of local products to culinary delights typical of the season, Naples has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to see and do during the Christmas period in Naples to ensure you have an authentic and memorable experience.

One event not to be missed is the famous 'Living Nativity' in San Gregorio Armeno, a scenic representation of the nativity involving hundreds of figures that transports visitors back in time. Likewise, do not miss the traditional Christmas concert in the splendid setting of the San Carlo Theatre, a heart-warming musical experience in this festive season. In addition, numerous concerts, theatre performances and cultural events enliven the streets of Naples during the Christmas period, offering a wide range of options to entertain and soak up the festive atmosphere. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do, see and participate in during the Christmas period in Naples, to ensure you have an authentic and memorable experience.

During your Christmas holidays in Naples, don't miss the opportunity to explore the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Despite the cooler climate, this time of year offers a unique and evocative atmosphere that transforms these ancient buried cities into even more magical places. While the streets of Naples are decked out with glittering illuminations, the archaeological sites offer a quiet and fascinating break from the hustle and bustle of the festivities. Walking among the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, glowing under the glow of the street lamps, will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The houses, streets and temples that once vibrated with life are now a fascinating glimpse into history, even more engaging at this time of year.

In addition, both sites offer special events and initiatives during the Christmas period. You can participate in thematic guided tours, theatre performances or exhibitions that add a special touch to your experience.

A visit to the Royal Palace in Naples is an opportunity not to be missed. The historic building, located in the heart of the city, is transformed into an enchanting festive setting with its sumptuously decorated rooms offering a fascinating immersion into the history and culture of Neapolitan royalty. Don't miss the opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of the city from the Palazzo's balcony, making this visit an unforgettable Christmas experience.

During your Christmas time in Naples, choose the Royal Palace, which also organises special events such as classical music concerts and themed art exhibitions, further enriching the cultural experience. Expert guides are available to provide insights into the history and art that populate the palace's rooms, ensuring a complete and rewarding visit for visitors of all ages.

The beating heart of the city, what better place to fully savour the Chistmas in Naples's spirit of the people!

Spaccanapoli is one of the most important historical centres in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. North of the city port, it retains the same urban layout as two thousand years ago. Spaccanapoli divides the centre into two parts: Pizzofalcone, the first Greek settlement, and Decumano, the new Roman city. 

Suppose you're looking for a shopping spree for clothes and accessories. In that case, Via Toledo alone has plenty of shops for all your needs. You can also reach the beautiful Galleria Umberto, one of the most exciting places in the city. Sleeping and staying in the historic centre means having all this at your disposal! It is a central and very convenient location to visit the city and its main attractions. 

All this can be easily achieved through the use of the Naples pass, the city's tourist pass, which will help you disentangle yourself from the myriad attractions offered by the city and obtain advantages on entrance fees and public transport.

If during the Christmas period you don't want to be in the midst of the folklore of the old town, the great idea is to stay overnight in the vicinity of Naples. A place you certainly won't be disappointed with is the Campi Flegrei. 

This is an area rich in archaeology and culture, whose history is interwoven with a glorious past both from a scientific and humanistic point of view. In addition to the many archaeological interests, one of the most pleasant activities to do, especially during the winter holidays, is to soak in the warm waters of the area's thermal facilities. Their qualities and benefits were already known to the Ancient Romans and were recommended to those suffering from rheumatism, arthrosis and respiratory diseases.

The perfect place to stay in the Campi Flegrei is Monte di Procida. Here you can enjoy the best views of the coast. It is located on the furthest part of the Phlegrean peninsula: it is a promontory overlooking the island of Procida, from which it is separated by a narrow stretch of sea (Canale di Procida). If we had to give you a precise name where to stay in Monte di Procida in the Campi Flegrei, we can think of no better place than Hotel Al Chiar di Luna. Every morning when you wake up, you will find yourself in front of a magnificent natural paradise. The hotel stands on a natural terrace overlooking the Campi Flegrei. The rooms all have a panoramic window or balcony, from which you can admire the islands of the Phlegrean Gulf.

Celebrating Christmas in Naples in a restaurant means doing so with traditional recipes. One of the most famous dishes of Neapolitan festive cuisine is the minestra maritata, usually eaten during Christmas lunch. It is a soup made with meat and seasonal vegetables, tasty and light-tasting. Also worth mentioning are baked cannelloni and lasagne with ragù. Another delicacy is fried meatballs tossed in sauce, accompanied by slices of crusty bread and salad. In addition, Christmas menus often include pork rinds in gravy with a robust and full-bodied taste. 

Also not to be missed is the fried fish, in particular the famous 'capitone'. Once again, for a self-respecting Christmas lunch or dinner, we can only advise you to book a table at the Al Chiar di Luna restaurant for a beautiful dinner. With one of the most panoramic terraces on the coast, you can see Pozzuoli, Ischia and Procida. Here you can discover the taste of local fish delicacies, such as Calamarata with lobster ragout or ravioli stuffed with shellfish. 

Among the things to see and do in Naples at Christmas, a walk through the historic centre in a mix of the sacred and the profane is an absolute must. More than 300 churches are only here: the Cathedral of San Gennaro, the Basilica of Giovanni Maggiore and Santa Chiara. Don't miss the Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world's largest Greek and Roman antiquities collections.

Also not to be missed are the buildings and castles of the Middle Ages, such as the Castel Nuovo (or Maschio Angioino), the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore, the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Theatre (dating back to the Aragonese period). Not far from the historical centre, you will also find the Quartieri Spagnoli, a street famous for its typicality and where you can breathe a unique atmosphere. 

Among the attractions that preserve the historic centre is undoubtedly Napoli Sotterranea: a vast network of 80 km of underground cavities and tunnels dug entirely by man into the volcanic tuff.  The historic centre is undoubtedly the right place to shop and buy souvenirs. You can't go to San Gregorio Armeno and not leave there without buying a nativity scene figurine. Or you could go to Via Mezzocannone, Benedetto Croce, San Biagio dei Librai. 

But Naples isn't all about the old town...In the hilly Vomero district, you can visit the Museo Della Certosa di San Martino, which houses some of the most aged nativity scenes ever seen. The most famous is the Cuciniello crib collection, made between 1887 and 1889, must-visit Christmas in Naples.

Apart from the centre of Naples, another pearl that cannot be missing from your list of things to see during your weekend in Naples at Christmas is  Campi Flegrei, which offers a beautiful experience of calm and relaxation. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Agnano, a thermal area in Naples. Here you will find the best-preserved crater of the Campi Flegrei, the Cratere Degli Astroni, where you will find the ruins of the ancient Roman baths. 

A walk to Pozzuoli is a must. You can visit the remains of the Temple of Neptune and the Nymphaeum of Diana. Once in Rione Terre, the heart of Pozzuoli and the first Roman settlements, you can take an underground archaeological tour along with one of the main decumans. Also in Pozzuoli is the Flavian Amphitheatre, the third largest Roman amphitheatre in Italy: dating back to the first century AD and attributed to the same architects as the Coliseum in Rome. Then, between Pozzuoli and Cuma, Lake Averno is regular in shape, surrounded by rocky walls where silence reigns. It is possible to visit the tunnels built in Roman times: the Grotta Della Sibilla and the Tempio D'Apollo. 

In Bacoli, you will also find the Archaeological Museum of Campi Flegrei, housed in the Aragonese Castle of Baia. You can see the whole Gulf.  Also, in Bacoli, you can visit the Piscina Mirabilis, the giant cistern ever built by the Romans. Finally, don't miss the Casina Vanvitelliana (these days festively decorated with Christmas lights), the work of Carlo Vanvitelli. It is a neoclassical jewel in the setting of Lake Fusaro. 

The historic centre is the place with the most Neapolitan Christmas feeling! Naples has an exclusive link with the Crib, different from other cities in Italy.  San Gregorio Armeno is the street par excellence dedicated to nativity scenes 365 days a year in the historic centre. But apart from crib art, you can find Christmas accessories of all kinds and typical souvenirs here. 

Not far from here, living nativity scenes often stage in Piazza San Gaetano. Other nativity scenes are in the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore: they are tiny and inside walnut shells. Finally, you can't miss a stroll through the Christmas illuminations in Naples. They are everywhere, and some are beautiful. They cover 140 km of streets and 40 squares in the city.Among the most beautiful illuminations are not only those in Naples. The ones in Bacoli, in the Campi Flegrei, also caused a sensation.

The town's historic centre is decorated with light sculptures and enviable Christmas decorations. The play of lights adorning the Casina Vanvitelliana and its surrounding gardens is particularly appreciated and evocative.

Are you ready to be amazed by the magic of the Partenopean festivities?!

Even during Christmas, there are several ways of getting around Naples and nearby: you can rely on public transport or private transport.

As far as public transport is concerned, you can reach the province of Naples by the Circumvesuviana bus and train line. Another solution could be the SITA Sud buses, which connect the capital with the Amalfi Coast, Gragnano, Salerno and the Sorrento Coast.

You can also reach Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Coast by ferries, and hydrofoils depart daily from the Port of Naples. You can also get the islands of the Gulf of Naples: Capri, Ischia and Procida.

Suppose you want to reach the Campi Flegrei area from Naples by public transport. In that case, a very convenient solution is to take Metro 2 from Stazione Garibaldi to Fuorigrotta and the Campi Flegrei area. Otherwise, another solution could be the EAV bus, which stops at Pozzuoli, Bacoli and Monte di Procida from the Napoli - Piazzetta Circumvesuviana stop.

If you prefer a more comfortable solution, you can take advantage of the private transport offered by Blu Transfer. Chauffeur-driven hire service is available in Naples, throughout the province, and Rome, offering high efficiency, punctuality, and comfort.

Immediate availability is guaranteed 24 hours a day. Blu Transfer's chauffeurs are professionals regularly enrolled in the driver's register and speak fluent English.