M'Illumino d'Inverno

This event, which the city of Sorrento has held for the past 16 years, is taking place once again this year from November 23 to January 19. The program includes over 100 events, including concerts, children's shows, markets, and much more.

Christmas tree in the square

Everything starts with the lighting of the large Christmas tree in Piazza Tasso, scheduled for Saturday, November 23 at 6 pm, together with the Black Friday shopping marathon. The evening also includes a string concert and a puppet show, which will inaugurate the start of "M'illumino d'Inverno," with exhibitions and shows throughout the city of Sorrento, from Marina Grande to the Basilica of Sant'Antonino, to the Correale museum.

The lights will remain on until the end of January, but witnessing the lighting ceremony in person is always a treat. Try to get to the square early so you'll be sure to have a front-row view!

Christmas Village

Children who spend Christmas in Sorrento, and perhaps even the adults who accompany them, will love the Christmas Village, which opens in Villa Fiorentino on November 30. Visitors can meet Santa Claus in person (until December 26, from 4 to 8 pm) and visit the Officina dei Piccoli Elfi (the Little Elves' Workshop, from December 23 to January 6, from 11 am to 1 pm), as well as a nativity scene exhibition curated by the Sorrento Foundation.

Chocoland

If you have a sweet tooth, you could plan your Christmas trip to the Sorrento Peninsula around the Immaculate Conception. From December 4-8, 2024, Sorrento will host the Chocoland artisanal chocolate fair. The fair will take place in Piazza Veniero and Corso Italia with tastings, stalls, and show cooking, as well as shows and entertainment for adults and children.

Santa Lucia

If you'll be in Sorrento in mid-December, you can see the ceppone di Santa Lucia bonfire, which is a deeply held tradition in the Sorrento district dedicated to the saint. On December 12, the day before the Feast of Santa Lucia, a large tree stump is set on fire and remains lit for the entire following day in front of the church of Santa Lucia. This is an ancient ritual that illuminates the darkest days of the year.

Traditional nativity scenes

Sorrento's living nativity scene is one of the most exciting experiences of Christmas here and not to be missed. It's among the most heartfelt traditions of Christmas in Naples and throughout the region of Campania. Once again this year the Sorrento living nativity scene will be set up in the gardens bordering Palazzo Episcopale. "'O Presepio” will be open to the public on December 25, 28, and 30, and January 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Another living nativity scene that's beloved by the locals is the one in Casarlano, a hilltop hamlet considered the “Sorrento Bethlehem” for this very tradition.

Throughout the Christmas season, wonderful traditional nativity scenes are also set up in most of the churches in Sorrento and the surrounding area. Usually you can visit them for free, although a donation is always appreciated.

The end-of-year celebrations usually begin with a traditional morning concert in the Tasso theater.

To say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new one, the people of Sorrento gather in Piazza Tasso for the lighting of the “Ciuccio di fuoco,” an ancient and evocative peasant tradition which marks the start of the New Year's Eve celebration. If you want to join in and watch the lighting of the fuse, make sure to be in the square on December 31st at 6 pm.

After enjoying a traditional New Year's Eve dinner, we recommend you return to the centrally located Piazza Tasso starting at 11 pm for the town's end-of-year party with live music and a DJ set. The best show, however, starts at 1 am, with fireworks over the sea at the port of ​​Marina Piccola.

Walking around the historic center is always a wonderful pastime at Christmas. Full of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, Sorrento's downtown is the ideal place to enjoy the festive atmosphere and even do a little shopping as well. The Villa Comunale, in via San Francesco, is another ideal destination when the weather is nice. It offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples and art installations.

Walking itinerary in the center of Sorrento

Walk beside the ancient walls

Following a major restoration, the new walkway along the patrol path between the Bastione Parsano and the Bastione San Valerio was recently inaugurated. Contact the Campania Tourism Regional Agency, in via De Maio 35, to find out if guided tours are available during the Christmas holidays.

You may also want to plan an excursion to the Amalfi Coast or a trip to Capri, since this time of year means you won't have to deal with the summer crowds. Always check the hydrofoil and ferry schedules, since in winter the crossings are often cancelled due to bad weather.

Hydrofoil and ferry timetables

A vacation wouldn't be a vacation (and Christmas wouldn't be Christmas!) without immersing yourself in the flavors of local tradition. Dining at Christmas in Sorrento, much like in Naples, includes fish specialties for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: spaghetti with clams, cod, eel or "capitone", and mixed fried fish. Meat is reserved for the following day, but the typical "insalata di potenziamento", prepared with cauliflower, olives, and pickles, is a definite must on the Christmas table.

This area of Italy boasts a wide range of traditional holiday desserts, which are prepared with honey, dried fruit, spices, and candied fruit. If you want to really get a taste of local holiday sweets, make sure you try struffoli, susamielli, roccocò and chocolate mostaccioli.

Book a restaurant in Sorrento

The most practical way to get to Sorrento during this period is by taking the Circumvesuviana train.

Naples - Sorrento train schedules

If you can't do without a car, try to get to the city as early as possible, avoiding holidays and weekends, when traffic jams start at 5 pm.

The most convenient parking lot is Correale, just under Piazza Lauro. The rate is 2 euros per hour, the same as all parking lots in Sorrento.

Even in winter, Sorrento offers various accommodation options for different budgets.

Choose the historic center if you're traveling with public transport and want to participate in the Christmas events organized in the city. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you can stay in the surrounding area. Massa Lubrense and Sant'Agnello are good options if you're looking for peace and relaxation.

Book a hotel in Sorrento

There will be a few crowds at the bigger events scheduled in Sorrento for Christmas and New Year's Eve. However, by following a few tips, your stay can be more pleasant and relaxing.

First of all, we recommend planning visits and walks in the morning, before the city streets fill up with residents and tourists.

To avoid ruining the magic of Christmas, remember to book in advance for museums, guided tours, and especially restaurants. Residents in Sorrento and Naples usually eat out quite late, so by making lunch and dinner reservations a bit earlier than the locals you can avoid crowded restaurants.

Guide to the best restaurants in Sorrento

If the weather is nice, a hike or walk on the Sorrento Peninsula or a picnic on the beach will give you a break from any tourist crowds. If you want to visit nearby places such as Pompeii, Naples, Amalfi or Positano, use public transport to avoid traffic and parking problems.