Naples, with its fascinating history and lively traditions, is one of the most enchanting Italian cities to visit during Christmas. During this period, the city is transformed into a veritable spectacle of lights, colors and scents. The streets seem to sparkle with the many compositions of lights, the festively decorated store windows are filled with gifts to be made. Squares prepare to host Christmas concerts. The whole city takes on a different mood. More cheerfulness, more liveliness the return of typical Christmas traditions that Neapolitans never lose.
So what to do in Naples during the Christmas vacations to fully experience the spirit of the season in this magnificent city?
- Visiting the Christmas Markets
- Discovering the Via dei Presepi in Naples
- Enjoying the Neapolitan Gastronomic Tradition
- Buying fish in the Market
- Visiting Churches and Experiencing Religious Traditions
- Taking a city tour
1. Visiting the Christmas Markets
To totally experience the magic of the Christmas vacations in Naples certainly cannot miss a visit to the Christmas markets. The markets are a must for those visiting Naples during this period. Here you can find just about anything. From wonderful Christmas decorations made totally by hand by local artisans. To typical gastronomic productsof the Christmas season, such as struffolo and roccocò, to savor or buy.
Christmas markets in Naples can be found in different corners of the city, the most famous being the one made in Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, but they will also be present in Piazza Dante, Via Diaz, Piazza Salvo d’acquisto (pignasecca side).
But moving southward and precisely to Portici, it will be possible to visit a magnificent market set up in the Pietrarsa National Railway Museum. Open from November 30 to January 6, 2025.
But always in Naples you can find the very large christmas village, open from December 7 to 30 in the Mostra d’Oltremare in Naples. A real christmas village ideal for the whole family but especially for children. With skating rink, inflatable area and themed shows.
2. Discovering the Via dei Presepi in Naples
Another must-do in Naples during the Christmas season is to visit the nativity scenes in Via San Gregorio Armeno.
This is probably the most important stop where you can fully grasp the meaning of Christmas for Naples and the Neapolitans. Open year-round, visited all year round, but during the Christmas season it is enriched with magic and tradition.
In the world-famous Via dei Presepi known throughout the world, one can find typical cribs from the 19th century, traditional shepherds, as well as modern sculptures. Not surprisingly, Neapolitan artisans are famous for making figurines made during special events that have characterized not only Naples but the whole world. Like the arrival of Lukaku to Napoli, the latest acquisition of the Neapolitan team. Or the figurine of Trump with a bleeding ear after the attack he suffered this summer.
In short, not only tradition but also modernity.
Every detail, every element of the nativity scenes and shepherds is totally handmade by these centuries-old artisans who carry out with passion and heart one of the oldest crafts in Naples and Neapolitan culture.
3. Enjoying the NeapolitanGastronomic Tradition
If you really want to spend your Christmas vacations in Naples, another thing you absolutely must do is to taste all the culinary delicacies made during this period in the Neapolitan city.
From fish dishes, to the typical desserts of the Christmas season. You should know that for Naples and Neapolitans, Christmas is synonymous with “binge eating” . During Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, dishes exclusively based on fish are prepared, from spaghetti with clams to fried fish, fried cod, etc.
So if you, too, want to experience the tradition of Naples, all you have to do is try the magnificent fried seafood cuoppo that you can find among the narrow streets of the historic center of Naples from the many street food restaurants that prepare hundreds of them every day. Or make a reservation at one of the many seafood restaurants around the city where they will delight you with traditional Neapolitan dishes.
But you can’t miss tasting typical Christmas desserts either, from the famous and very tasty Neapolitan pastiera made with shortcrust pastry, ricotta cheese, eggs and natural flavorings. To struffoli fried and glazed with honey. But still you will be able to celebrate baba, sfogliatelle or typical Christmas panettone.
4. Buying fish in the Market
Do you want to experience the tradition of Christmas in Naples? You just have to buy fish in the most famous market in Naples, the Porta Nolana market near Piazza Garibaldi. Here you can experience Naples the real one, the rowdy one, the chaotic one, the traditional Naples, especially during the Christmas season.
In this famous market you can find all kinds of fish at bargain prices, from eel, seafood, cod, oysters, lobsters and lobsters. And it is the busiest place in Naples during Christmas and the abundance of fish is incredible.
The market as per tradition is open all the night of Christmas Eve, between Dec. 23 and 24 and Dec. 30 and 31, this place becomes an essential stop for those who want to buy fish, but also for those who just want to experience the Christmas atmosphere strolling among the stalls among lights, colors, tradition and laughter.
5. Visiting Churches and Experiencing Religious Traditions
During Christmas, the Parthenopean city experiences a moment of deep spirituality. The city’s churches, such as Naples Cathedral and that of the Cloister of Santa Chiara, are beautifully decorated and offer evocative liturgical celebrations.
In the cloister of Santa Chiara you can admire one of the city’s most beautiful nativity scenes with shepherds from the 1700s. Which perfectly tells the story and birth of Jesus Christ and the ancient crafts that were carried out in the ancient city of Naples.
But not only here, in many churches in Naples it is possible to find a typical Neapolitan nativity scene that symbolizes the story and birth of Jesus Christ. But Christmas Mass also represents an important moment to experience. The touching atmosphere, Christmas carols and deep spirituality will make this experience in Naples unforgettable.
6. Taking a City Tour
For a unique and unforgettable experience and to take with you a piece of the History of this city rich in culture and tradition, take a tour around the city. Discover the mysterious side of Naples through a journey through the tunnels and catacombs of subterranean Naples. Or visit the Spanish quarters with the now-famous largo Maradona.
Or be enchanted by the beauty of each and every historic building or the many churches scattered around the city. In short, for this Christmas make your visit even more fascinating and rich in culture together with an expert guide.
