Christmas is one of the most significant times for Naples and for all Neapolitans. Spending Christmas holidays here means living a truly unique experience: in this guide, we propose a selection of activities and attractions to enjoy the magic of Christmas in Naples.
1. Typical Neapolitan sweets at the Christmas markets
There are many Traditional sweets in Naples and the Christmas ones are particularly tasty. Of all of them, you absolutely must try struffoli pastiera roccocò and cassatine. In December, you can find all these products of Neapolitan confectionery art at the traditional Christmas markets. Particularly characteristic are those in Vomeroand the small neighbourhoods in Naples.
2. Visiting the street of cribs in San Gregorio Armeno
Naples is one of the world capitals of the art of the nativity scene. There is even an entire city street, Via San Gregorio Armeno, which is entirely dedicated to nativity scenes at Christmas time. Artisan workshops follow one another exhibiting true works of art representing the Nativity and scenes of daily life, with thousands of shepherd statues, classic charactersfrom the Neapolitan nativity scene and less conventional characters, such as television, sports or political personalities.
3.Eating fried pizza on Christmas Eve
Among the typical culinary products of Neapolitan culture, mention must be made of famous pizza fritta. Tradition has it that fried pizza is eaten for lunch on Christmas Eve, to stay light before the traditional Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas lunch. According to custom, Christmas Eve fried pizza must be filled either with scarola or cicoli with ricotta. There are many places in the old town where you can enjoy pizza fritta in a magical festive atmosphere.
4. Visiting the Porta Nolana fish market
If fried pizza is the typical meal at Christmas Eve lunch, dinner is traditionally fish and includes tasty dishes such as spaghetti with clams, linguine with scampi, capitone and frittura. To find the freshest fish in Naples there is no better place than the fish market at Porta Nolana. Every year, on the night between the 23rd and 24th, the market is packed with people intent on buying fish specialities of all kinds, such as squid, salt cod, mussels, octopus, tellina, for Christmas lunch. Visiting the market, one can appreciate the typical popular Neapolitan atmosphere, made up of voices, colours and characteristic scents.
5. Don’t miss the show at the San Carlo Theatre
Il San Carlo Theatre in Naples is one of the oldest in the world. Every year, in the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day, it offers traditional operas, such as the Nutcracker’s ballet of Tchaikovsky and other wonderful shows, which make the Christmas atmosphere even more magical.
Want to spend your Christmas holidays in Naples? Find among our stay deals in Naples, the best solution to enjoy your holidays with your family or friends. If you want to spend Christmas holidays to make a complete trip and visit the most beautiful places in Campania, you can choose one of our tours, such as the Grand Tour Campania – Christmas and New Year if you have fewer days available the Mini Tour Campania – Christmas and New Year, departing from Naples on Sundays!