Although Sorrento is a location usually associated with summer holidays, the Sorrento Peninsula also offers wonderful surprises during the winter period. In this guide, you will find some of the best events and local attractions to make the most of your Christmas holidays.
1. The Christmas tree in the square
In December, the majestic Sorrento Christmas tree dominates the entire Piazza Tasso with its 20 metres height. At every hour, the tree chimes singing a Christmas carol and enriching the festive atmosphere of the square. In addition to the tree lights, you can also see the luminarie and the decorations placed in the surrounding squares and alleyways: a truly unmissable walk!
2. Visit the traditional and living nativity scene
The crib is one of the founding elements of Neapolitan Christmas. If Naples is the undisputed capital of the nativity scene, in Sorrento too the preparation of the nativity scene is a heartfelt tradition. One of the most characteristic activities to be performed at Christmas time is visiting the many churches and religious congregations in the city, which host handcrafted nativity scenes all different from each other. Moreover, in many historical villages of the peninsula, one can find traditional living nativity scenes, such as the one in Casarlano.
3. Celebrating New Year’s Eve
On New Year’s Eve, Sorrento becomes the scene of a special event, the so-called “Fire Puppet“. This event features a puppet in the shape of a donkey, filled with petards, surmounted by the figure of an old gentleman, symbolising the year that has passed. The puppet is carried by a festive procession to the centre of the square. Here, amidst popular songs, applause and fireworks, the puppet is burnt, to symbolically leave behind the unpleasant events of the past and greet the New Year.
4. Fireworks
In sprrento, after the performance of the Ciuccio di Fuoco, the traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks display will begin. At midnight, the Porto di Sorrento fills up with people looking at the sky, to admire the fantastic fireworks show. This is a spectacular event, visible from several view points along the coastline.
5. Typical Christmas sweets
If you are in Sorrento during Christmas festivities, it is a must to taste the typical sweets of Sorrento Christmas cuisine. These include struffoli, tasty balls of fried dough; the zeppole, typical of the Sorrento coast, and roccocò, flavoured doughnut-shaped sweets.
Want to spend your Christmas holidays in Sorrento? Find among our stay deals in Sorrento, the best solution to enjoy your holidays with your family or friends. If you want to spend your Christmas holidays taking a complete trip and visiting the most beautiful places in Campania, you can choose one of our tours, such as the Grand Tour Campania – Christmas and New year or, if you have fewer days available, the Mini Tour Campania – Christmas and New Year, departing from Naples on Sundays!