What to do at Christmas on the Amalfi Coast to experience unforgettable holidays
Even if the Amalfi Coast is often considered a purely summer destination, a period of the year such as Christmas can be a wonderful opportunity to fall in love with the beauty of these places. The winter atmospheres, in fact, give a completely new charm to the breath-taking landscapes that characterize the coast, offering you a different experience than the one you can experience during the hot season, but certainly unforgettable.
During the holidays, the villages and the towns dress up in the magic of Christmas. It is therefore a magnificent time to discover the many wonders of this land, letting yourself be carried away by the warmth of the lights, the parfum of typical desserts and the events planned to celebrate this anniversary loved and felt by young and old.
As you will guess, there are many things to do at Christmas on the Amalfi Coast, because to the scenic, historical and cultural attractions of this area are added those typical of the Christmas tradition. So you just have to keep reading to find out how to experience a magical holiday.
Christmas on the Amalfi Coast: many things to do and see to celebrate the holidays
There are a lot of things to do on the Amalfi Coast during Christmas. It is not summer and we certainly cannot dive into the crystal clear waters, but this territory will enchant you even in the winter season.
In fact, you can take advantage of the Christmas holidays to discover Amalfi and its many areas of interest: see Positano, the pearl of the coast, or admire all the unmissable places in Sorrento. It will then be an opportunity to explore the characteristic villages of the Amalfi Coast, including Atrani, Maiori, Minori, Praiano, Ravello and Cetara, just to name a few. Certainly, the wonders of this place are many and never boring.
Furthermore, in this period of the year, events related to the Christmas tradition are held in many centers that will help you to immerse yourself even more in the festive atmosphere. Read on to learn about some of the events that will be held during the month of December and other suggestions for living a dream Christmas on the Amalfi Coast!
Sorrento and “M’illumino d’inverno”
The city of Sorrento, already full of interesting places to see, offers a full calendar of events dedicated to Christmas. The exhibition “M’illumino d’inverno”, organized for years by the city, in fact includes a series of initiatives to enjoy the holidays with young and old.
Markets, lights, Christmas celebrations will be the protagonists, music will accompany the New Year’s Eve and in Marina Piccola di Sorrento the fireworks will inaugurate the new year.
Amalfi and its Christmas atmosphere
A visit to Amalfi, the city that gives its name to this stretch of coast, is undoubtedly one of the things to do at Christmas on the Amalfi Coast.
In addition to the numerous areas of interest of this town, including the splendid Cathedral of Sant’Andrea and the Paper Museum, from December 8 to January 6 you can admire it in its Christmas dress.
In this magical period of the year, in fact, the city appears like a nativity scene, with its many lights that climb up the Lattari Mountains. A completely new way to admire the breath-taking views and landscapes of Amalfi, while the streets of the city, on the main days of celebration, are enriched with the melodies of the bagpipers: it will be impossible not to immerse yourself in the warmth of the festive atmosphere!
Ravello, three unmissable previews
There are a lot of things to see in Ravello too: it is, in fact, one of the most popular places for tourists who visit the Amalfi Coast.
In addition to being appreciated for the spectacular landscape that can be admired from its viewpoints, this town is also famous for the international festival dedicated to classical music held in the summer.
Three important initiatives that celebrate the Christmas period are linked to the show. The first are two world premiere events of the Ravello Foundation, which close the celebrations of the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, and which will take place at the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium.
The first is the monologue by actor Toni Servillo, The voices of Dante, which will be held on Saturday 11 December, while the second is the show Nel Nome di Dante with Alessandro Preziosi, which will take place on Sunday 19 December.
On December 26, however, as stated on the Ravello Foundation website, the Concert of Santo Stefano with Lisette Oropesa, a famous American soprano, will also take place at the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium.
Cetara, many events for young and old
Cetara is a picturesque fishing village with an ancient seafaring tradition, famous above all for tuna and anchovy sauce. Among the many things to do at Christmas on the Amalfi Coast we also recommend a visit to this delightful town.
You can bring your children to visit the inflatable Santa Claus Village, immerse yourself in Christmas magic with gospel songs scheduled for Boxing Day or celebrate the New Year with the Christmas Concert by local artists. In short, the planned activities are numerous: you just have to consult the complete program on the Cetara Turistica website!
Naples and Salerno, two unmissable stops
Why not take advantage of your holiday on the Amalfi Coast to also discover cities that are a little more distant, but easily accessible, such as Naples and Salerno? This places really deserve to be discovered and visited all year long, but, during the Christmas period, will further fascinate you.
In Salerno, for example, Luci d’Artista is expected, a famous event in which artistic lights embellish the streets of the city. And what about Naples?
Here you will find attractions such as the Christmas markets at the Railway Museum of Pietrarsa and, without any doubt, the magic of San Gregorio Armeno, the street that hosts artisan shops all year round dedicated to the creation of nativity scene figurines: a stop not to be missed for immerse yourself in Neapolitan folklore and in the atmosphere of Christmas.
Pompeii, the charm of history
If you love archaeology, you can also take advantage of your holiday on the Amalfi Coast for a visit to Pompeii. The site, open to the public even in winter, as you can read in the timetables published on the official website, will allow you to make an incredible journey through history, discovering the customs and traditions of Roman society.
If you have the time and the opportunity to move a bit, then it is certainly an experience to live during your Christmas holidays on the Amalfi Coast.
In this regard, in a previous article, you will find lots of information on how to reach Pompeii.
Rent a car to go around the Amalfi Coast and experience the Christmas of your dreams
Not to miss out on any of the many things to do on the Amalfi Coast during Christmas and experience the festive air that reigns in all the localities of the area, the best choice is to rent a car.
And if, as often happens in southern Italy even in December, the sun shines and the temperatures allow it, why not choose a fun and original vehicle like a convertible car?
Thanks to the rental service of Sorrento Trips, a local company specializing in the rental of boats, scooters and convertible cars, you can move along the coast in total freedom and experience all the attractions that this wonderful place can offer.
This is the most comfortable, convenient, and safe solution for discovering the beauties of the area, including destinations a little further away such as Salerno, Naples and Pompeii. Having a car at your disposal, in fact, you can build a tailor-made itinerary and reach all the most famous locations.
The Sorrento Trips service also guarantees advantageous prices, 24-hour assistance and the possibility to choose from a wide range of car models, all very equipped.
Do you want more ideas for your trip? You can discover the best itineraries on the Amalfi Coast to go by car or the most beautiful places on the Coast to visit.
