Sorrento may be known for their warm summer sun and beautiful beaches, but Christmas time in the picturesque Italian town must not be missed.
Sorrento has many Neapolitan traditions that are celebrated every holiday season starting in November and ending in January.
Holiday Season
When entering Sorrento during the holidays, visitors are greeted with the large Christmas tree set up in Tasso Square.
There is a tree lighting ceremony in late November that signifies the start of the season and is when the beautiful lights around Sorrento turn on.
The Tasso Christmas tree is a beautiful sight in Sorrento and plays Christmas music proudly for the town to hear every evening.
A Neapolitan Christmas
One of the defining features of a Neapolitan Christmas is the presence of Nativity Scenes.
These are long-held traditions of representing the birth of Jesus through detailed artisanal figures.
The Nativity Scenes can be found in churches around the area, but this year, a special exhibit in Villa Fiorentino highlights their importance.
There are is one large nativity scene that depicts the birth of Jesus, as well as typical Neapolitan life in the 1700s, in spectacular detail.
There are many other smaller scenes and figures in this exhibit as well as a vintage toys section.
Santa's Village in Sorrento
Throughout Europe, Christmas markets are very popular and Sorrento is no outlier.
Starting on November 30th Santa Claus arrived in Sorrento’s Santa’s Village at Villa Fiorentino, behind the building where the nativity scenes are on display.
Santa’s Village is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with small children.
There are some amusement rides, Christmas decorations, and the chance to sit on Santa’s lap!
Along with the Christmas Village is an artisanal fair along Corso Italia with food stands, tastings, and holiday entertainment that encapsulates Christmas in Sorrento.
Highlighting local street food, sweets, and local products is an important aspect of Italian Christmas traditions.
Another special event that Sorrento natives hold near to their hearts is the Santa Lucia Bonfire.
This occurs on December 12th, the day before the Santa Lucia Feast, in front of the Santa Lucia Church where a stump is burned for the entire day until the end of the 13th.
This is an ancient ritual that signifies the illumination of the darkest days of the year.
The typical Neapolitan Christmas is filled with joy and Sorrento is a lovely place to spend the holidays.
There are many events to attend and memories to be made here during the winter holidays!
Happy Holiday Season!
Emma