Christmas in Naples is one of the most heartfelt celebrations.
Although Christmas is an ancient tradition that is still very much alive and well throughout Italy, at Christmas time Naples changes the atmosphere and fascinates locals and travelers alike.
Apart from Christmas, Naples is among the most recommended cities to visit during December. Although the climate is colder, temperatures are around 10 degrees. If you need to warm up, you can let the Christmas spirit pervade you in some areas in particular. Here’s what to do in Naples at Christmas.
Christmas in Naples, what to do
Whether you are in Naples for the first time or not, 2 activities take place traditionally at Christmas.
The first is to stroll in San Gregorio Armeno, the street of nativity scenes, so you can have all the materials to set up the perfect nativity scene or buy a souvenir that is truly typical of the city. Via San Gregorio Armeno is the street known throughout the world for the important presence of artisans of nativity scenes. To go to via San Gregorio Armeno, you have to reach the point of intersection between Spaccanapoli (via San Biagio dei Librai) and via dei Tribunali.
Coming to Naples in December is the chance to taste the food that is traditionally prepared for Christmas. Among the typical Christmas recipes of Naples, we remember the Capitone, baked eel cooked on the grill and flavored with aromatic herbs or served fried; the baccalà, usually served in fried fillets; the ragù Napoletano, a tomato sauce with big pieces of beef. To be tasted are also Neapolitan Christmas sweets: let’s mention struffoli (balls of fried dough then dipped in honey and colored sugars) and roccocò, baked sweets made of flour, almonds, sugar, and various spices.