Who said the Amalfi Coast is only beautiful in the summer? Positano and the Amalfi Coast are the perfect choice for the Christmas holidays. The charm of the illuminated villages, fireworks reflected in the sea, nativity scenes set up in caves, and other local traditions make this destination an ideal choice for the end-of-year holidays.
Why go to the Amalfi Coast at Christmas?
The streets of Positano, Amalfi and the other villages of the Coast are adorned with Christmas lights and decorations reflected in the sea, transforming them into live outdoor nativity scenes.
Temperatures are mild, with highs around 15°C and frequent days of clear skies, perfect for enjoying the extraordinary beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
Christmas events organized in the various towns include artisanal markets, concerts, bagpipe performances, fireworks and shows for children, as well as activities related to local folklore.
Christmas events on the Amalfi Coast
During the Christmas period, the Amalfi Coast transforms into a magical place, with a wide range of events and traditions.
Christmas lights and markets
The traditional Christmas lights illuminate all the villages on the coast, making them even more magical. From Cetara to Praiano, from Ravello to Positano, all the historic centers dress up for the holidays and shine throughout the Christmas period, with decorated Christmas trees and lights reflecting on the sea.
Amalfi and Positano, the main villages on the coast, have Christmas markets where you can find holiday decorations, traditional sweets, and handmade gifts.
Salerno and its lights
If you're planning your Christmas holidays in Positano and the surrounding area, make sure you organize a visit to Salerno to admire the famous Luci d'Artista that illuminate the city during the Christmas period.
Nativity scenes
The nativity scene is one of the most heartfelt Christmas traditions in Naples and throughout the region of Campania. The Amalfi Coast, with its cliffside villages lit up by thousands of lights, seems like a nativity scene itself. All along the Amalfi Coast, you'll find many different types of traditional nativity scenes.
One nativity scene in particular that's worth visiting is the Presepe Monumentale nativity scene in Maiori, where you can admire "old-time" scenes of everyday life represented in great detail.
The tradition of the living nativity scene is also very interesting. It's like a mix between nativity art and theater. During your Christmas holidays on the Amalfi Coast, take time to visit the living nativity scenes in Agerola and Pimonte. In Vietri sul Mare, there's a large Neapolitan nativity scene representing the local marina and decorated with typical local ceramics.
The most famous nativity scene of the entire Amalfi Coast is probably the Emerald Grotto underwater nativity scene in Conca dei Marini. To visit, you have to board one of the dedicated small boats manned by local sailors.
Concerts and music shows
During the holidays, the city of Amalfi and Positano host performances of sacred music, bagpipe concerts and folk groups. The notes of the bagpipe also resonate in Praiano and a bit in all the coastal villages, especially on Sundays. Christmas concerts are also held in various local churches.
Christmas events for children and families
Families with children spending their Christmas holidays on the Amalfi Coast will have plenty to enjoy.
In Positano, Santa Claus Village offers puppet shows and creative activities. Also in Amalfi, a Christmas village offers games and entertainment for children, stalls selling sweets and traditional music.
Calata della Stella in Atrani
If they can stay up late, children will also love the traditional Calata della Stella in Atrani, a charming local tradition in which a Bengal light “comet” firework is lit and sent gliding across the sky of the tiny Amalfi village. The event takes place around midnight on Christmas Eve, immediately after the Christmas Eve mass. Afterwards, a fireworks display lights up the village's nighttime sky.
New Year's Eve on the Amalfi Coast
In Positano, New Year's Eve is an experience that promises fun and relaxation for everyone.
Start the evening with an outdoor aperitif and continue with the traditional Christmas Eve "cenone" dinner. Many restaurants offer special menus for New Year's Eve, allowing you to savor typical dishes while celebrating the arrival of the new year. Another Italian tradition on New Year's is playing "tombola," which is the Italian term for the game of bingo.
Restaurants open on the Amalfi Coast
After dinner, the party continues under the stars. New Year's Eve is celebrated on the Spiaggia Grande beach, which turns into an outdoor night club with music, dancing, and fireworks that light up the sky.
Similar celebrations are also held in Amalfi and other towns on the coast, with live music, a midnight toast in the main square and fireworks shows at sea to end the year in style.
Things to do on the Amalfi Coast at Christmas
The Christmas holidays are the ideal time to visit the Amalfi Coast, without the scorching heat of the summer months. Enjoy unique events and activities, including Christmas markets and living nativity scenes.
Take a stroll along the pedestrian-only streets of the historic center of Positano, shopping in the local boutiques and enjoying the panoramic view from the iconic Path of the Gods. Climb up to Ravello to admire its monumental villas with unsurpassed views of the entire coast.
Above all, make sure you visit Amalfi and learn about its incredible history, with visits to cultural sites such as the Paper Museum and the beautiful Cathedral of Sant'Andrea.
The mild climate also allows you to immerse yourself in nature with walks and hikes on various paths and trails such as the Valley of the Mills or the famous Path of the Gods. Make sure you check the weather forecast carefully before you set out, dress in layers, and wear shoes suitable for hiking.
Excursions in the surrounding area are also highly recommended, for example to the nearby archaeological excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which you can also visit with an organized tour.
Traditional Christmas foods on the Amalfi Coast
For Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the local culinary tradition includes mainly seafood specialties, such as fried fish dishes and spaghetti with clams, as well as traditional dishes such as lentils with cotechino (pork sausage) and insalata di potenziamento (cauliflower and pickle salad). Even in winter, restaurants offer dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Complete your meal with one of the area's many typical Christmas desserts, such as struffoli, roccocò, or chocolate mostaccioli. Finish everything off with a sip of the fragrant local lemon liqueur known as limoncello.
Practical tips
The Amalfi Coast is a quite popular destination during Christmas. Here are some tips to make your stay perfect.
Book in advance for your hotel and your favorite restaurants, as well as guided tours and boat trips, which, weather permitting, are also active in winter.
Hotels open on the Amalfi Coast
Take advantage of the morning hours and weekdays to avoid excessive crowds. On sunny days, you can take a break with one of the many hikes on the Amalfi Coast, a day at the beach, or a relaxing boat trip.
How to get to the Amalfi Coast at Christmas
You can reach the Amalfi Coast by car, but keep in mind that the coastal road is narrow and winding, and traffic on holidays is very heavy. The center of Positano is almost entirely pedestrian and parking is limited and expensive. Leave your car in the hilly areas such as Nocelle or Montepertuso and take the bus to reach the center.
By bus or ferry: During the winter, bus connections from Sorrento or Salerno are available, but may be limited. Many ferries only operate from April to October, and the few winter crossings still available are cancelled in the event of rough seas.
If you are arriving from Rome or other Italian cities, the most convenient and quickest solution is a private transfer, which can also be very convenient for those traveling with family or friends.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Positano at Christmas?
The weather in Positano during the Christmas season is generally mild and pleasant. The average maximum temperature is around 60°F and the minimum usually doesn't drop lower than 40°F. Sunny days are quite likely and the probability of rain is usually less than 30%.
Are there activities for children during the Christmas holidays?
Many villages along the Amalfi Coast organize holiday events for children such as puppet shows, creative workshops, and Santa Claus villages, making Christmas a special time for families to visit.