The island of Capri at Christmas is particularly magical. Blue fairy lights line the port and the lanes in the center of town, and the islanders brave the bracing sea wind to admire the shop windows and share a drink with neighbors under the heat lamps at the outdoor cafes. With the Piazzetta and the small streets in the center all decorated for the holidays, Capri at Christmas is a completely different place than in the summer, when crowds of tourists stroll incessantly under the sun.
Spending the Christmas holidays on the island of Capri is an exciting and evocative experience. The island is quieter, the beaches are empty, and the streets are cozy with colorful lights and decorations. Although not all restaurants and hotels are open, there is still a good choice of places to stay. Weather permitting, you can even organize a boat trip. Many museums and cultural sites also remain open during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season on Capri.
Events on Capri at Christmas
During the Christmas holidays, the blue island comes alive with a wide range of events organized by the city of Capri: you can choose between concerts, theater, screenings and other cultural events, but also aperitifs, toasts and tastings.
The lighting of the luminarias, usually scheduled at the beginning of December, is accompanied by a show of Christmas music.
Christmas markets on the island
Every year the towns of Capri and Anacapri organize Christmas markets where you can buy Neapolitan nativity scenes, Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, ceramics, lace, and other handcrafted objects.
The stalls usually open on December 8 and remain open until mid-December.
Santa Claus Village
The little ones can experience the magic of Christmas by meeting Santa Claus himself at the magical Christmas Village, with themed displays, holiday lights, and tastings of traditional specialties.
What to see on Capri at Christmas
If the sun is out and the sea is calm, take the opportunity to enjoy a low-season boat ride, without the crowds and maritime traffic of the summer months. You can also visit the Blue Grotto, which, weather permitting, remains open during daylight hours all year, except for December 25 and January 1.
Another perfect option for clear days, which are not uncommon in December and January in this part of Italy, is a visit to Mount Solaro, which offers a wonderful view of all of Capri and the Gulf of Naples. The chairlift that connects the center of Anacapri with the top of Mount Solaro is also open during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, except for December 25 and January 1.
If you like walking among lights and luxury, you can admire the festively decorated shop windows of Via Camerelle. If you prefer breathtaking views to shopping, head to Migliera in Anacapri to admire the Punta Carena Lighthouse from above, or walk from the Piazzetta to Punta Tragara for a special view of the Faraglioni.
But if even the winter crowds are too big for your taste, immerse yourself in nature instead, choosing from the island's many hiking and walking trails. From the Fortini coastal hiking path to Pizzolungo, there are many beautiful places to choose from. Just make sure you always check the weather forecast, as sudden changes can be more frequent in the winter.
And if it rains? Take advantage of the opportunity to visit one of the museums and art galleries on the island. Enjoy the atmosphere of the splendid Capri churches, which during the holidays also exhibit traditional Neapolitan nativity scenes.
Opening hours for museums and monuments in Capri and Anacapri
Holiday dining on Capri: seasonal specialties
Traditional Capri dishes are also perfect during the Christmas holidays. A dish of typical cheese ravioli is ideal as a first course for a holiday lunch, while chocolate Caprese cake is an excellent for a winter afternoon break, perhaps accompanied by a cup of hot tea.
For the holidays, Capri locals make seasonal specialties from Neapolitan cuisine: spaghetti with clams, fried fish, capitone (marinated eel), insalata di rinforzo (cauliflower and pickle salad), and baccalà (salt cod). And, for dessert, struffoli (fried sweet dough balls), roccocò (spice cookies) and chocolate mustaccioli (chocolate-covered spice cookies).
Celebrating New Year's Eve on Capri
New Year's Eve in Capri includes a countdown to midnight in the Piazzetta, where everyone gathers to toast to the New Year.
There's a stage with live music and a midnight toast. Then the Piazzetta turns into an outdoor dance club, with DJ sets and light shows until dawn.
If it's too cold, you can head indoors to one of the island's nightclubs such as Anema e Core.
Practical tips and transport
If you are thinking of spending the Christmas holidays on the island of Capri, always keep an eye on the weather forecast. Sea crossings may be cancelled in case of rough seas or bad weather. If you have to take a plane or train to return home, consider staying on the mainland the night before, to avoid the risk of being unable to leave the island.
Even in good weather, on the holidays between Christmas and New Year's Eve, connections to Naples and Sorrento operate with a reduced timetable.
During the Christmas and New Year's holidays, buses and the funicular also operate on reduced timetables. Taxis are available on the island all year round.
Crowding should never reach summer levels. However, we recommend that you book in advance for restaurants, guided tours and boat trips. If you want to get your fill of relaxation and tranquility, choose a hotel in Anacapri, the quiet village that occupies the upper part of the island of Capri.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like on Capri at Christmas and New Year?
In December, average temperatures on Capri fluctuate between 10°C and 15°C. The temperature rarely approaches 0, although at night it gets colder and the humidity can be very high. The sky is often cloudy, but sunny days are not uncommon. The chance of rain is about 30%. It is advisable to dress in layers. You don't need particularly heavy or technical clothes, but a warm jacket, something to cover your head and an umbrella or raincoat.
The weather in Capri
Where can I book for New Year's Eve dinner?
Some restaurants on Capri are closed in the winter, but several hotels and restaurants, both luxury and non-luxury, offer the traditional New Year's Eve dinner. We recommend that you book in advance.
How can I get to Capri during the Christmas period?
In winter there are daily sea connections to Capri with Naples and Sorrento. On public holidays, trips follow a reduced timetable.
Is it necessary to book in advance?
During the Christmas holidays the island is quite popular, and hotels and restaurants may have less availability than in the summer. We recommend you make hotel and restaurant reservations in advance.