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.
The Christmas 2024 Event Program
The calendar of events for the "Incanto di Natale" series is rich and varied:
Saturday, November 30
5:00 PM - Cultural Center Insula
Serena-Messanelli-Zweig Foundation
Autumn Music 2024, II Edition
Concert L’ESSENZIALE by Riccardo Pecoraro
Sunday, December 1
10:30 AM - Piazza Umberto I
“MERMAIDS LOVE THE SOUTH”
Cultural walk through the Gardens of Augustus, Via Krupp, and Marina Piccola
Curated by Prof. Renato Esposito
Part of the HAPPY BIRTHDAY NORMAN program
5:00 PM - Evangelical Lutheran Church of Via Tragara
“CAPRI ART MUSIC FESTIVAL - CHRISTMAS 2024”
Organized by Ass. Note e Parole
Artistic direction by Diego De Gregorio
With the patronage of the Campania Region
Friday, December 6
4:30 PM - Piazza Umberto I
Inauguration of the 2024 CHRISTMAS MARKETS
December 6–15
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM - Piazza Diaz
2024 CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Saturday, December 7
10:30 AM - L. Pollio Hall
“LANGUAGES OF THE SOUL: RHYTHMS OF EQUITY”
Conference organized by Emergency and Lega del Filo d’Oro on the theme of inclusion
5:00 PM - Church of Santo Stefano
“STELLA DI MARE”
Music and words dedicated to Lucio Dalla
Organized by the Parish of Santo Stefano
6:30 PM - Piazza Umberto I
Christmas Lights Ceremony
With representatives from the twin towns of Val di Sole
Tasting of local specialties
Greetings from the New Italian Orchestra with Gino Rivieccio
Sunday, December 8
11:30 AM - Strina Square
CITY OF CAPRI - GIANPAOLO VESPOLI MEMORIAL III EDITION
Federation-approved running competition in collaboration with A.S.D. Poly Running
Thursday, December 12
7:00 PM - Auditorium Hall, Congress Center
Meeting with Franco Arminio
Organized by the Parish of Santo Stefano
Friday, December 13
11:30 AM - Church of Santo Stefano
“Popular Christmas”
Performance by the musical group THAT’S AMORE
Saturday, December 14
7:00 PM - Auditorium Hall, Congress Center
TRIBUNAL JAZZ BAND
Sunday, December 15
4:00 PM (First Show)
6:00 PM (Second Show)
Villa Lysis
“A DREAM FOREVER”
Theatrical performance inspired by Axel Munthe's life
With the patronage of the City of Capri
Free admission with reservation
Saturday, December 21
Marina of Capri
CHRISTMAS AT THE MARINA
Organized by the Capri Marina Company
Sunday, December 22
5:00 PM - L. Pollio Hall
“CHRISTMAS AIR AND ARIAS”
Christmas concert featuring Cira Scoppa, Luigi Aprea, and Massimo Aprea
Scheduled Exhibitions
Photography, nativity scenes, and artworks ensure there’s no shortage of attractions for enthusiasts.
“STORYTELLING II - THE STORY CONTINUES”
Photography exhibition by Selene D’Alessio
Exhibition Hall, Piazzetta Cerio
December 15, 2024 – January 7, 2025
“ICONS: MASTROTIEMPO” ANGELO PARISI
Exhibition Hall of the SICA Multimedia Archive
December 16, 2024 – January 9, 2025
“NATIVITY SCENES ON DISPLAY”
Church of Santo Stefano and Michele Iozzino
Auditorium Hall, Messanelli Zweig Congress Center
December 6, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday, December 23
5:00 PM - L. Pollio Hall
“CAPRI ART MUSIC FESTIVAL - CHRISTMAS 2024”
Organized by Ass. Note e Parole
Artistic direction by Pinuccio De Gregorio
“TANGO & BEYOND” for flute and accordion
Performed by the duo Caterina D’Amore and Cilio Soccorso
7:00 PM - Piazza Umberto I
LET'S CHRISTMAS
The most beautiful Christmas songs in a GOSPEL style
Organized by the Kaos Music Lab Cultural Association
December 26, 2024 - January 2, 2025
International Cinema Auditorium of Capri
Capri Film Festival 2024 – Capri Hollywood
XXI Edition
Friday, December 27
7:00 PM - Piazza Umberto I
Live performance and DJ set
Saturday, December 28
5:00 PM - Evangelical Lutheran Church
“CAPRI ART MUSIC FESTIVAL - CHRISTMAS 2024”
Organized by Ass. Note e Parole
Artistic direction by Pinuccio De Gregorio
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
With Giovanni Masi and Simone Giliberti
7:00 PM - Piazza Umberto I
Live performance and DJ set
Sunday, December 29
7:00 PM - Piazza Umberto I
Live performance
Monday, December 30
7:00 PM - Piazza Umberto I
Gianluigi Lembo and the Anema&Core Orchestra
Tuesday, December 31
11:30 AM - Ex-Cathedral of Santo Stefano
“CAPRI ART MUSIC FESTIVAL - CHRISTMAS 2024”
Organized by Ass. Note e Parole
Artistic direction by Pinuccio De Gregorio
Ivano Frankivsk's Philharmonic Academical Chamber Orchestra
“HARMONIA NOBILE” in the Christmas Tour
10:30 PM - Piazza Umberto I
New Year’s Eve Grand Gala
Wednesday, January 1
6:00 PM - Piazza Umberto I
“HAPPY NEW YEAR”
Performance by local folk groups
Friday, January 3
7:00 PM - Piazza Umberto I
BLACK CHRISTMAS VIBES
With Simona Ruocco
Saturday, January 4
5:00 PM - Piazza Umberto I
GOSPEL Concert
Organized by Preludio Association
Sunday, January 5
7:00 PM - Church of Santo Stefano
“LEI: A Feminine Theatrical Mosaic”
Stories of women through poetry and music
Organized by the Parish of Santo Stefano
Monday, January 6
5:00 PM - Evangelical Lutheran Church
“CAPRI ART MUSIC FESTIVAL - CHRISTMAS 2024”
Organized by Ass. Note e Parole
Artistic direction by Pinuccio De Gregorio
KOINÉ GUITAR DUO
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.