Christmas in Sorrento and on the Amalfi Coast 2026: lights, nativity scenes and getting there
Christmas in Sorrento and on the Amalfi Coast means lights, nativity scenes and markets, but as of 31 October 2026 the official programmes are not out yet. In winter you travel by train and bus: Sorrento is about 1 hour 10 minutes from Naples.
At a glance
- 2026 dates
- Official programmes not out yet: dates to be confirmed
- Vico Equense
- L'Incanto del Natale, provisionally 20 November to 6 January
- Salerno
- Luci d'Artista: local press says 7 November to 1 February 2027, unconfirmed
- Permanent cribs
- Amalfi, Positano, Praiano, Conca dei Marini
- Getting there
- Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, then SITA bus; no ferries to the Amalfi Coast
What is confirmed for 2026
As of 31 October 2026 the full programmes are not out. This is where things stand today:
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Sorrento | Dates to be confirmed: programme not yet published |
| Vico Equense | 12th edition of L'Incanto del Natale, provisionally 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 |
| Amalfi | Dates to be confirmed: the town has collected proposals for lights, nativity exhibitions and a Christmas Village |
| Positano | Dates to be confirmed: proposals open until 2 November, provisional period November to January |
| Salerno | Dates to be confirmed: see below |
What happened last year
These dates are from Christmas 2025. They are for reference only and may change in 2026.
| Place | Christmas 2025 |
|---|---|
| Sorrento | Tree and lights in Piazza Tasso on 6 December; nativity exhibition at Villa Fiorentino until 18 January; markets on Corso Italia from 9 to 21 December |
| Vico Equense | Tree on 3 December; Il Presepe Napoletano exhibition at the church of SS. Annunziata from 7 December; living nativity at Fornacelle on 26-27 December and 1-6 January |
| Amalfi | Markets in Piazza Municipio from 5 to 7 December; Amalfi Canta il Natale choirs in the cathedral on 29-30 December and 2 January |
Permanent nativity scenes
These nativity scenes stay in place all year, but check access before making a detour.
- Amalfi: in the Cap e Ciuccio fountain, on Via Pietro Capuano, since 1974.
- Positano: in the rock at the Fornillo caves, for about 40 years. It is lit in the evening.
- Praiano: along the SS163 coast road, in the rock of the Grotta del Diavolo.
- Conca dei Marini: underwater at the Emerald Grotto, about 4 metres down. It is seen by boat, so check whether visits run in winter.
- Vietri sul Mare: an 18th-century nativity scene in the parish of San Giovanni Battista. Last season it could be seen until 2 February.
Salerno's Luci d'Artista
This light festival makes a good evening trip from Naples by train. The 2026 date is not official:
- Local press: Saturday 7 November, weather permitting, closing on 1 February 2027.
- Other sources: 6 or 14 November.
- Last edition: 14 November 2025 to 1 February 2026, with lights on at around 17:00-17:30.
- Where: central Salerno, with installation under way on Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
- Train from Naples: from about 40 minutes on fast trains to about 1 hour on regional trains.
Tip: in 2025 Sorrento's programme started on 30 November. Before you fix your trip, check the website of the town you want to visit: final dates come out close to the holidays.
Getting there in winter
- No ferries to the Amalfi Coast: boats to Positano, Amalfi and Salerno run only from early April to the end of October.
- Circumvesuviana from Porta Nolana or Garibaldi to Sorrento: about 1 hour 10 minutes. Vico Equense is on the same line.
- Hydrofoil from Naples to Sorrento: about 40 minutes, with fewer sailings. It can be cancelled in rough seas.
- SITA Sud bus from Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi: all year, with a reduced service. Buy your ticket before boarding; the 24-hour ticket costs about €10.
- From Salerno: SITA bus to Amalfi; for Positano, change at Amalfi.
Check the last departure, as evening buses finish early. Timetables on SITA Sud and EAV.
Useful
- Naples to Sorrentotrain, ferry and bus
- Christmas in Naplesnativity scenes, lights and traditions
- Christmas markets in Naplesto pair with your day trip
- Ferries from Naples to the islandsports and operators
Frequently asked questions
When do the Christmas lights go on in Sorrento in 2026?
The date is not out yet. For reference, the Piazza Tasso tree was lit on 23 November in 2024 and on 6 December in 2025.
When does Salerno's Luci d'Artista start in 2026?
We have not found an official date from the town. Local press reports 7 November, weather permitting, and a close on 1 February 2027. Check before you travel.
Can I reach the Amalfi Coast by boat at Christmas?
No. Ferries to Positano and Amalfi run from early April to the end of October. In winter, take the SITA Sud bus from Sorrento or Salerno.
Are there Christmas markets in Sorrento?
There were in 2025: on Corso Italia from 9 to 21 December and in the San Francesco cloister from 16 to 21 December. The 2026 dates are to be confirmed.
What is the Pacchianelle parade in Vico Equense?
A tradition held on 6 January: the 115th edition took place in 2026, starting from the church of San Vito. The next programme is not out yet.
Where to stay in Sorrento and on the Coast
25 places to stay in Sorrento on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
