Sorrento celebrates Christmas with the rich M’Illumino d’Inverno 2025 programme: exhibitions, concerts, shows, markets, nativity scenes, professional cinema, family events and the traditional New Year’s Eve in the square with the Ciuccio di Fuoco. In this article you will find the day-by-day programme, the main places (Piazza Tasso, Teatro Tasso, Museo Correale, Cloister of San Francesco, Villa Comunale, Marina Piccola), useful suggestions for the visit and the answers to the most searched questions on search engines.
M’Illumino d’Inverno 2025: the complete program
The M’Illumino d’Inverno festival covers a long period (from the end of November to the beginning of January) with daily events and main appointments: permanent and temporary exhibitions, concerts of classical and popular music, shows for children, gastronomic fairs and local traditions such as processions and live nativity scenes.
30 novembre – 7 gennaio: exhibition Lux Familiae
The Cathedral of SS. Filippo e Giacomo hosts the “Lux Familiae” exhibition by Marcello Aversa from November 30th to January 7th.
The exhibition offers a journey of works inspired by the theme of family and light, ideal for those looking for a moment of artistic reflection alongside the frenzy of the holidays.
1–4 dicembre: Giornate Professionali del Cinema di Sorrento
Giornate Professionali del Cinema takes place at the Tasso Theater sector event organized by ANEC in collaboration with ANICA. Presentations, previews, conventions and professional meetings: a fundamental event for distributors, exhibitors and professionals, but with screenings and previews also open to the public at some events.
4–8 dicembre: Chocoland Sorrento – Christmas Edition
The ninth edition of Chocoland arrives in the pedestrian area of Corso Italia (from the Cathedral Bell Tower to Piazza Veniero), dedicated to chocolate and artisanal sweets. Tastings, show cooking and typical products for a delicious experience.
4 dicembre (ore 19.00): Ave Maria – Canto di luce e di grazia
Marina Grande, Church of Sant’Anna: performance show with solo voice and narration on themes of devotion and beauty. Event curated by Il Gruppo Le Muse.
5 dicembre: Premio Paolo Leonelli
Teatro Tasso, cultural event and awards dedicated to the promotion of culture and sport.
Lighting of the tree and lights
The lighting of the tree and the Sorrento lights is an event eagerly awaited by the whole city and will take place on December 6th at 6pm.
Symbolic event, with the illumination of the city lights and musical entertainment by the City of Sorrento “E. Caruso” Band Complex.
7 dicembre: giochi, sfilate e burattini
On December 7th there will be various activities dedicated to children throughout the city of Sorrento:
- Corso Italia: XLI edizione della “Sfilata Caccia al Tesoro di Natale”.
- Museo Correale: guided tours, concerts (Duo Mistral) and tastings linked to art places.
- Piazza Tasso (7–8 dicembre): ancient puppet show by Fratelli Mercurio.
8 dicembre: Il Natale di Maria
The choral event focused on sacred singing will take place in the Basilica of Sant’Antonino at 6 pm
9 dicembre: Concerto di Natale “Echi di Pace”
At the Tasso Theatre, at 7.30 pm, the performance of the school and city choral and musical world.
Christmas markets: dal 9–21 dicembre: Sorrento Christmas (III edizione)
Markets and initiatives along Corso Italia up to Piazza Veniero: crafts, local products and entertainment.
12–14 dicembre: Mercatini, Caruso – De Curtis Festival e degustazioni
- Piazza Lauro: Coldiretti Christmas market with workshops for adults and children.
- Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria e Museo Correale: events of the Caruso – De Curtis Sorrento International Festival with concerts, conferences and themed tastings.
15 dicembre – 7 gennaio: Il Giardino di Natale
Villa Comunale of Sorrento hosts the Christmas Garden with light installations and activities from the afternoon to 8pm (inaugural parade on Corso Italia).
18–21 dicembre: Mercatini in Piazza Lauro e spettacoli
Markets, musical performances and local plays that enliven the historic centre.
19 dicembre: spettacolo teatrale e jazz
- Chiesa di Sant’Attanasio: “The miracle shop”.
- Teatro Tasso (ore 20.00): Sorrento Jazz con Stevie Biondi (quartetto)
20 dicembre: Premio Surrentum
Presentation of the National and International Poetry and Fiction Prize in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes
21 dicembre: appuntamenti classici e corali
Correale Museum: guided tours and piano concert; Church of San Paolo (6.00 pm): “The Christmas of Mary” with the choir of the Basilica of Sant’Antonino.
22 dicembre: la Fiaccola Olimpica a Sorrento
Corso Italia hosts the celebration of the “Journey of the Olympic Flame” in view of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games.
23 dicembre – 6 gennaio: Concerts and exhibitions
- Piazza Tasso and Villa Comunale: “Polyglot Concert” by Yuri Menna.
- Cloister of San Francesco: Photographic exhibition About Sorrento Coast 2026.
Tutti gli eventi tradizionali e brani storici
- December 24: “Tiemp bell’e na vote” in Via degli Archi.
- 25 December: Concert by the Sorrento Sinfonietta in memory of Bianca Gambardella Acampora.
- 25–27 December: Puppets by the Mercurio Brothers and Christmas Treasure Hunt (XLI edition).
- 26 December: Christmas Concert in the Cathedral (Stella d’Argiento).
- 28 December: musical events at the Correale Museum.
- 31 December: End of year concert at the Tasso Theater and, in the evening, the big New Year’s party with the traditional Ciuccio di Fuoco in Piazza Tasso and DJ sets until the early hours of the new year.
1 Gennaio: Fireworks in Marina Piccola
On New Year’s Eve, starting from 01:00, there will be a fireworks display to welcome the new year.
2–4 e 6 gennaio: Sorrento Film & Food Festival 2026
Teatro Tasso hosts the event that combines cinema and gastronomy: screenings, meetings and tastings.
4 gennaio: concerto-spettacolo In viaggio con la stella
Chiesa di Santa Lucia a Fuorimura, musical journey between tradition and popular festival.
5 gennaio: Treasure Hunt awards ceremony
Teatro Tasso, final event and awards..
6 gennaio (ore 19.30): Processione del Bambino Gesù
Chiesa del Carmine: traditional procession with shepherds and pipers.
12 gennaio e 18 gennaio: post-holiday events
- 12 January: food and wine event “It’s dry mad master”.
- 18 January: awards ceremony for the “Il Presepe Oggi” competition (XLVI edition) at the Church of the SS. Annunziata.
Events for families and children: what not to miss
Sorrento offers numerous activities designed for younger people: the puppets of the Mercurio Brothers, the Christmas Garden, workshops organized during the markets, street shows, entertainment and the “Christmas Treasure Hunt” parade. The shows for children and the workshops of Coldiretti (Piazza Lauro) are particularly suitable for families with children.
Great concerts and musical events
The musical program ranges from classical (Alexander Romanovsky, concerts at the Tasso Theater and the Correale Museum) to jazz (Sorrento Jazz), gospel choirs (The Voices of Victory), performances by international artists (Noa, Tullio De Piscopo, Raiz) and local choral proposals. We also highlight the Caruso – De Curtis Festival, an opera event that celebrates the memory of Enrico Caruso.
Markets, food and gastronomic traditions
From the sweets of Chocoland to the local specialties offered by the markets in Piazza Lauro and Corso Italia, Christmas in Sorrento is also an opportunity to discover typical products of the Coast: sweets, agricultural products, culinary craftsmanship and themed menus in local restaurants.
Nativity scenes, religious traditions and spirituality
Sorrento showcases the nativity scene tradition in its many forms: exhibitions in churches and museums, artistic nativity scenes and processions. The Christmas period is characterized by representations of the Nativity and religious rites that involve communities and tourists.
How to get around, parking and practical advice
- How to get there: Sorrento can be reached by train (Circumvesuviana line), by car (A3 Naples-Salerno, Castellammare/Sorrento exit) and by sea (ferries and hydrofoils from Naples/Capri).
- Parking: public parking and shuttle services are particularly useful on busy days; It is advisable to arrive early for major events (tree lighting, New Year’s concert).
- Pedestrian zones: many areas of the historic center will be closed to traffic for the events; follow the signs and directions of the Municipal Police.
- Tickets and reservations: most events in the square are free; for concerts at the Tasso Theatre, some screenings and dinners or events with limited places (e.g. “Murder Dinner”), it is necessary to check the reservation and the cost.
- Accessibility: some events (measures, closed places) may have limitations; For information on accessibility, we recommend contacting the organizers or the Sorrento Tourist Office.
FAQ
When does M’Illumino d’Inverno 2025 start?
The main activities start at the end of November with exhibitions and are concentrated between 1 December and 6 January with main events and evening appointments. The lighting of the tree is on December 6th.
Where do the main events take place?
Historic center (Piazza Tasso, Corso Italia, Piazza Lauro), Teatro Tasso, Museo Correale, Cloister of San Francesco, Villa Comunale and Marina Piccola.
Are the events paid?
Many public events and markets are free to enter. Some concerts or theater reviews may require a ticket or reservation. Check the detail in the specific event.
Is it family friendly?
Yes — there are shows for children, puppets, workshops and entertainment activities.
How can I find out about any changes to the program?
Check the official channels of the Municipality of Sorrento, the Sorrento Foundation and the event organizers (pro loco, cultural associations) for updates and press releases.
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