Christmas in Naples, indeed, is magic, and it is particularly appreciated both by children and the grown-up, both by tourists and Neapolitans. In the last few years, indeed, Naples has been hosting many events during this period, including not only traditional happenings like Christmas markets and cribs exhibitions, but also brand new events.

The centre of the events will be the Chiana district: in this part of the city historical churches will host Christmas music and gospels concerts, while in various theatres Christmas pieces will be performed. An important role will be played also by art galleries and bookshops, which will host exhibitions intended to show that Christmas has in some way influenced art, and readings and debates about the role that Christmas plays in inspiring creative writings. There will also be various events for children: from kids films screenings to the Santa Claus parade, children will certainly have the possibility to spend Christmas in a very amusing way. Streets and squares, both in the Chiana district and all around the city, will be characterised by a Christmas atmosphere, also thanks to the decorations, lights and ornaments that will make streets and shops particularly fascinating.

The areas of San Gregorio Armeno, San Biagio and Spaccanapoli will host, in December, the famous Christmas markets, where visitors will have the possibility to buy original gifts choosing among handicrafts, Christmas objects and little statues for the crib. One thing that you cannot miss in Naples in Christmas, indeed, is the crib, which is one of the most interesting things in Naples, and which is particularly important in the area of San Gregorio Armeno, where ancient shops sell and display cribs statues throughout the year. The first crib was displayed in 1025 in Santa Maria Church, and now cribs can be seen as a symbol of the city, where they are seen both as a form of art and as a means of representing the real world in a caricatural way. Neapolitan cribs have changed with the passing of time, and if in the beginning they were built only inside churches and were considered as religious symbols, in the 18th century they became also an important ornament in the houses of nobility. However, it is at the end of the 17th century that cribs begin to become more secular and to join sacred and profane features, hosting not only the nativity scene and biblical figures, but also characters taken from the real life, like innkeeper, shoemakers, beggars. Neapolitan cribs can therefore be seen not only as objects reminding us of a particular event, but also as a means to describe our time. This feature is still characterising Neapolitan cribs, and if you go to Naples in Christmas you will have the chance to see many statues representing important people of our time, like Barack Obama and Roberto Saviano.

Naples is one of the most beautiful art cities in Italy, and crib is one of the most famous forms of art of the city. Do not miss the chance to go to Naples in Christmas time, to visit the city but also to immerse yourselves in the Christmas atmosphere thanks to markets, cribs and other events, but book now your cheap hotel in Naples!

Date: December 2008 - January 2009

Location: Naples, Italy