New Year's Eve in Ischia: Events, Traditions and Things to Do

In December, Ischia transforms. The volcanic island that draws sun-seekers all summer becomes something altogether different in winter — a place of firelit streets, living nativity scenes, ancient traditions and a New Year's Eve celebrated with a warmth that only a small Italian island can offer. This is your complete guide to Christmas and New Year's Eve events in Ischia.

Staying at Hotel Bellavista Ischia in Panza during the festive season puts you just steps from the Panza and Succhivo living nativity scenes, winter hiking on Monte Epomeo and all the quiet magic of the island out of season.

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Nativity scenes: a centuries-old tradition

On 8 December, Ischia's festive season officially begins with the inauguration of traditional nativity scenes set up by residents in every village across the island. The Associazione Presepi Ischitani publishes an annual map with the complete itinerary, ending on 6 January with an awards ceremony for the best display.

The Living Nativity of Campagnano

The most spectacular event is the Living Nativity of Campagnano, near the hamlet of Sant'Antuono: around 250 performers bring ancient wine cellars and natural grottos to life with craft workshops and traditional trades from 19th-century Ischia. A journey through time, set in tufa stone and firelight.

The Living Nativity of Panza

Just steps from Hotel Bellavista, the Pro Loco Panza organises a living nativity scene each year through the historic lanes of the village. The same association also runs winter hiking excursions — a seasonal version of the Monte Epomeo trail, following an ancient mule track carved through tufa rock down to the Monte Epomeo chestnut grove.

The Nativity Village of Succhivo

In the hamlet of Succhivo, a short walk from the hotel, the village comes alive with a nativity trail: scenes made from different materials and at different scales are placed throughout the village, drawing visitors into a corner of Ischia that even regular visitors rarely explore.

The Enchanted Forest of Ischia

From 8 December to 6 January, a pine forest near Ischia is transformed into the Enchanted Forest: thousands of coloured lights turn the woods into a magical evening destination. One of the most photographed festive events on the island, and particularly popular with families and children.

Christmas markets and ice skating

Along the main streets of Ischia and the other municipalities, artisan Christmas markets run throughout the festive season until Epiphany. In recent years an ice rink has also been added to the mix, first inaugurated by world champion figure skater Carolina Kostner.

Forio's White Night

During the festive period, Forio hosts its popular White Night: live music across multiple stages with different genres, street performers and food stalls stretching from Piazza San Gaetano to the atmospheric Piazza del Soccorso, with the Chiesa del Soccorso lit up as a backdrop.

New Year's Eve in Ischia: 31 December

New Year's Eve begins at lunchtime with the Baccalando — one of Ischia's most beloved traditions: fried salt cod prepared according to local recipe, served in the square with a glass of local wine. A New Year's aperitivo unlike any other.

In the evening, the choice is between a restaurant dinner with a traditional Ischian New Year's menu, or heading to the squares of Ischia Porto and Casamicciola, where thousands of people gather to dance, sing and toast the new year at midnight.

And then the most cherished tradition of all: a warm cornetto at 4am. Every Ischian worth their salt ends New Year's night at their favourite pasticceria for the first hot pastry of the new year — the island's way of saying welcome to January.

Why visit Ischia in winter

Even out of season, Ischia never loses its charm: dramatic sunsets, uncrowded streets, natural thermal springs like Sorgeto Bay open year-round, and an authentic atmosphere that only winter visitors truly get to experience.

Useful links

• Ischia weekend itinerary — 2-day guide
• Sorgeto Bay — free thermal springs guide
• Getting around Ischia — transport guide
• Book your ferry to Ischia

Planning to spend New Year's Eve in Ischia? Chat with us on WhatsApp — we'll help you plan the perfect stay.

Frequently asked questions about New Year's Eve in Ischia

What is there to do in Ischia at New Year's Eve?

For New Year's Eve in Ischia you can join the midnight celebrations in the squares of Ischia Porto and Casamicciola, visit the living nativity scenes, explore the Enchanted Forest, browse the Christmas markets and experience the Baccalando tradition at lunchtime on 31 December.

When do the Christmas events start in Ischia?

Christmas events in Ischia begin on 8 December with the inauguration of nativity scenes and the Enchanted Forest. Christmas markets, living nativity scenes and concerts continue until 6 January, when the nativity scene competition awards take place.

What is the Enchanted Forest in Ischia?

The Enchanted Forest (Bosco Incantato) is a pine forest illuminated with thousands of coloured lights, open every evening from 8 December to 6 January. It's one of the most magical Christmas events on the island and very popular with families.

What is the Baccalando in Ischia?

The Baccalando is a traditional event held on 31 December at lunchtime in the square, where fried salt cod is served according to local Ischian recipe, accompanied by local wine. It's one of the most beloved New Year's Eve traditions on the island.

What is the Living Nativity of Campagnano in Ischia?

The Living Nativity of Campagnano is set near the hamlet of Sant'Antuono with around 250 performers in ancient wine cellars and natural grottos. It features craft workshops and traditional trades from 19th-century island life, and is considered one of the most spectacular nativity events in Ischia.

Where do people celebrate New Year's Eve in Ischia?

New Year's Eve in Ischia is celebrated mainly in the squares of Ischia Porto and Casamicciola, where thousands of people gather to dance and toast at midnight. Many restaurants also offer traditional Ischian New Year's Eve dinner menus.

Is there an ice rink in Ischia at Christmas?

Yes, in recent years Ischia has set up an ice rink during the Christmas period, first inaugurated by world champion figure skater Carolina Kostner. It's one of the main festive attractions on the island.

Is Ischia worth visiting in winter?

Absolutely. Winter Ischia offers an authentic, uncrowded atmosphere, festive events, spectacular sunsets, year-round natural thermal springs like Sorgeto Bay, and significantly lower prices than the summer high season.

What are the Christmas markets in Ischia like?

Ischia's Christmas markets are artisan markets set up along the main streets of the island's municipalities throughout the festive period, from 8 December to 6 January. They offer local crafts, typical products and Christmas decorations.

What is the cornetto tradition at New Year in Ischia?

After the midnight celebrations, around 4am, every Ischian heads to their favourite pasticceria for the first warm cornetto of the new year. It's one of the most distinctive and beloved local traditions of the Ischian New Year.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas and New Year's Eve in Ischia

What is there to do in Ischia at New Year's Eve?

For New Year's Eve in Ischia you can join the celebrations in the squares of Ischia Porto and Casamicciola, visit living nativity scenes and traditional nativity displays, browse artisan Christmas markets and see the Enchanted Forest. On 31 December at lunchtime there is also the Baccalando tradition.

When do Christmas events start in Ischia?

Christmas events in Ischia generally begin on 8 December (lights, nativity scenes and initiatives across the municipalities) and continue until 6 January with events, markets and Epiphany celebrations.

What is the Enchanted Forest in Ischia?

The Enchanted Forest (Bosco Incantato) is a pine forest illuminated with installations and thousands of lights, open on evenings throughout the Christmas period. It is one of the most photographed events on the island and very popular with families with children.

What is the Baccalando in Ischia?

The Baccalando is a tradition on 31 December at lunchtime: fried salt cod served in the square, usually accompanied by local wine. It is a much-loved gastronomic event among Ischians.

What is the Living Nativity of Campagnano in Ischia?

The Living Nativity of Campagnano is a trail with performers and traditional crafts set among wine cellars and tufa spaces. It recreates scenes of traditional life and is considered one of the most evocative nativity events on the island.

Where is New Year's Eve celebrated in Ischia?

The main celebrations are held in the squares of Ischia Porto and Casamicciola, with music and a midnight toast. Alternatively, many restaurants offer New Year's Eve dinners and themed evenings.

Are there Christmas markets in Ischia?

Yes, during the Christmas period artisan markets and stalls with local products are organised across the island's municipalities. Dates vary from year to year.

Is there an ice rink in Ischia at Christmas?

In recent years an ice rink has been set up during some editions of the Christmas events. Its presence and location may change — it's worth checking the updated programme for the period.

What is the weather like in Ischia at New Year and what should I pack?

In late December the climate is milder than in many northern Italian cities, but evenings can be cool and breezy. Pack layered clothing, a warm windproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walks through the villages.

Is Ischia worth visiting in winter?

Yes: Ischia in winter is more authentic and peaceful, with Christmas events, uncrowded scenery and the chance to enjoy thermal areas and walks in a very different atmosphere from summer.