Gaeta · Christmas 2026
Gaeta Christmas Lights 2026-2027: Favole di Luce
Updated 16 October 2026Every winter Gaeta is transformed by Favole di Luce, an art light festival that fills the town from the seafront to the old borgo. Here's everything you need to plan your visit: dates, times, parking, getting there and where to stay.
When the 2026-2027 lights switch on
Official switch-on and closing dates for the 2026-2027 edition haven't been announced yet. Traditionally the lights go on in November and stay on until the first half of January.
Setup has already started: on the evening of 13 October 2026 the first installation appeared, a huge illuminated four-funnel ocean liner at Molo Santa Maria, in the Harbour Office square.
We'll update this page as soon as the town publishes the dates and programme.
How the 2025-2026 edition went
For reference: the tenth edition switched on on Sunday 9 November 2025 with Paolo Belli and stayed on until Sunday 11 January 2026.
The lights came on daily at sunset, around 5-5:30 pm, with 27 installations along the town-centre route, the San Francesco fountain show on weekends and holidays, free concerts, a Christmas drone show and a New Year's Eve concert.
Seeing the lights and the concerts was free.
Book well ahead for December weekends: the best places go fast.
Find a place to stay in GaetaGetting there
By car: about 140 km from Rome, just over 2 hours. About an hour and a half from Naples.
By train: Rome–Naples line to Formia-Gaeta station, then a Cotral bus to Gaeta in about 15-20 minutes. The best option on weekends, when traffic is heavy.
Last edition there was also a weekend shuttle; for 2026-2027 it hasn't been announced yet.
Where to park
For the old town, park at Parcheggio Gaeta Medievale (Piazzale 5 Febbraio) or Piazzale Caboto and walk. There are paid blue-line spaces along Lungomare Caboto.
Watch out for the Via Annunziata limited traffic zone (ZTL): it's camera-monitored and closed every evening from 7 pm to 5 am.
On December Saturdays car parks fill up by mid-afternoon, so arrive early.
Tips for your visit
Go on a weekday if you can: December weekends and holidays are very crowded.
Arrive before sunset to see the switch-on and walk the old town while it's still light.
Book dinner: restaurants in the centre are full on light-festival evenings. Try a slice of tiella di Gaeta as you walk.
Wear comfortable shoes: the route is long and the old town has lots of steps.
Where to stay for the lights
Staying overnight lets you enjoy the lights calmly, after the day-trippers have gone home. The handiest areas are the centre and Via Indipendenza, steps from the installations, or quieter Serapo.
Book well ahead for December weekends: the best places go fast.
Book well ahead for December weekends: the best places go fast.
Find a place to stay in GaetaFrequently asked questions
When do the Gaeta Christmas lights 2026 start?
Official dates haven't been announced yet. Traditionally the switch-on is in November; in 2025 it was Sunday 9 November.
Until when are the Gaeta lights on?
Usually until the first half of January. The 2025-2026 edition ended on Sunday 11 January 2026.
Are the Gaeta Christmas lights free?
Yes, seeing the installations is free. You only pay for blue-line parking.
What time do the lights come on?
Last edition they came on daily at sunset, around 5-5:30 pm.
Sources: Comune di Gaeta announcements and local press. Dates and times can change, so always check official channels before you travel.
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