10 Best Cities to Enjoy Christmas in Spain
Spain at Christmas time is synonymous with family, partying, and the hustle and bustle! The Spanish Christmas offer includes attractions and events tempting thousands of tourists yearly.
Do you want to know why many people choose this destination to fill these holidays with magic and illusion?
Join me on this tour of the 10 Best Spanish cities to enjoy Christmas in Spain.
1- Christmas in Madrid
The city of Madrid has a variety of attractive shows and activities. It invites you to enjoy this festive and magical time of the year.
These are some of the activities that can be found in different corners of your city.
Plaza de España
It has a beautiful tree 18 meters high (60 ft). An ice skating rink and dozens of Christmas stalls surround it. It is a complete Christmas experience!
Lighting
On November 26th at 6:00 pm, the magical lighting of the city begins, which runs from La Gran Vía to Plaza España. A show that will surprise you.
Puerta del Sol
Puerta del Sol is the meeting point for thousands of tourists and inhabitants of Madrid. Here you will find the giant illuminated Christmas tree. It is an important place to get together to celebrate and toast during the holidays.
Musical Events
You can enjoy the Madrid Gospel Festival from December 11 to 21 at Plaza Colón.
On December 23, the great Christmas Symphony Orchestra will be held at the National Auditorium.
On December 29, the traditional New Year’s Concert will be held at the same venue.
The Christmas Bus
In this city tour, we will be able to appreciate the feast of lights scattered throughout the city. It is a specially decorated bus. To take this tour, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance since it is in high demand.
Videomapping
This interaction, 3D projection, sound, and pyrotechnics event is the most anticipated. It will be held at the Palacio de Cibeles, but the date has not yet been confirmed.
2- Christmas in Malaga
Malaga dresses up for the Christmas season. This city receives hundreds of tourists who choose to enjoy the city’s events and attractions (and almost always good weather). Let’s take a look at some of them.
Larios Street
This street is the most famous in Malaga and one of the most expensive and exclusive in Spain. At Christmas time, it is internationally recognized for its spectacular decorations, which surprise and surpass itself year after year.
The Christmas Forest
This Christmas-themed sound and light show, full of illusion and magic, is chosen by children and adults alike. You can find it at Marques de Larios street from November 26th to January 4th.
Another of the chosen audiovisual shows can be found on Molina Lario Street, above the Cathedral Tower, from November 28 to January 4.
Christmas Garden
The Botanical Lights are located right in the Botanical-Historical Garden of La Concepcion from December 4 to January 6. This will be with advance tickets.
Check out your guided tour with tickets here.
Municipal Nativity Scene
This is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic icons of the city. You will find it in the Patio del Ayuntamiento from December 4 to January 6.
Great Children’s Christmas Party
With the musical Cantapeliculas, in the Enrique Garcia Herrera square, on Camas street.
Christmas Trees
The six trees will be located in different parts of the city. Parque de Huelin; Plaza Geronimo Cuervo; Alcazabilla street; Plaza de la Marina; Plaza de la Constitucion; Plaza Enrique Garcia.
3- Visit Barcelona at Christmas
In December, the streets of Barcelona are transformed, filling every place with magic with its events, attractions, and activities to enjoy with the family.
Christmas Markets
In the town of Santa Llucia, one of the largest Christmas markets is located on Avenida de la Catedral.
Citizens and tourists choose this town to shop for gifts and Christmas decorations, in addition to the attractiveness of this celebration.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
The most important Christmas decorations store in Europe is located in the Gothic quarter of the city of Barcelona.
As you pass through the doors of this place, you will be transported to the magical Christmas world of the elves, where you will find all kinds of handcrafted gifts for a magical celebration.
Poble Espanyol
This place is transformed into a giant advent calendar in December and early January.
The 24-themed corners are related to different characters of the Christmas season. You will also be able to visit Santa’s house, where you can leave your letters personally.
All this while enjoying music and family shows.
Els Llums De Sant Pau
From the end of November to the beginning of January, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site doors in Barcelona will be open. There will be an amazing and luminous fairy-tale scenery with Christmas lights.
4- Spend a few days and enjoy Christmas in Tenerife
In addition to being chosen for the excellent weather in the city of Tenerife during the Christmas season, this city is also full of famous Christmas celebrations.
Symphony Orchestra Grand Concert
One of the greatest shows to delight us is the great concert of the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra on the night of December 25, impossible to miss for the inhabitants and visitors of this city.
Christmas Market
Like other large cities, it also has a Christmas market, where gourmet tastings typical of this island are held.
5- Christmas in Mallorca, Spain
Spend your Christmas on the island of Mallorca and enjoy markets, shows, and its famous Three Kings parade.
Natural Visual Spectacles
Las Estrellas in Costitx is an excellent choice to admire and enjoy the magic of the sky. Also, the Rose Window of the Palma Cathedral, where you can enjoy the spectacle of the winter solstice.
Kings Parade
In these famous celebrations, you will also find the parade of the kings and the New Year’s concert in the following days.
6- Christmas in Valencia
Every year in Valencia is a great and continuous enjoyment of the Christmas celebrations traditions, with various options offered to the residents and visitors of the place.
Valencia Christmas Fair
The Christmas funfair is located in the old Grao Station and is one of the oldest traditions of the Valencian Christmas.
Expojoven
Every year from December 26 to January 4, at the Feria de Valencia, this unique event is held for children and young people.
Les Llums De Vivers
It is one of the largest and best-known shows in Valencia; it has toured many of the most important cities in Europe recognized for its great magic of lights.
7- Christmas in Cordoba
Cordoba is a city that seems frozen in time. Thanks to the centuries of history and cultures that have passed through it, it is rich in architectural monuments today.
That is why Christmas in Cordoba is different from all the others.
Open Patios
The Andalusian city at Christmas time opens the doors of its famous patios. There are more than 40 patios that are decorated for the occasion and that all visitors can enjoy.
Tendillas Square
Great theater, music, and magic events highlight the city of Cordoba. Among them are the traditional Christmas shows of lights and sounds in the Plaza de las Tendillas, located on Cruz Conde Street.
8- Christmas in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
Vitoria is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Spain. With a beautiful medieval historic center, dressed in festive attire at this time of the year.
Monumental Nativity Scene
This Nativity Scene is famous for its more than three hundred life-size figures. You can find it in La Florida Park.
Olentzero and Mari Domingui Parade
This is the biggest event awaited by children and adults. It is a show that runs through the streets until the arrival at the Town Hall in the Plaza de España, where each character delivers gifts to the children.
Other events representing the city of Vitoria are Christmas in the theater network, the ice rink and slide, the Christmas playground, and the Three Kings Cavalcade.
9- Christmas in Oviedo
Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, dresses up for Christmas, and its historic center stands out for its decorations. The Christmas spirit invites us to take the most beautiful selfies while walking around the city.
These are some of the activities that you will be able to do if you visit Oviedo at Christmas time:
Street Lighting and Decoration
The whole city dresses up for the party. You will find a beautiful Christmas forest in front of the Campoamor Theater. Pelayo Street is magically illuminated, forming a tunnel that surprises young and old.
Nativity Scenes
The most important nativity scenes in Oviedo are The Nativity Scene in the Plaza de Trascorrales and the Nativity Scene in the Plaza de la Catedral.
Christmas Markets
In Oviedo, you will also find Christmas markets dotted throughout the city. They are held here until January 7 from 12 to 14 and 17 to 21 hrs.
The most famous is the Christmas Market in the Plaza de la Catedral, which has about a hundred stalls selling Christmas products.
Ice Rink
Do you want to live the Christmas spirit as if you were in a movie? Ice, skates, lights, and Christmas trees. The ice rink at Paseo del Bombé invites you to enjoy it with your family.
Shows:
Oviedo also offers Christmas shows, including the Audiovisual Show “Oviedo Mágica Navidad” and the Extraordinary Christmas Concert “Hansel and Gretel.”
Santa Claus
Santa Claus, in his sleigh accompanied by his dancing elves, will go through the streets of Oviedo every year. Bring your card, and don’t miss their parade.
10- Christmas in Vigo
Vigo boasts of being the city that kicks off the Christmas celebrations. This year, Spain’s most famous Christmas lights switch-on celebration will take place on November 19. So what to do in Vigo at Christmas?
Christmas Decorations and Lights
The city of Vigo really celebrates in a big way. Big literally. Lights and giant dolls are scattered throughout the city. These are just a few:
- Santa Claus House in Policarpo Sanz, García Barbón Theater.
- Reyes Magos at Policarpo Sanz 42 between Colón and Velázquez Moreno.
- Reindeer sledding in García Barbón 9 between República Argentina and Pontevedra
- Giant Christmas star García Barbón 18
- 3D Float at Porta do Sol
- Angels with trumpets Garcia Barbon on the steps of Santiago de Vigo
Christmas Markets
This typical tradition can also be found in Vigo. The most famous are: The Christmas Market in the Alameda and Cíes Market, the famous Christmas market for years has been installed in the Plaza de Compostela.
Giant Slides
Yes, because Vigo likes everything like this, giant! It has the largest inflatable park in the world. Ideal to enjoy with the family; I assure you that the little ones will love it!
Ferris Wheels
Undoubtedly, the Ferris Wheels (Noria in Spanish) is the undisputed star. It is more than 60 meters high! Now that you know the Top 10 Spanish cities to enjoy Christmas in Spain.
Which one will you choose? Spain is already getting ready for Christmas; only you are missing!
11. Christmas in Seville
Seville is a city with a lot of history and, therefore, a lot to visit and know. According to the most popular legend, Seville was founded by the Tartessians, although the Phoenicians and Carthaginians later occupied it.
Formerly Seville was known as Hispalis, but with the arrival of the Muslims, the name began to change to Sevilla. Today there are remains and a significant trace of everything that happened in the Andalusian city:
Cathedral of Seville
The cathedral is a World Heritage Site; it is the third most significant temple in the world and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.
Built on the site of an ancient mosque of which the Giralda, the orange tree courtyard, and the Puerta del Perdón are still preserved.
In the 14th century, the mosque was severely dilapidated, which allowed them to demolish it and create a new temple that grew successively over time. It is one of the most visited monuments in the city.
Torre del Oro (Gold Tower)
Another of the city’s most famous monuments, located on the left side of the Guadalquivir River, is 36 meters high and was part of the walls that served to defend the fortress along with the Torre de la Plata.
The best-known version of its name is that it is due to the golden sparkles that once covered it.
Currently, it can be accessed and climbed to the top, inside, it houses the Naval Museum of Seville. In 1931 the Torre del Oro was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
Plaza de España (Spain Square)
It is one of the most famous squares in Spain and considered one of the most beautiful; built for the Ibero-American exhibition of 1929. It symbolizes the embrace of the ancient American territories.
Once the exhibition was finished, it was planned to be part of the University of Seville, but in the end, it ended up being part of the military government.
It currently houses the subdelegation of the Spanish government.
Enjoy a flamenco show in Seville.
Where to Eat?
Seville has a wide variety of dishes and very rich gastronomy. Among the most outstanding bars are:
Bodeguita de Antonio Romero. One of the most famous taverns in Seville has a wide variety of dishes, but undoubtedly its Piripi is one of the iconic montaditos; also tremendous is the montadito de pringá.
Columns. One of the oldest taverns in Seville, through which many families, grandparents, parents, and children have passed. It also has an extensive menu, in which its “tortilla de patatas” (potato omelet) stands out.
Seville is home, a place to return to again and again, with an incredible atmosphere and a mild temperature that invites you to spend Christmas. Get your bags packed!
Where to Stay in Seville?
Each of these cities has a wide range of hotels where you can spend a few days. I recommend that you take a look at Booking.com and book in advance, as prices will go up as the date approaches.
Take a look, because many hotels may offer a package of accommodation with Christmas dinner, which may interest you.
To stay in Seville, you will find a wide variety of hotels; you can make a booking and access the best accommodation.
Booking.com have a wide range of hotels with the best prices; you will indeed find the one that best suits your needs in these cities in Spain to spend Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
Plan Your Trip to Spain
- Christmas Markets in Europe
- Visiting Paris in December
- What to see in Europe in Winter
- Read: Plan your trip to Seville
- Visit Cabo de Gata in Almeria
- What to see in Malaga in 3 days
Last Updated on 15 September, 2023 by Veronica
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Author: Veronica
Vero, a seasoned traveler, has explored 25 countries and lived in five, gaining a rich perspective and fostering an infectious passion for travel. With a heart full of wanderlust, Vero uncovers the world’s hidden gems and shares insights, tips, and planning advice to inspire and assist fellow adventurers. Join Vero and let the shared passion for travel create unforgettable memories.
Hi,
I am planning to visit Spain from 21st to 30th December. My plans are Madrid – Seville – Valencia – Barcelona. I wanted to understand if this is a good time to visit with respect to things being open. Since Christmas is a more family oriented festival, will we have shops, pubs, restaurants etc. open during this time or will mostly things be closed? Also, till how long at night can we get something open?
Thanks!
Hi Anirban,
This is a good time to visit Spain, you’ll find these cities pretty pack with tourists and many things to do.
Although Christmas markets in Spain are not like the ones in the rest of Europe, the cities are full of life, with shops open and plenty of bars and restaurants to try the local cuisine. However, if you are looking for a place to have dinner on December 24th, you will need to book in advance.
By the way, consider visiting Malaga, it’s close to Seville and it has a beautiful light show on the main street.