Christmas · November to Epiphany
Christmas in Spain: lights, nativity scenes and markets
The lights of Vigo, the Plaza Mayor market in Madrid, the Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona or a sand nativity scene on Las Canteras beach. Where to experience Christmas in Spain and what each place has to offer.
Updated 19 October 2026 · How we make our guides
Christmas lights
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SpainVigo
The most famous Christmas lights in Spain: millions of bulbs, a big wheel and a giant tree in the centre, with visitors from all over the country.
From mid-November to early January
What to see in Vigo -
SpainMálaga
The light-and-music show on Calle Larios is one of the most watched in Spain, with nativity scenes all over the centre.
From late November to Epiphany (6 January)
What to see in Málaga -
SpainMadrid
The lights on Calle Alcalá, Gran Vía and Sol, the tree in the Puerta del Sol and, to round off the year, the New Year’s Eve chimes.
From late November to Epiphany (6 January)
What to see in Madrid
Markets and nativity scenes
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SpainBarcelona
The Fira de Santa Llúcia, in front of the cathedral, has been held since 1786: moss, nativity figures and the caganer, Catalonia’s quirkiest little figure.
From late November to 23 December
What to see in Barcelona -
SpainSeville
The Nativity Fair by the cathedral, with figure makers, and the nativity scenes of churches and brotherhoods. In December the weather is good for strolling.
From late November to late December
What to see in Seville -
SpainZaragoza
The great nativity scene in Plaza del Pilar, with the basilica as a backdrop, and its Christmas market.
December
What to see in Zaragoza -
SpainToledo
Lit-up streets in a medieval old town, marzipan in every bakery and nativity scenes in convents and churches.
December
What to see in Toledo -
SpainLas Palmas de Gran Canaria
The sand nativity scene on Las Canteras beach, with life-size sculptures, and Christmas in short sleeves.
From December to early January
What to see in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
December festivals in the north
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SpainBilbao
Every 21 December, the Santo Tomás fair fills the centre with stalls of country produce, txistorra and talo.
21 December
What to see in Bilbao -
SpainSan Sebastián
San Sebastián also celebrates Santo Tomás on 21 December, with txistorra and cider stalls, and the lights over La Concha bay.
21 December
What to see in San Sebastián
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best Christmas lights in Spain?
Vigo is the city most famous for its lights. Málaga (Calle Larios), Madrid and Barcelona also have very popular displays.
When are the Vigo Christmas lights switched on?
In mid-November, with a big opening ceremony, and they usually stay up until early January. The city council announces the exact date every year.
What is the Fira de Santa Llúcia?
Barcelona’s oldest Christmas market, in front of the cathedral, with nativity figures, moss, fir trees and caganers.
What is the Santo Tomás fair?
A traditional fair held on 21 December in Bilbao and San Sebastián, with stalls of country produce, txistorra in talo and cider.
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Reviewed 19 October 2026. Dates and seasonal warnings: the same data the Bagintravel app uses. Sources and method.
Cover photo: Joseolgon (CC BY 4.0), Wikimedia Commons.