Christmas in the Basque Country

Christmas is coming to the Basque Country!

Live the magic of Christmas by plunging into our traditions: meet legendary Basque figures Olentzero and Mari Domingi, while you enjoy a delicious talo (maize tortilla) with cider at authentic country markets. Stroll through streets lit up with Christmas lights and discover a festive atmosphere full of surprises.

Idea 1

Enjoy fine food and festivities at the Santo Tomás fair

St. Thomas' day marks the beginning of Christmas in the Basque Country. Both major cities like Bilbao or San Sebastián and towns like Mondragón celebrate the day with markets selling regional produce, and with traditional activities.

Live the festive tradition and try a Santo Tomás talo!

Idea 2

Night of candles in Vitoria Gasteiz

Every year over 13,000 candles light up every corner of the mediaeval town the Friday night before Christmas Eve, creating a unique Christmas atmosphere. Enjoy music, dancing and fireworks as the shops and bars invite you to welcome in Christmas.

Don't miss the chance to try some hot wine on this special evening!

Idea 3

Take a ride on the Christmas big wheel with views of La Concha bay

The big wheel is the special attraction at Christmas time in San Sebastián, and has become a symbol of this time of year. It transforms the landscape of Alderdi Eder by filling it up with lights.

Enjoy the views of La Concha bay from the top of the big wheel.

Idea 4

Monumental nativity scene in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Don't miss the large-scale Nativity scene in the park of La Florida. Every year, thanks to voluntary contributions, this enormous Nativity scene changes to include new scenes and characters. Lights, background music and the way it fits into the ground all create a magical atmosphere.

Visit one of the most fascinating Nativity scenes in the world!

Idea 5

Try and buy regional produce at traditional markets

Basque traditional markets are the ideal place to savour our culinary culture. Stroll among the stands packed with fresh local produce: artisan cheeses, Tolosa beans, chistorra sausage, typical desserts and lots more.

Try the fine Basque food and take some home with you.

Idea 6

Meet Olentzero and Mari Domingi

This is the idea that will appeal the most to the smallest members of the family. Visit the Mirandaola ironworks to meet Mari Domingi and Olentzero, his trade of charcoal burning, their story - and all this through a storyteller.

You can also visit Olentzero's home in Izenaduba Basoa just 15 minutes de Bilbao. This theme park is packed with Christmas magic and the history of Basque mythology.

A theme park filled with history, magic and fun for kids.

Idea 7

Ice skating

As well as the ice rinks you can find all year round, like Txuri Urdin in San Sebastián, many cities and towns in the Basque Country install open-air ice rinks to enjoy during the winter season.

Go ice skating with your family or friends

Idea 8

Visit the children's Christmas play parks

In the Basque Country these Christmas play parks are synonymous with fun and entertainment. In them you'll find things to do for kids of all ages: painting, bouncy castles, trampolines and other more daring options like ziplines and climbing walls.

Find the different play parks in the main towns around the Basque Country.

Idea 9

Christmas shopping days in Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Still got presents to buy? Take advantage of your visit to go shopping and give amazing gifts to your family and friends... or yourself.

Find your presents in the shopping streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz or the best places to go shopping in San Sebastián.

Take advantage of your visit to Bilbao to go shopping

Idea 10

See in the year at the top of the world

Every year different mountaineering associations organise hikes up to landmark mountain peaks in the Basque Country to see out the old year and welcome in the new in an original way, surrounded by nature.

Adarra and Gorbea are among the most popular peaks among mountaineers. Look for information and join them for an unforgettable experience.

Start the year surrounded by nature and amazing views.