Let the Christmas spirit seduce you in Donostia / San Sebastián

Christmas in San Sebastian awaits you with thousands of surprises

The lights already twinkle on its streets and bridges and a multitude of attractions await families; Basque traditions, its festivities and protagonists, permeate the celebrations; the markets, shops, bars and restaurants are full of the best and most delicious ideas… San Sebastian is ready to welcome Christmas.

Enjoy and share it!

Christmas lights

San Sebastián will light up for Christmas on Friday 28 November at 19:30, with a show of 500 drones over the bay.

In addition, one of this year’s major attractions is Miramar Magikoa, an immersive experience devoted to nature and biodiversity, located around the Miramar Palace.

Now the lights will be shining all over the city, we can dive straight into the spirit of this season, in full enjoyment of the plans Donostia / San Sebastián continues to offer us.

Plaza Ramón Labayen

The magic stretches from the River Urumea to the rest of the city, illuminating emblematic structures such as the María Cristina Bridge, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, La Concha’s clocks, Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, the La Perla Thalassotherapy Centre, etc. Here you can see a route to make the most of the light show.

Photo: Hotel María Cristina, por Nicola de polkadotpassport

During all the festivities, you can admire the elegant and striking lighting on Avenida de la Libertad; the 20-metre Christmas tree on Reina Regente; the luminous canopy on Loiola Street with its spectacular snow-fall effect; the walk-through light sphere at Zurriola; the light balls on the Boulevard; and the Christmas cubes above the Urumea River.

The route also includes the light arches on María Cristina Bridge, the lighted pine trees on Santa Catalina Bridge, the illumination of Zurriola Bridge and the tribute to Chillida and Basterretxea on Urbieta Street.

And of course, a visit to the giant Ferris wheel in Alderdi Eder is a must, offering breathtaking views over La Concha Bay.

Additionally, the Christmas markets on Paseo Urumea, Ramón Labayen Square and Catalonia Square feature numerous stalls with top seasonal products, crafts and a full programme of musical and family-friendly activities.

Donostia from a different point of view

How about getting on this big wheel and taking in some unbeatable sights from an altitude of 32 metres? This is one of the star attractions of this year’s Christmas you simply have to try.

Fotos: Nicola de polkadotpassport

Bethlehem, Bethlehem …

If you’re out walking around San Sebastián city centre, the traditional “Belén” nativity scene in Plaza de Gipuzkoa is a must-see. In fact, this has been around since 1957, adding its special charm to the garden (which is worth a visit at any time of year) in the square. It was created by the artists Rafael Munoa and José Luis Usabiaga, in association with Gipuzkoa’s Asociación Belenística.

Continuing your stroll, you can do a little window-shopping as you go, because many of them are all dressed up in their best finery at this time of year for the Christmas shop window competition

Christmas markets and craft markets

We don’t have to move very far from the Nativity Scene or the shops to have fun at the Christmas markets. This year, from 29 November 6 January, home in on the charming market stalls on Paseo del Urumea and Ramón Labayen square. And the craft market at plaza Cataluña. Follow the market route here.

Nicola de polkadotpassport

Want to pick up a little Christmas gift for you or yours at these magic markets?

Nicola de polkadotpassport

Santo Tomás Fair

San Sebastián becomes a country market with a magnificent party atmosphere. Craft stalls, agricultural produce, animals on show, and a scarecrow competition. So put on your farming clothes, and get ready to eat txistorra, drink cider, and dance non-stop.

Culinary treats

If you’re up for some gastronomic homage, you can book lunch or dinner during the Christmas season, and you’re certainly in the right place. Donostia has a wide range of cuisine for such a special time of year. Or would you rather stay at home with the family, but still have the chance of eating some classy food? Treat yourself and choose your dinner from one of the many gourmet shops, where you can find some excellent culinary fare for experts like your good self.

Nicola de polkadotpassport

A big welcome for the Olentzero, Mari Domingi, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar!

Olentzero and Mari Domingi will be here on Christmas Eve to hand out gifts. In the morning they’ll be visiting districts in Donostia and they’ll meet up with the boys and girls at the Town Hall. And afterwards they’ll be on their street parade in the city centre.

And the Three Kings will also be paying a visit to Donostia. On 5 January, the 3 Kings will be visiting different areas of the city. They’ll meet up with the boys and girls at the Town Hall and afterwards they’ll be on their street parade through the city centre.

Family plans

Immersive experiences such as Miramar Magikoa have become one of the most special family activities of the season. This magical route filled with light, nature and fantasy invites children to step into imaginary worlds while discovering corners of the Miramar Palace transformed into spectacular settings. A perfect adventure blending imagination, art and technology.

Around the Christmas market, families will also find dedicated areas for children to enjoy nonstop fun: from the ice rink, where they can glide to the rhythm of the season, to various rides and play zones that turn a simple visit to the market into a true celebration. The ideal mix of Christmas spirit, entertainment and outdoor activities.

Our little ones definitely won’t have time to get bored this Christmas!

More Christmas treats

If the Christmas spirit doesn’t appeal to you, you can still enjoy Christmas with more terrestrial treats, or in a more original format. How about a relaxing thalassotherapy experience at La Perla, or something more adventurous like going through the city on electric bike or doing a kayak trip, while someone sings hymns somewhere else?