Last updated: December 01, 2024
Discover the Christmas spirit in Gasteiz/Vitoria with our complete festive events guide. From the old town to the modern avenues, the capital of Álava transforms itself to celebrate these cherished dates.
The heart of celebrations centers on Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, where the traditional Christmas market displays its local crafts and gastronomy stalls. From there, illuminated streets lead to Plaza de España and Santa María Cathedral, where concerts and cultural activities take place. The historic neighborhoods, with their medieval streets, host nativity scene exhibitions and street performances that keep the Alavese Christmas tradition alive.
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Gasteiz / Vitoria Holiday Markets and Shopping
Ardoaraba Gastronomy and Wine Festival
The Ardoaraba Wine and Gastronomy Festival transforms Vitoria-Gasteiz into the capital of enogastronomy. Enjoy glasses of the best wines from Rioja Alavesa, Txakolis, and Euskadi's ciders, paired with pintxos made from local products. The three Tasting Zones offer a variety of mini tastings and special menus.
Medieval Market
The Medieval Market in Vitoria-Gasteiz is a cultural celebration that transforms the streets and squares of the Medieval Quarter to recreate an era when the city was a significant political and commercial hub. Crafts like blacksmithing, carpentry, goldsmithing, and glassmaking return to showcase the skills of artisans from that time. Jugglers, minstrels, and other performances bring life to a market where Christian, Arab, and Jewish cultures coexist.
Gasteiz / Vitoria Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas in Vitoria-Gasteiz
Christmas in Vitoria-Gasteiz features a variety of holiday activities, including markets, ice skating, the Monumental Nativity Scene, and encounters with Olentzero and Mari Domingi.
Christmas Playground at the Civic Center
The Christmas Park in the Civic Center offers a wide range of activities for all ages, including the monumental nativity scene, Olentzero and Mari Domingi's parade, children's shows, and musical animation.
Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival
The Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival is a musical event that brings together renowned artists and emerging talents in a diverse and exciting program. With concerts in various locations across the city, including the Teatro Principal Antzokia and the Polideportivo de Mendizorrotza, this festival offers a unique experience for jazz enthusiasts.
Zinebi International Documentary Film Festival
Zinebi is an international festival of documentary and short films held in Bilbao, known for its selection of short films and documentaries from around the world. It features a variety of sections, including documentaries, fiction, and animation, and includes awards like the Mikeldis, which recognize the career of international directors.
Gasteiz / Vitoria Other Holiday Activities
Ice Skating in La Florida Park
The ice rink in La Florida offers a 700-square-meter surface for skating, including a 75-square-meter area for children. The ice toboggans have a minimum length of 30 meters with 4 lanes.
Huge Crib
The Belén Monumental de la Florida is a unique nativity scene in the world, composed of more than 80 characters and over 100 elements, including animals, buildings, and decorative objects at real size. Year after year, it is expanded and renovated with donations made by visitors in the Grotto.