Last updated: December 01, 2024
Discover San Sebastian's Christmas spirit with our complete festive events guide. From traditional markets to cultural activities, you'll find everything you need to enjoy this special time in the Gipuzkoan capital.
Constitution Square transforms into the heart of celebrations, hosting the main Christmas market with its local craft and gastronomy stalls. La Concha Promenade and the Old Quarter are adorned with lights and decorations, while the Old Part hosts numerous gastronomic and cultural events. Traditional nativity scenes are displayed at various iconic locations throughout the city, from the Good Shepherd Cathedral to the City Hall.
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San Sebastian Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lights Switch-on
The inauguration of Christmas in San Sebastián includes the lighting of the lights and the opening of the market stalls in the Paseo de Francia and Plaza Ramón Labayen. A concert by the Orfeón Donostiarra will precede a flyboard show over the river, followed by the lighting of the city's lights and a fireworks display.
San Sebastian Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market
The Christmas Market of San Sebastián is a standout event in the northern region, surprising with its exhibitors and offering a unique place to make holiday purchases. The wooden stalls along the Urumea River offer typical products, magical decorations, and personalized shows.
Christmas Ferris Wheel
The Christmas Market in Donostia/San Sebastián offers a variety of products and activities for all tastes, from flea markets to ice skating rinks and Ferris wheels.
Mercadabadillo Market
Mercadabadillo is a second-hand, vintage, and antique market held in the lower levels of Kursaal in Donostia-San Sebastián. It features over 100 stalls each day with handmade crafts.
Handicraft Market
The San Sebastián Christmas Market is an event that brings visitors together with a carefully curated selection of decorated and filled stalls with typical seasonal products. Located on the Paseo del Urumea and Plaza Ramón Labayen, it offers a unique experience with food, handicrafts, gifts, and Christmas decorations.
St. Thomas' Day
The Santo Tomás Fair is a rural celebration that transforms Donostia/San Sebastián into a vibrant market where txistorra is the star. The stalls offer a variety of traditional products such as talos, homemade goods, and handicrafts.
San Sebastian Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Saharari Kantari Concert
Saharari Kantari is a solidarity concert that brings together a large ensemble of Basque artists to support the Sahrawi people through music. The concert features performances by Basque and Sahrawi artists, aiming to raise funds for the protection of Sahrawi cultural heritage.
Los Secretos - Christmas Solidarity Concert
Los Secretos will headline Super Amara's new Christmas charity concert with an exciting and optimistic show, featuring iconic tracks like “Déjame” and recent songs.
Magical Christmas
Gabon Magikoak is a show that combines magic with Errenteria's music, offering a unique and exciting atmosphere.
San Sebastian Holiday Giving Opportunities
Second-hand Toy Collection
The second-hand toy collection is a solidarity initiative that collects toys at the Hegalak Sports Center from December 1 to 20. The collected toys are destined for two associations that will sell or distribute them among disadvantaged families in Gipuzkoa.
San Sebastian Other Holiday Activities
Olentzero and Mari Domingi
Olentzero and Mari Domingi are the mythological characters who come to Donostia / San Sebastián on December 24th for the children to meet them and deliver their wish letters.
The Three Wise Men
The Three Kings Parade is a traditional event celebrating the arrival of the Three Kings in San Sebastián. The Three Kings, accompanied by their royal entourage and various animation groups, parade through the city center streets, distributing candies and gifts to children.
Tricycle Tours
Tricycle tours offer a relaxing and accessible experience for all, allowing you to explore San Sebastián in a sustainable way and enjoy its natural landscapes.
Gabon Kontxapuzon Event
Gabon Kontxapuzon is a solidarity event that brings the community together for a sports and social day, promoting unity and collective effort.
Mari Domingi's Magical Republic Visit
At Mari Domingi's caserío, children will learn about the way of life from yesteryears. By combining ancestral customs with current rituals, they will experience Christmas in a unique way.
Storytelling
The municipal libraries of Pasaia organize Cuentacuentos, an activity that promotes reading and information exchange through story narrations.