Last updated: December 01, 2024
We present you the definitive holiday season guide to Santiago de Compostela. Discover the festive events and activities that bring life to the medieval streets of our historic city during this cherished season.
Plaza del Obradoiro transforms into the heart of celebrations, with its traditional monumental nativity scene and the illuminated Cathedral as a backdrop. Christmas markets extend through Alameda and Rúa do Franco, while the historic area hosts carol concerts and traditional Galician performances. Praza da Quintana and Praza de Cervantes house local craft and gastronomy stalls.
Contact information and details below.
Artistic light display featuring historical figures and landmarks of Santiago and Galicia.
The Alameda of Santiago transforms into an artistic light display with historical figures and landmarks of Santiago and Galicia. From Friday, December 1st to Sunday, January 7th, enjoy a beautiful stroll with the special Christmas lighting.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Alameda Lighting
A Christmas market with local vendors offering unique and authentic products.
The Mercado de Nadal in Santiago de Compostela is an event that offers a wide variety of Christmas products, from decoration to artisanal and gourmet items, in different locations around the city.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Santiago de Compostela Christmas Market
A contemporary creative festival with a wide range of artisanal goods and gourmet food products.
The Mercado da Estrela is a Christmas festival where Galician creators showcase their talents in the run-up to the holidays. It features a variety of artisanal goods, fashion, illustration, toys, photography, design, and decoration, as well as gourmet food products and the latest trends. It includes food trucks, dining stalls, and a concert program, DJ sessions, and workshops.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Estrela Market
Traditional Christmas market with handmade crafts and sweets.
The Christmas Market in Santiago de Compostela offers a variety of handmade products, sweets, and gifts for the holiday season. Local merchants and artisans will be present, and there will be an area of activities for children.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Cultural Activities at the Christmas Market
High-quality concerts with classical repertoires.
The Real Filharmonía de Galicia presents a variety of concerts in different locations, including the Auditorio de Galicia and the Centro Cultural Afundación. The programs include works by Beethoven, Mozart, and other classical composers.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Galicia
Seasonal mass with the Archbishop and Cathedral Choir.
The Christmas Mass at Santiago Cathedral is a religious celebration featuring a seasonal mass presided over by the Excmo. Sr. Archbishop, Don Francisco Prieto, accompanied by the Cathedral Choir.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Christmas Mass at the Cathedral
Cello and orchestra concert with Spanish premiere.
The Galicia Symphony Orchestra presents a classical music concert featuring works by Detlev Glanert and Piotr Ilich Chaikovski, performed by Johannes Moser on cello and Anna Rakitina as conductor.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Christmas Concert by the Galician Symphony Orchestra
Over 500 traditional moving figures with special lighting and sound effects.
The San Fiz de Solovio Nativity Scene is an impressive installation featuring over 500 traditional clay and painted figures, with various scenes, moving pieces, and special lighting and sound effects. Additionally, a collective nativity scene made by the residents of the 45 cultural centers in Santiago is displayed, showcasing significant people and places of interest in the city's natural, architectural, and cultural heritage.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Nativity Scene of San Fiz de Solovio
Eco-friendly ice rink with a capacity for 25 people.
The ice rink in Parque da Alameda is a festive and eco-friendly attraction offering a 100-square-meter surface for skating. With a capacity for 25 people per session, it operates without water or electricity, reducing CO2 emissions and maintenance costs.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Ice Skating Rink at Alameda Park
Reception at the Pazo de Raxoi for children.
The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos is a traditional parade that runs through the streets of Santiago de Compostela, ending with the reception at the Pazo de Raxoi.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Cavalcade of the Three Kings
Athletic race in an iconic setting.
The San Silvestre Race is an athletic test that takes place in Santiago de Compostela, offering a sports spectacle in the Praza do Obradoiro starting at 17:00 hours. The start will be from Avenida Xoán XIII.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: San Silvestre Race
Incense is spread throughout the temple.
The Botafumeiro is an iconic element of Santiago Cathedral, a large censer used during solemn masses to spread incense throughout the temple.
Where: Santiago de Compostela | More Info: Botafumeiro in the Cathedral