As the Christmas holidays approach, Zaragoza is getting ready to put on its brightest attire, transforming into a true fairy tale of light and color. The city is filled with anticipation, while its streets and squares await the moment when they will shine with thousands of lights. This annual ritual not only marks the beginning of the festive season, but also unites residents and visitors in a shared sense of joy. The official start of the New Year celebrations will take place on the last Saturday of November, when the city will be immersed in a magical glow that will last until the Day of the Three Kings.
The Festive Launch of the Christmas Season
The main event kicking off the festivities will be the official Christmas lights ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025, at exactly 6:30 PM on Plaza de España. The event will be led by Mayor Natalia Chueca, accompanied by members of the city council. The evening’s special guest will be the renowned Aragonese singer Juanjo Bona, whose performance will add to the occasion. From that moment and until January 6 of the following year, the festive lights will illuminate the city every evening, coming on at dusk and shining until one in the morning. The display will brighten more than 90 key locations throughout the city, reaching even the most distant neighborhoods.
This event is much more than simply turning on the lights. For many families, it has become a cherished tradition to gather downtown and watch the city transform together. The atmosphere on Plaza de España that evening promises to be especially warm and festive, despite the November chill. Music, laughter, and radiant smiles will create a unique sense of unity and the beginning of something magical.
What’s new in the 2025 illuminations
This year, the Zaragoza authorities have decided to surprise residents by unveiling an updated and much-expanded holiday lighting concept. The city’s main avenues will feature completely new designs. The famous Paseo de la Independencia will be adorned with an impressive canopy of golden LED lights, creating a starlit sky effect above pedestrians. Plaza de San Felipe will once again become a focal point, thanks to its beloved light installations that imitate the Northern Lights.
Calle Alfonso, leading to the main Plaza del Pilar, will keep its traditional canopy of lights cherished by both locals and tourists. However, the main innovation this year is the expansion of Zaragoza’s so-called “light corridor.” It will now encompass nearly thirty iconic sites, some of which will be lit up for the first time or receive a complete makeover. Among the highlights sure to draw attention are giant glowing decorations: a massive luminous Christmas tree will appear on Avenida de Cataluña, angel figures of impressive size will stand on Puente de Piedra, and an eight-meter illuminated Nativity scene will be placed by the Fuente del Batallador.
Magic Map: Where to Find the Best Lights
You can enjoy Zaragoza’s Christmas lights in almost every part of the city, but some spots are must-sees. Undoubtedly, the historical center will be the heart of the festivities. Plaza del Pilar and Plaza de España, together with adjacent streets like Don Jaime I, Calle Alfonso, and Paseo de la Independencia, will merge into a unified landscape of lights. Here, the concentration of illuminations and decorations reaches its peak.
This year, the illuminated route has expanded considerably, encompassing major streets such as Gran Vía and Fernando el Católico, as well as Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta. Notably, the festive atmosphere will reach residential neighborhoods too, where light arches, decorated trees, and large glowing figures will be set up. To make the most of it, plan your walk in advance. Be sure to include the Stone Bridge with its shimmering angels, the Batallador Fountain featuring an impressive Nativity scene, and Cataluña Avenue with its new illuminated tree. These spots are perfect for festive photos and creating unforgettable memories.
