As the Christmas season approaches, Valencia transforms into a true winter wonderland. The city streets light up with festive illuminations, markets spring up everywhere, and the air fills with the scent of traditional sweets. During this time, the city offers a wide range of entertainment options, from classic holiday events to truly unique happenings, creating a magical atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Valencia glows with festive lights from November 21 to January 6. As tradition dictates, the centerpiece is a 25-meter-tall Christmas tree on the Town Hall Square, featuring a new design this year. Surrounding trees and the City Hall building itself are also adorned with garlands. The celebration extends beyond the center: 45 Christmas trees are set up in neighborhoods across the city, ensuring every corner is illuminated. Among 274 decorative arches, the stretch between Avenida Peris i Valero and the Turia Gardens stands out, as does Calle Colón with its new lighting display. Unique light installations are scattered throughout the city: a three-dimensional reindeer at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a giant sphere at the Finca Roja building, and a glowing kite near the Serranos Bridge.
Festive Lights and Markets
For those looking for heartfelt gifts and seasonal treats, Valencia’s Christmas markets are a must-visit. Here you’ll find local handicrafts, designer items, and gourmet delicacies. The crafts fair on Plaza de la Reina, now in its 24th year, offers ceramics, illustrations, and sweets until January 6. From December 10 to January 4, the central market on Hospital Street features fashionable goods and the chance to enjoy late-night shopping. At Mercado de Tapinería, the ‘Ho, ho ho’ fair runs from December 3 to 8, followed by the Antique Market with vintage treasures from December 10 to 14. And from January 3 to 5, the Three Kings Market in the Cabanyal district will offer toys and souvenirs for sale late into the night.
Family activities
Valencia’s holiday line-up is filled with concerts, exhibitions, and performances. One of the most original family attractions is the ‘Christmas Ship’ in Valencia’s port, which celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2025. From December 6 to January 4, children can enjoy a 20-minute cruise around the port, meet Santa Claus at his cottage, deliver their letters, and even encounter the ever-grumpy Grinch. Tickets are €9.
Viewing nativity scenes, or ‘belenes’, is one of the main Christmas traditions. The monumental display from the Asociación de Belenistas de Valencia will be showcased in the Crystal Hall of City Hall. On the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a nativity scene in Greco-Roman style by renowned artists will be installed. At Plaza de la Reina, visitors can see life-sized figures created by the Gremio de Artistas Falleros. Large installations will also appear at Mercado de Colón and the Nuevo Centro shopping mall. The musical heart of the festivities will be Plaza del Patriarca, where daily concerts by choirs and folk groups will be held.
Circus and Ice Rinks
The city welcomes some of the best circus troupes for Christmas. Circo Wonderland will present the show ‘Grinch! and Christmas Tales’ opposite Bioparc. Gran Circo WOW will captivate audiences with the innovative water show ‘Aqualia’. Circo Raluy Legacy will feature the ‘CYBORG’ production with extreme acrobatics, and Escalante Theater is offering a ‘Christmas at the Circus’ program.
Ice skating has become an essential winter holiday activity. The main rink traditionally opens at Plaza del Ayuntamiento from November 28, operating daily from 11:00 to 23:00. A 30-minute session with skate rental costs 10 euros. Another rink, Fun On Ice, is open year-round at the Bonaire mall—an excellent alternative for those who want to skate outside the city center.
Beyond Valencia
If you’re looking to go beyond the city limits, Xàtiva hosts Spain’s largest outdoor nativity scene, featuring giant figures that impress both children and adults. Just outside Valencia, in Meliana, you’ll find the living museum ‘Belén de Roca,’ which showcases more than 7,000 figurines in detailed scenes. For those with a sweet tooth, the Christmas market in Xixona is a must-visit—even though it’s a bit farther away, it stands out as a major event in the region.
