Handcrafted Magic Instead of a Million Lights
In search of festive spirit, travelers are increasingly veering off the beaten path, bypassing megacities with their dazzling lights and towering Christmas trees. There’s a growing demand for something warmer, more heartfelt and authentic—a place with a unique atmosphere where the Christmas spirit feels genuinely cozy. One such place is a small town in the province of Ourense with a population of just 6,400. Over the past few years, it has become a must-visit destination for anyone in search of unconventional holiday experiences. Its reputation has spread by word of mouth, propelling it into the top ranks of Spain’s most distinctive holiday getaways.
This town doesn’t try to compete with Vigo when it comes to extravagant lighting displays. Its charm lies in a completely different approach: an eco-friendly, artisanal, and thoughtfully curated celebration. The historic center is transformed into a magical world, where the main decorations are the medieval architecture itself, the Arnoia River, and the surrounding nature. Visitors expecting a quiet provincial idyll find themselves immersed in an astonishing journey full of surprises.
The Philosophy of a Sustainable Celebration
This initiative began in 2017, when the municipality decided to apply its sustainable development philosophy to the organization of winter festivities. Since then, every decorative element has been handcrafted by municipal employees and local enthusiasts. There’s no outsourcing here, no multimillion-euro lighting contracts or synchronized light shows. On the contrary, the city set out to prove that creativity and recycling materials can evoke much stronger emotions than any parade of millions of lightbulbs.
The result is a circular route through the old town’s iconic sites, each year presented in a completely new way. No installation is ever repeated; only the materials remain the same, given new life by fresh creative ideas. That’s why even regular visitors discover something entirely different each time. In previous years, guests have found tiny houses, trains, miniature Ferris wheels, imaginary ski resorts, and magical forests inhabited by gnomes and elves. All of these creations were built from wood, fabric, branches, and other plant-based materials.
A fairytale journey with a Galician twist
The route begins on the banks of the Arnoia River, where the Christmas Square stretches out—a snowy welcome in shades of white, adorned with poinsettias, arches, and festive stalls. From here, crossing the bridge, visitors head into the heart of the city, where one of the most popular spots awaits: a miniature world inhabited by fairies and forest spirits. They have their own treehouses, a small pier, a tiny lake, a waterfall, and even a miniature train running through this landscape.
The blend of Galician traditions and artisanal aesthetics is also reflected in the characters. For example, you might encounter Apalpador—a kind-hearted coalman from local folklore who visits children during the holidays. His presence adds a sense of identity to the festivities, moving away from globalized iconography and reconnecting with cultural roots, something that many visitors truly appreciate. The experience is further enriched by small events, fairs, and opportunities to explore the rich heritage of Allariz itself, which is recognized as a historic-artistic complex. Romanesque churches, medieval ruins, chestnut groves, and cobbled streets coexist harmoniously with this handcrafted universe, giving the trip a unique cultural value.
A phenomenon born from the community
Those looking for an alternative way to celebrate find the perfect refuge in this place. Here you’ll discover creativity, tradition, and a strong sense of community that turns every corner into a page from a handwritten Christmas story. That’s why this small Galician town has achieved what once seemed impossible: it has exploded on social media, attracted visitors from all over Spain, and cemented its reputation as one of the country’s most coveted winter destinations.
