Plans to Enjoy Christmas in Bilbao

WHEN DECEMBER ARRIVES, THE CITY TRANSFORMS. WALK FROM GRAN VÍA TO THE OLD QUARTER, OR FROM EL ARENAL TO THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, AND DISCOVER WHY CHRISTMAS IN BILBAO IS TRULY UNIQUE.

PLANS TO ENJOY CHRISTMAS IN BILBAO

Santo Tomás Fair: If you’re visiting Bilbao in Christmas, we recommend arriving a little early to catch this festival.

Santo Tomás takes place every year on 21st December – food stalls, txosnas (street bars) and festive atmosphere take over the Old Quarter. Possibly the best way to experience our local culture and cuisine.

Christmas lights and trees: we recommend exploring the city at dusk when the lights come on. Set off from Plaza Moyúa and follow Gran Vía towards El Arenal and Teatro Arriaga. From there, make your way to the City Hall and along the riverside until you reach the Guggenheim Museum.

Greet Olentzero as he makes his way along Gran Vía.

Visit the Christmas markets: El Arenal’s Christmas market features local crafts, gourmet products and unique gifts. You’ll also find smaller markets in Plaza Circular and Bailén Street, perfect for taking home a little something from Bilbao.

Experience the Olentzero tradition: Olentzero is our local version of Father Christmas – a charcoal-burner who heads down from the mountains accompanied by Mari Domingi to deliver presents.

If you visit Bilbao at Christmas, don’t miss this parade (or kalejira) full of magic. It features street performers, music and a vibrant family atmosphere, especially in the Old Quarter.

Toast with txakoli (and some Christmas pintxos): at this time of year, the bars in the Old Quarter and El Ensanche serve pintxos made with seasonal ingredients such as mushrooms, cod, seafood… Savour them with a cold glass of txakoli or a local red wine. Bilbao tastes best at the bar.

Alongside the ice-skating rink, you’ll find a spectacular ice slide.

Ice skating in the city centre: throughout December and part of January, there’s an ice-skating rink at El Arenal Wharf or Doña Casilda Park.

New Year’s Eve in local style: in Bilbao, New Year’s Eve celebrations start early on – from midday onwards, the streets fill with people toasting the year ahead.

Raise a glass to welcome the New Year at Plaza Arriaga.

Enjoy everything the city has to offer during the day, and after dinner join the traditional countdown to the bells at Arriaga Square.

Where to stay at Christmas in Bilbao? Our hotel offers peace and a prime location, so you can experience Christmas like a true local.

If you’re looking for a place with a kitchen, check availability at Batimont Suites, our aparthotel option.

Book early and enjoy the cosiest time of the year in the city.