What to do in Valencia at Christmas 2025: festive plans, lights and markets

Valencia becomes a spectacular festive stage every December: sparkling Christmas lights, traditional markets, family-friendly plans and atmospheric streets perfect for strolling. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying several days, you’ll find everything from classic Christmas activities to more original events. Discover what to do in Valencia at Christmas in 2025.

How is Christmas celebrated in Valencia?

Christmas in Valencia is celebrated in a warm, lively and very festive way. From late November, the city is transformed by an impressive display of Christmas lights, decorations and themed installations, especially across the Ciutat Vella.

During this time of year, it’s tradition to explore the colourful Christmas markets filled with craftwork and seasonal sweets, visit the large nativity scenes and enjoy concerts, cultural events and family activities that fill the calendar.

When are the Christmas lights switched on in Valencia?

Valencia’s Christmas lights shine from 21 November to 6 January, offering one of the most impressive festive displays in Spain. The traditional Christmas tree in Plaza del Ayuntamiento reaches 25 metres in height and features new decorations. Surrounding trees and the Town Hall itself are also illuminated.

The festive atmosphere spreads across the entire city: 45 Christmas trees are installed throughout Valencia’s districts, ensuring every neighbourhood has its own magical focal point. Highlights among the 274 decorative arches include Avenida Peris y Valero, the Turia Gardens and the renewed design on Calle Colón.

Iconic illuminated structures also return, including the 3D reindeer near the City of Arts and Sciences, the giant walk-through bell in Plaza del Patriarca and the huge glowing sphere by the Finca Roja. The route also features the traditional full-size illuminated nativity scene and the glowing kite at the Serranos Bridge.

Nicolás, CC BY 2.0 Flickr

Christmas markets in Valencia

If you enjoy handcrafted gifts, unique finds and seasonal treats, the Christmas markets in Valencia are essential. You’ll discover local crafts, design pieces, gourmet products and plenty of evening atmosphere:

• Plaza de la Reina Christmas Market: now in its 24th edition, this traditional craft fair offers ceramics, illustration, handmade decorations and local sweets until 6 January.
• Mercadillo del Centro: running from 10 December to 4 January on Calle del Hospital, featuring fashion, gastronomy and late-night shopping.
• Mercado de Tapinería: from 3 to 8 December hosts the ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’ market, followed by the Antique Market from 10 to 14 December, showcasing unique treasures and seasonal curiosities.
• Reyes Market in El Cabanyal: perfect for last-minute Christmas gifts, running from 3 to 5 January with toys, textiles and accessories in a lively neighbourhood setting.

Freepik

Christmas plans in Valencia

Valencia’s festive calendar is packed with concerts, shows, fairs and nativity scenes. Here are some essential Christmas plans in Valencia for 2025:

The Christmas Boat

One of the most original Christmas activities in Valencia is the Christmas Boat in La Marina, celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2025.

From 6 December to 4 January, families can board this magical experience where Father Christmas welcomes children in his themed cabin, collects their letters and appears alongside elves and the mischievous Grinch. The experience includes a 20-minute boat trip around the harbour. Tickets cost €9.

Nativity scene route 2025 in Valencia

Nativity scenes are one of Valencia’s most loved Christmas traditions. Each year, the city unveils new handcrafted and monumental installations. Highlights for Christmas 2025 include:

• Salón de Cristal Nativity Scene (Plaza del Ayuntamiento): a monumental display by the Valencia Association of Nativity Scene Makers, featuring traditional scenes and unique figures such as a buñuelos seller.
• Plaza del Ayuntamiento Nativity Scene: a large Greco-Latin nativity scene by José Puche and Ceballos & Sanabria.
• Plaza de la Reina Nativity Scene: featuring life-size pieces donated by the Faller Artists Guild and creations by Pilar and María José Luna.
• Mercado de Colón Nativity Scene: from 29 November, this life-size installation includes a Nativity Market with artisanal pieces.
• Nuevo Centro Monumental Nativity Scene: a 27 m² recreation of ancient Palestine by the Association of Nativity Scene Makers.

Pexels

Concerts in Plaza del Patriarca

Plaza del Patriarca becomes one of the main festive stages in Valencia, hosting a varied programme of Christmas music, including choir performances and folklore groups.

Two sessions take place every day—one by choral ensembles and one by folk groups. You can check the full Christmas music schedule on the City Council’s website.

Valencia circus shows at Christmas 2025

The Christmas circus season in Valencia is one of the most anticipated events of the year. For Christmas 2025–2026, these are the highlights:

• Circo Wonderland: from 28 November to 25 January opposite the Bioparc, presenting The Grinch! and the Christmas Tales.
• Gran Circo WOW: from 11 December to 11 January, featuring the aquatic circus show Aqualia.
• Circo Raluy Legacy: from 5 December to 1 February in Campanar, presenting CYBORG, which combines extreme acrobatics with humour.
• Teatro Escalante: from 20 December to 4 January at the Teatro Principal, performing Un Nadal de Circ a l’Escalante.

What to do in Valencia at Christmas with children

Valencia is full of family-friendly Christmas plans. The Christmas Boat is one of the most popular activities among children.

Families can also enjoy the city’s large nativity scenes, the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets and the classic ice rink in Plaza del Ayuntamiento—always a favourite among younger visitors.

Ice rinks in Valencia at Christmas

Ice skating has become a Christmas tradition in Valencia. These are the main rinks for 2025:

• Ice Rink in Plaza del Ayuntamiento: open from 28 November, daily from 11:00 to 23:00 (last session at 22:00). Tickets cost €10 and include skates and 30 minutes on the ice.
• Fun On Ice in Bonaire: located in the Bonaire Shopping Centre in Aldaia, open year-round and ideal for skating beyond the city centre.

Valencia Town Hall / Alberto Ceballos from Valencia, Spain, CC BY-SA 2.0 Wikimedia commons

What to do near valencia at Christmas

Across the province of Valencia and the wider Valencian Community, the Christmas offering is extensive. In Xàtiva, you can visit the largest nativity scene in Spain, featuring impressive large-format outdoor figures.

In Meliana, the Roca Nativity Scene is a museum-like display with more than 7,000 handcrafted figures and detailed scenes. And, if you enjoy sweets, the Xixona Christmas Fair—home of Spain’s famous turrón—is a must.

Living in Valencia

Living in Valencia, means enjoying a dynamic, welcoming city all year round, with a mild climate, rich culture and outstanding gastronomy. Its blend of history, beaches, green spaces and lively events calendar makes it an ideal place whether you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle or a vibrant, activity-filled one.

• Property for sale in Valencia
• Property for rent in Valencia
• Holiday rentals in Valencia

Christmas in Valencia / Carlos RM, CC BY 2.0 Flickr