Christmas 2026
Christmas in Granada
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
16 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 20 ideas
- 9 for families
- 9 free
Don't miss
Christmas Lights Switch-on
Christmas Lights Display
Christmas Market at Plaza Bib-Rambla
Saturday 28 November
Christmas Lights Switch-on
The official Christmas lights switch-on ceremony is expected to take place in Plaza del Carmen, in front of the City Hall. The event typically includes a dance and carol performance starting around 20:00, followed by the main switch-on at 20:30. This date is an estimate based on previous years' patterns; official confirmation for 2026 is pending.
FamilyFree
Monday 7 December
Día de la Constitución — Public Holiday (Transferred)
This national public holiday is observed on Monday, December 7, as December 6 falls on a Sunday. Many shops and businesses may be closed, but some shopping centers might open their leisure and restaurant areas.
Tuesday 8 December
Día de la Inmaculada Concepción — Public Holiday
This national public holiday sees many shops and businesses closed. It often forms a long weekend ('puente') with the Día de la Constitución. Some shopping centers might open their leisure and restaurant areas.
Sunday 13 December
Mariola Cantarero - Diva Navidad Concert
The renowned Granadine soprano Mariola Cantarero presents a program of Christmas carols and traditional songs.
Saturday 19 December
'El Mesías' Participatory Concert
A traditional Christmas concert featuring Handel's 'Messiah' with the Orchestra Ciudad de Granada and participatory choirs, directed by Aaron Zapico.
Sunday 20 December
Candlelight: Christmas Classics Concert
A classical music concert by candlelight featuring Christmas classics.
Tuesday 22 December
El Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad (Christmas Lottery Draw)
The annual Spanish Christmas Lottery draw, known as 'El Gordo', takes place in Madrid and is followed by millions across Spain. Tickets are sold nationwide for 20€ each.
Thursday 24 December
Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) - Early Closures & Tardebuena
While not a public holiday, many businesses and shops close early, often in the afternoon. A local tradition is 'Tardebuena', where people gather in bars until around 20:00 before heading home for family dinner. The Alhambra is expected to be open from 08:30 to 18:00. The traditional 'Misa del Gallo' (Midnight Mass) is held in the Cathedral.
Friday 25 December
Alhambra Closure for Christmas Day
The Alhambra monument complex is closed on Christmas Day.
Christmas Day (Día de Navidad) — Public Holiday
Christmas Day is a national public holiday in Spain. Most shops, businesses, and many attractions (including the Alhambra) will be closed. Restaurants are likely to be closed or operate with special holiday hours.
All season
Christmas Lights Display
Granada's Christmas lights are expected to illuminate the city center daily. Hours are typically from 18:30 to 01:00, extended until 03:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and eve of holidays. In neighborhoods, lights usually run from 18:30 to 00:00, extended to 01:00 on weekends. Famous streets for lights include Calle Reyes Católicos, Gran Vía, and Recogidas.
FamilyFree
Christmas Market at Plaza Bib-Rambla
This traditional Christmas market offers Nativity figures, ornaments, and various Christmas decorations. It typically operates with split hours: 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:30. It is expected to be closed on December 25. Dates are based on previous years; official 2026 confirmation pending.
FamilyFree
Artisan Christmas Market at Fuente de las Batallas / Puerta Real
This market specializes in local and regional crafts, as well as traditional Christmas sweets made by nuns. It typically operates with split hours: 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:30. It is expected to be closed on December 25. Dates are based on previous years; official 2026 confirmation pending.
FamilyFree
Plaza del Carmen Light and Carol Shows
Daily light and carol shows are expected to take place in Plaza del Carmen, often at 19:00, 20:00, and 21:00. This is based on previous years' programming, and 2026 schedule is pending official confirmation.
FamilyFree
Videomapping at Edificio Zaida
Christmas projections with music are expected on the façade of the Edificio Zaida (Caja Rural Fundación), located in front of Fuente de las Batallas. Shows typically run at 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, and 22:00. This is based on previous years' programming, and 2026 schedule is pending official confirmation.
FamilyFree
Inverland Christmas Village and Light Nativity Scene
The Christmas village 'Inverland' is expected to be set up in Paseo del Salón and Paseo del Violón, featuring new attractions and a large light nativity scene. This is an estimated event for 2026.
FamilyFree
Shopping Centers Open on Sundays and Holidays
Major shopping centers like Nevada Shopping, Serrallo Plaza, Granaita, La Zubia Plaza, and El Corte Inglés are expected to open on select Sundays and public holidays during the Christmas period. This includes Sunday, November 29 (for Black Friday) and December 7 (all shops) and leisure/restaurants only on December 6 and December 8. Full store openings are also expected on December 13 and 20.
Municipal Nativity Scene (Belén Municipal)
The City Council's official nativity scene is usually one of the first to open, often around December 3rd. It's a significant display as part of the city's Christmas traditions.
FamilyFree
Nativity Scenes (Belenes) Exhibition
Numerous nativity scenes are set up across Granada by schools, associations, institutions, and religious brotherhoods. Many of these participate in contests organized by the City Council and the Real Federación de Hermandades y Cofradías de Semana Santa.
FamilyFree
Seasonal Dish: Pestiños
Pestiños, traditional sweet pastries with anise and honey, are a typical Christmas delicacy in Granada. They are enjoyed throughout the Christmas season.
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 29 Oct