Christmas 2026
Christmas in Donostia / San Sebastian
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
1 day to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 14 ideas
- 4 nights out
- 2 costume parties
- 6 for families
- 5 free
Don't miss
Feria de Santo Tomás
Arrival and Parade of Olentzero and Mari Domingi
Monumental Nativity Scene of Plaza Gipuzkoa
Saturday 12 December
Hariak Kantuz 2026: Christmas Coral Gala
Annual Christmas choral and theatrical gala organized by Adinberri and the Gipuzkoa Choral Federation in Kursaal's main auditorium.
FamilyFreeSource: Centro Kursaal Elkargunea
Tuesday 15 December
Tasha & Tracie Live at Dabadaba
Live concert at Egia's premier independent music and nightlife hall.
Night outSource: Dabadaba
Monday 21 December
Parte Vieja & Boulevard Traffic Restrictions for Santo Tomás
Extensive pedestrianisation and vehicular access restrictions across the Old Town and Alameda del Boulevard to accommodate hundreds of food stalls and massive crowds.
Feria de Santo Tomás
San Sebastián's most iconic festive day. Thousands wear traditional baserritarra rural attire to eat talo con txistorra, drink Basque sidra, and gather around the pig contest and stalls in the Old Town.
CostumeFreeSource: Donostia Kultura
Local Tradition: Talo con Txistorra and Baserritarra Dress
On Santo Tomás day, locals of all ages dress in traditional Basque farmer garments (txapela, blusa, abarcas) and eat fresh corn flatbread with fried chistorra sausage accompanied by Basque cider.
Tuesday 22 December
Spanish Christmas Lottery Draw (El Gordo)
The annual Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad is broadcast continuously in bars and cafes across Donostia all morning as patrons check their shared lottery tickets.
Thursday 24 December
Arrival and Parade of Olentzero and Mari Domingi
The traditional Basque Christmas figures Olentzero (the mythical charcoal burner) and Mari Domingi arrive in San Sebastián, greeting children at the City Hall and leading a festive afternoon parade with music and trikitilaris.
FamilyFreeSource: Donostia Kultura
Christmas Eve Early Closures (Nochebuena)
Shops, pintxo bars, supermarkets, and restaurants close early in the late afternoon or early evening (typically around 18:00–20:00) so staff can attend private family dinners.
Night outSource: San Sebastián Turismoa
Friday 25 December
Christmas Day Public Holiday (Navidad / Gabon Eguna)
Official public holiday across the Basque Country. Almost all shops, museums, and supermarkets are closed; public transit operates on reduced holiday schedules.
Saturday 26 December
Post-Christmas Club Night at Dabadaba
Special holiday weekend electronic and techno club session running until dawn.
Night outSource: Dabadaba
All season
Monumental Nativity Scene of Plaza Gipuzkoa
A beloved Donostia tradition since the 1950s maintained by the Asociación Belenista de Gipuzkoa, featuring nearly 150 one-metre figures across seven nativity scenes, including Olentzero.
FamilyFreeSource: El Diario Vasco - Agenda
Miramar Magikoa Garden Illumination Experience
Seasonal light installation transforming the seaside gardens of Miramar Palace into an illuminated evening walk for the holiday period.
FamilySource: Ayuntamiento de Donostia / San Sebastián - Agenda
Donostia Gabonetako Azoka (Christmas Market)
The central municipal Christmas market with wooden chalets selling regional gastronomy, crafts, Basque design, hot cider, and holiday treats along the river and square.
Christmas Ice Rink along the Urumea River
Outdoor seasonal ice skating rink set up for the holiday season by the river promenade as part of the Christmas fair.
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 13 Nov