Valencia at Christmas: What to See and Do This Holiday Season

Christmas in Valencia lasts a little over a month. It starts at the end of November when the lights go on in plaza del Ayuntamiento, and ends on 6 January when the nativity scene is taken down, after the Three Kings' Parade on the 5th. In between, there's an ice rink in the centre, a nativity scene trail around the city, craft markets, New Year's Eve with live chimes in plaza del Ayuntamiento, and a municipal programme that is published each year, usually in mid or late November.

When does Christmas actually start in Valencia?

It all kicks off with the official switch-on of the lights in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. In 2025 that fell on Friday 21 November, with live performances and a pyromusical castle, and the lights stayed on until 6 January. The Ayuntamiento hasn't yet published the date for 2026; the Christmas programme is usually announced in mid or late November, so until then check the events calendar for the exact date and the rest of the day's events.

Every year something changes, but some things stay the same: the large fir tree in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the arches of lights along the city-centre streets, and a decoration that extends to the districts and pedanías (outlying villages), not just the historic centre.

Nativity scenes: where to see them

Plaza del Ayuntamiento has a life-size nativity scene, the work of Fallas artists, outdoors and visible at any time. The city council also sets up a nativity scene in the Salón de Cristal of the Casa Consistorial, with almost 40 square metres and free entry, normally open from early December until the first days of January.

The route continues to other points: the outdoor nativity scene in Plaza de la Reina, the one set up inside Mercado de Colón and the vertical nativity scene of the San Nicolás church. None of them usually have a significant queue on weekdays and all are free, except for specific exceptions that each organizer announces separately.

The ice rink and the attractions of plaza del Ayuntamiento

Every December, Plaza del Ayuntamiento turns into the city's Christmas hub. An ice rink, a Ferris wheel, food and gift stalls, the nativity scene and the big Christmas tree all share the space. In the 2025-2026 season, the rink was open from 28 November to 6 January. Entry cost 10 euros for 30 minutes including skates, or 7 euros when buying in associated shops. Opening hours were 11:00 to 23:00, with shorter hours on 24 and 31 December. Those are the figures for that edition; for winter 2026-2027 we'll have to wait for the official announcement, which usually arrives in November. Check the price and opening hours before you go.

Christmas markets and craft fairs

The craft fair in plaza de la Reina, organized by Arteval with the city council, brings together several dozen wooden booths each year selling jewelry, ceramics, leather, glass, textiles and artisan toys. In 2025 it ran from 28 November to 6 January, open in the morning and in the afternoon, except on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and the afternoon of 5 January.

Another regular market is the one at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, with craft stalls, food trucks and children's workshops daily. There are also smaller fairs in neighbourhoods and the street market run by the city centre traders' association, which each year features different attractions — carousel, Ferris wheel or little train, depending on the edition. For sweets and seasonal products, it's also worth checking Valencia's markets, which set up their own Christmas stalls in December.

What's open and closed during these festivities

25 December and 1 January are obligatory closing days for businesses in the Comunitat Valenciana. Apart from those two days, each year the Generalitat authorises a series of opening Sundays and public holidays for the Christmas season, usually the first or second Sunday in December and a Sunday closer to Reyes. The schedule changes from year to year and is officially published. On 24 and 31 December, shops usually close earlier than usual, and large shopping centres set their own special hours.

Municipal museums and a good number of monuments reduce their opening hours or close on December 25 and January 1. It is worth checking beforehand in each case, especially if you plan to visit any of the museums of Valencia on those very days.

Christmas Eve and Christmas: what to eat

In Valencia, Christmas Eve dinner is usually fish, such as sea bream, cod with cauliflower or seafood, and the Christmas meal on the 25th is based on puchero, the Valencian version of cocido, with its meatball wrapped in a cabbage leaf. The sweet table is typical of the area, with turrón from Xixona (soft) and from Alicante (hard), peladillas from Casinos, rosegons, polvorones and coca de llanda, which is served with sugar and candied fruit on top at this time of year. For a look at local cuisine, there is the guide to what to eat in Valencia.

New Year's Eve: the chimes in plaza del Ayuntamiento

On 31 December, Plaza del Ayuntamiento holds a New Year's Eve celebration with live chimes, lucky grapes and music into the early hours. The 2025 edition included a children's session at noon with entertainment and a live singer, and the adult party ran from 10:30 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., with DJs and fireworks at midnight, right after the chimes, launched from various points, including the old Turia riverbed. The celebration follows a similar format each year, with changes to the musical lineup; the times and artists for the next edition are confirmed in the weeks beforehand.

If you're coming from outside and want to see the fireworks without rushing, consider staying in the centre that night: you'll find options in the guide to where to stay in Valencia.

La Cabalgata de Reyes, the end of Christmas

Christmas in Valencia ends on 5 January with the Cabalgata de Reyes, always on that date by tradition. The Three Kings usually arrive by boat in the city in the mid-afternoon (in the 2026 edition they arrived at the Marina Norte, a change from previous years, so it is worth checking the arrival point for each edition) and the parade runs through the city-centre streets until it ends at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where it stops in front of the municipal nativity scene. The exact route, timings and number of floats vary each year and are announced just a few weeks ahead; it is a good idea to check the Valencia festivals calendar as the date approaches. There are usually chairs for rent along the route for anyone who prefers to watch it seated.

With the Cabalgata, the lights go out and the nativity scenes and markets are taken down; the city returns to its normal rhythm from January 7, just as the countdown begins to Fallas, the next big festival on the Valencian calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the Christmas lights in Valencia turn on?

The date changes from year to year: in 2025 it was November 21. The City Council usually announces the exact date in mid- to late November, so for the current year, check the site's agenda around those dates.

How much is it to skate at the ice rink at plaza del Ayuntamiento?

In the 2025-2026 season it cost 10 euros per 30 minutes including skates, with a discount at participating shops. The price is confirmed each year along with the opening dates, usually in November.

Are the nativity scenes in Valencia free?

Yes. The municipal belén (nativity scene) in the Salón de Cristal and the outdoor ones in the plaza del Ayuntamiento and the plaza de la Reina are free and don’t need a reservation. Only some belenes from associations or parishes ask for a symbolic donation.

When is the Cabalgata de Reyes in Valencia?

Always on the afternoon of January 5th, ending at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The exact start time and the detailed route are published a few weeks before each edition.

What is closed on December 25 and January 1 in Valencia?

By law, shops and many municipal museums and monuments are closed. Bars, restaurants and tourist attractions set their own hours on those days, so check ahead if you have somewhere specific in mind.

Where can you see the New Year's Eve chimes in Valencia?

In the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, there are live chimes, lucky grapes and fireworks at midnight. There is also usually a children's session in the afternoon, in addition to the nighttime party for adults.