Santander is Christmas, and at this time of year the city will give you unique moments that you will never forget. That's why it's essential that you know everything you can do during the festive season in the Cantabrian capital, so that you don't miss anything.
Christmas in Santander begins with the switching on of the Christmas lights. This year the date chosen to welcome the most magical time of the year is Friday 1st December in the Town Hall Square.
At 18:00h the Santander Municipal Band will give a concert until the children's party starts at 18:45h which will end at 19:30h with a countdown to the Christmas lights being switched on.
This magical moment will be celebrated with a small fireworks display until 19:45 while a DJ will make us dance to the rhythm of the music.
Installed in the Plaza de Velarde from Friday 1 December to Sunday 7 January Timetable: From 10:00h. to 22:00h. From Sunday to Thursday and public holidays. From 10:00h. to 23:00h. Friday, Saturday and holiday eves. Skates of all sizes from nº 25 to 49. Use of gloves, long trousers and long sleeves is compulsory.
Children's attractions such as the safari train, jumping, sledge ramp, flying elephants, moving balloons and inflatables, an area that will be decorated with lights and atmosphere for the enjoyment of the little ones.
Route of Nativity Scenes around different areas of the city, coordinated by the Santander Nativity Scene Association.
More information here.
If you want to discover the Christmas lights, you can get on the "Christmas Train" which, once night falls, starts to run through the most central streets of Santander, so that its passengers can comfortably enjoy the different luminous ornaments installed around the city.
Departing from Plaza Alfonso XIII, from 17:00 h. to 21:00 h., you can take the NaviTren on 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 December and 2, 3 and 4 January.
In the popular Plaza de Pombo there is a Christmas market with 46 stalls selling handicrafts, costume jewellery and accessories for the festive season. From Tuesday 5 December to Sunday 7 January from 10:30 h. to 14:30 h. and from 17:00 h. to 21:30 h.
From 21 to 30 December, Santander will celebrate the 'Magdalena Winter' cycle, which will take place in the Palacio de los Deportes and will include an extensive programme designed for all audiences, with concerts by Recycled J, Al Safir and Alex Martini, the 'Roneo Winter Fest', the 'Molan los 90' festival, the children's show La Granja de Zenón and the youtuber Mikecrack.
On 22nd and 23rd December in the Cathedral courtyard.
From 22 December to 7 January, the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Santander offers you a trip back in time to enjoy the largest Jurassic Christmas park.
With a wide variety of dinosaur-themed activities such as: bouncy castles, ball pools, face painting, palaeontology area, drawing area, virtual reality, projections of the Jurassic Park saga and a large exhibition of animatronic dinosaurs with more than 40 unpublished pieces.
Opening hours from 11:00h to 19h.
*Closed on 25 December and 1 January.
Buy your tickets on the official website.
Daily shows from 22 December to 4 January.
Most of the shows will be aimed at children, but adults will also enjoy them. More than 15 events, with shows such as 'Titiriteros de Binefar: Jolgorio del bueno en Navidad', 'Clásicos Navidad', 'Navidad en Familia', 'Carabin Caraban', 'Navidad en Pitufolandia', 'La Magia de los Elfos', a tribute to Cantajuego, or a special show by the magician Xuso, among others.
On 23rd December Father Christmas arrives in the city accompanied by his elves and reindeer with his sleigh, with which he will travel through several streets of the city and end his journey in the Town Hall Square.
On the morning of 25th December, the traditional Christmas swim across the Bay of Santander will take place.
Would you like to see the whole of Palacio de La Magdalena? Don't miss the Premium visits from 26 to 30 December in the morning, at 12:30 pm. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
You will have the opportunity to discover the lesser-known corners of the Palacio de La Magdalena and access all its floors.
Tickets are on sale at:
- Buy tickets for Premium Visits.
The most beautiful time of the year is just around the corner... the lights and the Christmas atmosphere are already flooding the streets of Santander and at the Palacio de la Magdalena everything is ready to welcome Christmas.
We look forward to seeing you at the dramatised Christmas visits from 26 to 30 December, at 17:00 and 18:00.
Tickets are on sale at:
- Buy tickets for the Dramatised Visits.
27, 28, 29 and 30 December and 2, 3 and 4 January From 17:30 h. to 21:00 h. Their Majesties from the East: Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar will collect the letters that the children have written with their Christmas wishes.
On the afternoon of 31st December this popular race will take place through the streets of the Sardinero, in which the runners will be dressed in fancy dress to enjoy athletics.
The Three Wise Men parade will take place on Friday 5th January at 18:30. Departure from Gamazo to the Town Hall. Their Majesties the Three Wise Men will walk through the streets of Santander accompanied by colourful floats, music and parades.
Organised by: The Association for the Organisation of the Three Wise Men Parade of Santander with the collaboration of the City Council.