If you are looking for a special destination for your Christmas holidays, Seville invites you to experience a festive season full of magic, culture and tradition. From the lights that adorn its streets to the activities for all the family, the city will envelop you with its unique atmosphere. In this article we will tell you about the essential experiences of a Christmas in Seville, so that you can make the most of every moment of your stay.
1. Rent a holiday home to make yourself at home.
If you want to experience Christmas in Seville at your own pace, renting a holiday home in Seville is the best option. You will be able to relax in a cosy space, prepare a Christmas Eve dinner in a fully equipped kitchen and enjoy intimate moments with your loved ones. Moreover, this type of accommodation will allow you to explore the city with complete freedom and personalise your experience.
2. Explore the city at your leisure
Getting around Seville at Christmas is very convenient. If you prefer to discover every corner without depending on schedules, renting a car will give you access to nearby villages full of charm. However, the city also offers an efficient public transport network and bike lanes to get around easily. In December, the weather is perfect for strolling through the decorated streets and enjoying the great atmosphere without the high summer temperatures.
3. The magic of the Cathedral, the Giralda and the Barrio de Santa Cruz
A visit to Seville at Christmas is not complete without a stroll around its most emblematic monuments. The Cathedral and the Giralda, illuminated at this time of year, offer an unforgettable sight. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city adorned with Christmas lights. Then explore the Santa Cruz quarter, where its narrow streets and squares take on an even more magical air in winter. You’ll find small markets and spontaneous performances of flamenco carols that fill the streets with joy. Don’t miss the nativity scenes that are set up in several churches and iconic places such as the Real Alcázar.
4. Indulge in Christmas gastronomy
Christmas in Seville is a delight for lovers of good food. Among the typical dishes of the season are the traditional tapas that you can enjoy in the bars, such as “sirloin steak with whisky”, which can also be served as a montadito and is called “mantecaito”, “spinach with chickpeas” or “pescaíto frito” (fried fish). But the star of the season is sweets. In the city’s convents, such as Santa Inés and San Leandro, authentic gastronomic gems are made, such as mantecados, polvorones and yemas de San Leandro. If you’re up for it, try the “roscón de Reyes”, especially on 6 January.
5. Christmas Markets in Seville
At Christmas, Seville is transformed by its enchanting Christmas markets, full of lights, aromas and unique products that capture the festive spirit. Here is a selection of the most emblematic ones:
- Feria del Belén (Plaza del Triunfo): A classic between the Cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, where you will find figures, decorations and details to set up your Nativity Scene. It is a must for lovers of this tradition. Here you can find everything from large dioramas to delicate miniatures and mechanised pieces that bring Christmas representations to life.
- Alameda de Hércules Market: With a wide variety of stalls, it offers crafts, decoration, gastronomic products and family activities in a festive atmosphere.
- Creative Crafts Fair (Plaza Nueva): Nationally recognised, this fair brings together exhibitors who stand out for their talent in ceramics, jewellery and other craft products.
- Plaza de la Encarnación Market: Located next to the Setalandia children’s park, it combines wooden huts, gastronomy and attractions for the little ones.
- Plaza de la Magdalena Market: A cosy corner where you will find Christmas products, traditional sweets and children’s activities, ideal for a stroll with the family.
- Nervión Market (Luis de Morales): A perfect place to buy decorations, handmade gifts and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in the heart of the Nervión district.
- Zoco Navideño del Parque de María Luisa: In the unique setting of this park, this special market combines crafts, gastronomy and family entertainment in a magical atmosphere.
6. Discover the traditional Nativity Scenes of Seville
Christmas in Seville begins with two traditions that light up the festive spirit of the city: the Nativity Scene Fair and the Nativity Scene Route. These events not only celebrate local art and customs, but are also a reflection of the charm and magic that characterises this time of year.
Nativity scenes, recognised in 2023 as an Andalusian Ethnological Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC), reach their maximum expression in this fair, which also includes complementary activities such as concerts, parades and the Christmas proclamation. A tour of the stalls is more than just a visit; it is an immersion in Sevillian art and tradition.
Another of the jewels of Christmas in Seville is the Nativity Scenes Route, a tradition that begins at the beginning of December. These representations, authentic works of art of great size and detail, are open to the public and usually attract numerous visitors. Although it may be necessary to wait in line, the experience is well worth it.
If your time is limited, don’t miss the most outstanding nativity scenes, such as the one in the Cathedral, the one in the Cajasol Foundation and the one in the Círculo Mercantil. Each of them reflects a unique style and is testimony to the care and creativity of their creators.
7. Light shows and magical activities
During Christmas, Seville is transformed into a magical setting with some 300 illuminated locations. Main streets such as Sierpes and Tetuán, as well as the Plaza de San Francisco, are filled with lights and decorations. In addition, light and sound shows in the Alameda de Hércules contribute to a magical atmosphere for the whole family.
The most emblematic places to enjoy the illumination include Plaza Nueva, Plaza del Salvador, Avenida de la Constitución. Don’t forget to cross the Isabel II bridge to visit the Triana neighbourhood, which dresses up with decorations in its streets and squares, making it a unique corner of Christmas in Seville.
All this can be easily covered on foot, enjoying an unforgettable stroll through Seville’s old town.
8. Musical traditions: flamenco carols and zambombas
Music is an essential part of Christmas in Seville. Zambombas, an Andalusian tradition that mixes Christmas carols with flamenco rhythms, are organised in several of the city’s squares and in some flamenco clubs. These gatherings are perfect for immersing yourself in the local culture, enjoying live music, dancing and a welcoming atmosphere. Some churches also host classical and choral concerts, such as those held in the Church of San Luis de los Franceses, a baroque jewel.
9. Welcome the New Year Sevillian-style
The Plaza Nueva becomes the epicentre of the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Together with other visitors and locals, you can eat the traditional 12 grapes to the rhythm of the chimes while enjoying live music and fireworks. For a more exclusive experience, book a gala dinner at one of the city’s luxury restaurants or hotels, and if you’re a party animal, the nightclubs offer special events until dawn.
10. The Epiphany Parade: an unforgettable finale
The Epiphany Parade of the Three Kings on 5 January is the crowning glory of Christmas in Seville. It is one of the most spectacular in Spain and has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. This emblematic event fills the streets of the city centre with more than 30 floats inspired by fairy tales, cartoon characters and tributes to Sevillian culture.
The parade, accompanied by musical bands, Bedouins and original characters, creates a magical atmosphere for the whole family. In addition to the classic sweets, toys and unique surprises are thrown in.
An unmissable event to experience the Christmas spirit at its best.
