Experience an unforgettable Christmas in Seville
Seville is filled with magic when December arrives. The city is transformed into a spectacle of lights, colours and activities. Tradition and good atmosphere, plans everywhere you look. Discover everything you can do in Seville when the festive season arrives.
Illuminated streets that mark the beginning of a new beginning
Christmas in Seville is known for its Christmas lights. The main streets, central squares and avenues are decorated with thousands of lights and Christmas motifs. From the centre to the neighbourhoods, the whole of Seville is decked out for the festive season.
Walk along the bustling Avenida de la Constitución until you reach the famous Bethlehem portal in the Town Hall arch. Here, pause and enjoy the light show that takes place every year in the Plaza de San Francisco. Music, colours and emotions create a magical atmosphere for everyone who sees it.
Christmas is a time for presents and flea markets.
If there’s one thing you can’t miss at this time of year, it’s Christmas markets. You can visit them all over the city: Nervión, Plaza del Duque or Avenida de la Constitución… Here you’ll find Christmas decorations, craft products and gifts of all kinds. The Nativity Scene Fair, next to the Cathedral, is a must for lovers of nativity scenes and to welcome Christmas.
And if you need to continue with your shopping, the shopping centres are also getting ready for Christmas and decorating their establishments to create a Christmas atmosphere. A plan for the whole family that perfectly combines fun, gastronomy and shopping.
A holiday to enjoy with the family
Illusion and magic are the essence of Christmas. It is a time of reunions and family, where children are the protagonists. For them, there are different activities and parades that you can’t miss.
With the New Year, Seville prepares to receive the parade of the Herald and his Royal Pages, where each child gives him his letter, while waiting impatiently for the most awaited day to arrive, the Three Wise Men’s Parade. On 5th January, the streets of the city are filled with floats where the Three Wise Men throw sweets and gifts. And on the 6th, these parades are also enjoyed in the neighbourhoods, such as Triana.
What’s more, if you want to experience Christmas with your youngsters, Seville offers you an infinite number of attractions. Attractions for the little ones, ice skating rinks, projections… Check out the programme of activities to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
The New Year
The Spanish tradition is to celebrate the New Year, eating the lucky grapes. It Is funny eating 12 grapes, one by one, following the clock striking. If you manage to eat all the grapes in time, you are in for a year of prosperity and good luck. Whether or not you believe in magic, try the experience: it’s great fun. The grapes are the most anticipated moment of New Year’s Eve. The chiming of the clock is broadcast on TV all over Spain. On this day, family and friends get together for a special dinner and then have the twelve grapes. People go to a central square or an iconic place where there is a large clock, «plazas» to eat the grapes together and share the last minutes of the old year. If you would like to take part in this event in Seville, the best spot would be Plaza Nueva, the main City Hall square.
Some practical advice: The streets fill with groups of young people, music playing and cars honking their horns to greet the New Year. At bars and clubs, there are New Year’s parties with parties until dawn. Many hotels and restaurants also organise special New Year’s Eve celebrations, including dinner, grapes, dancing and entertainment. If you decide to go for one of these, you should book your table or buy your ticket for the party in advance. Check here find last year’s restaurants. There are usually changes to public transport timetables on these dates. If taking public transport, remember that bus and metro services will be altered on the night of 31 December, and on the morning of the 1st. If you want a taxi on that night it’s advisable to order one by phone in advance, because in the early morning there will be considerable demand.
The New Year celebrations last until your body gives up. To finish off the night, before going to bed, people like to top up their energy with traditional hot chocolate and churros, see document enclosed. On the following day, Jan 1st, you can take it easy, since most shops, bars and restaurants are closed, at least during the morning. A walk in the parks or an afternoon at the cinema are a great way to spend the day.
