Christmas in Bilbao 2025-2026 kicks off with the official switching on of Christmas lights, the return of the Christmas markets, the most traditional nativity scenes, activities for families and new cultural proposals all over the city. From the Magic Forest in the Arenal to the atmosphere of the Gran Vía all lit up, as well as different plans, such as visiting the AC Museum in San Mamés, the town is full of options to enjoy these dates.
If you are going to spend Christmas in Bilbao, here is all the updated information: dates, times, activities and the best plans to enjoy these special weeks.
Switching on of the Christmas lights in Bilbao 2025-2026
The switching on of the Christmas lights will be at 8pm on Wednesday 26th November in Doña Casilda Park, next to the light and sound tunnel. There will also be musical performances beforehand and the area will be filled with the Christmas spirit.
The lights will be switched on until 6th January 2026.
Christmas lights schedule
From 26th November 2025 to 6th January 2026:
From 6pm to Midnight
Where to see the Christmas lights in Bilbao
Bilbao has once again opted for Christmas lights spread around all of its districts. Some of the most striking places are:
- Façade of the Town Hall, with its large Christmas tree and the traditional illuminated bauble.
- Magic Forest in the Arenal, with more than one hundred trees decorated.
- Gran Vía, with its characteristic blue lights.
- Figures of Olentzero and Mari Domingi in Plaza de las Mujeres.
- Golden Whale at Muelle de Uribitarte.
- Big tunnel of light in Doña Casilda Park, with musical shows at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm.
- Christmas tree in Moyúa, with light and music shows at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm.
- Giant illuminated paving stones, installed in the city’s eight districts.
Christmas Market in Bilbao 2025-2026
The traditional Christmas market has changed its location this year and has moved to Doña Casilda Park, in the area around the light tunnel. There will be 35 stands, local commerce, gastronomy and free activities.
Dates: From 5th December 2025 to 5th January 2026
Opening Times:
- 5th – 21st December:
- Monday – Friday: 5pm – 10pm
- Weekends and Public Holidays: 11.30am – 2.30pm and 5pm – 10pm
- 22nd December – 5th January:
- Every day: 11.30am – 2.30pm and 5pm – 10pm
- On special days: 24th, 31st December and 5th January: open until 7pm
- Closed: 25th December and 1st January
Gabonart Craft Fair
Another must is Gabonart, at Muelle del Arenal, which is ideal for finding unique handmade gifts.
Dates: From 12th December 2025 to 5th January 2026
Opening Times:
- 11am – 2.30pm and 5pm – 8.30pm
- On special days: 24th and 31st December (open until 2.30pm)
- Closed: 25th December and 1st January
A not to be missed Christmas plan: visit the AC Museum
Unlike other museums, Athletic’s museum and stadium is full of visual, interactive and exciting elements that will capture the attention of the little ones from the very first minute. It is a dynamic and highly interactive museum, perfect to create unforgettable memories with the family on such special dates.
The little ones will be able to:
- Enter exclusive areas of the stadium, such as the press room, the players’ tunnel, the dressing room and even jump onto the pitch!
- Discover the relics of The Cathedral: learn about its history, its top players and the shirts that have marked each generation of Athletic fans.
- Take unforgetable photos with a real stuffed lion (link) inside the Museum. The kids will be amazed!
- Guaranteed fun when they try to shoot some penalties with Iribar himself or have to find their members name among the “esplanade” of names listing all the Athletic Club members.
Ice rink, slide and plans for young children
The Arenal and Ripa area will once again host the annual classics:
- Arenal ice rink: from 21st November to 6th January
- Muelle de Ripa Ice Slide: same dates
- BEC PIN: from 13th December to 5th January, with rides, sports and children’s activities
Nativity scenes and Christmas shows in the city
The most visited nativity scenes are those at the Museum of Processional Figures, the Sacred Art Museum and La Ribera Market.
In the cultural section, Bilbao will fill theatres and squares with music, dance, circus, magic, Basque folklore, concerts and Basque pelota, as part of the Kultur Gabonak programme 2025-2026.
Parades in Bilbao: Olentzero and the Three Wise Men
- Olentzero and Mari Domingi Parade: 23rd December
- Three Wise Men Parade: 5th January
Both parades go through the centre of Bilbao with music, floats and activities throughout the day.
