San Sebastian Christmas Market 2025

Why San Sebastian is the Perfect Christmas Destination

Most people heading to Spain for Christmas stick to the usual big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. But if you look a little further north, San Sebastian offers some winter magic, with streets and plazas that glow with lights and Basque Christmas traditions unique to this region.

There’s a real buzz around San Sebastian in winter. Live music, cultural events, and community celebrations make everything feel extra warm and welcoming. And then there’s the mouthwatering seasonal specialties, some of which we try on my San Sebastian food tours that we run during the holiday season.

Who knows, we might even end up stopping at a few Michelin-starred restaurants in San Sebastián for some gourmet bites!

We put this guide together so you can explore San Sebastian’s Christmas markets like a pro. Prepare to soak up the Basque holiday spirit, hit the best stalls, and try the most delicious festive bites around. Let’s dive in!

San Sebastian’s Best Christmas Markets to Explore

San Sebastian has a surprisingly wide variety of Christmas markets, with Plaza Constitución Market, Mercado de la Bretxa, and the more low-key Gros and Antiguo markets topping the list.

The Plaza Constitución Christmas Market is the city’s most iconic one. It’s packed with gifts, crafts, and decorations, making it an exciting place to do some Christmas shopping in San Sebastian.

Once hunger hits, you’ll want to make your way to another one of the great Christmas markets in San Sebastian, Mercado de la Bretxa. Local vendors line the Mercado de la Bretxa Christmas Corner with stalls selling fresh Basque bites and handmade treats that you won’t be able to resist.

Gros and Antiguo have their own neighborhood markets that don’t get as much hype but have an authentic atmosphere. They’re quieter, more local, and perfect if you want something a bit different from the big crowds that fill the city center.

Taste the Best of San Sebastian Christmas Market: Basque Holiday Flavors

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution 3.0 Unported (no changes made)

Basque cuisine is famous worldwide, with foodies often traveling to this little pocket of Spain just to sample the grub. When Christmas comes along, everything tastes even better thanks to San Sebastian’s festive foods that appear on stalls around the city. These are a few must-tries you can’t afford to miss when you’re here.

Keep your eyes peeled for some txistorra, a slightly spicy sausage that hits the spot perfectly in winter. For something sweet, grab a slice of pantxineta, a flaky pastry with a creamy center, or try turrón, a honey-rich nougat that’s a holiday classic. And yes, roasted chestnuts will be sold from many stalls!

The winter drinks available are just as delightful as the grub. Expect crisp local ciders, fruity mulled wines, and even txakoli, the famous sparkling Basque white wine. Whatever your taste, you definitely won’t be thirsty at San Sebastian’s Christmas markets.

Lights, Music, and Holiday Moments by the Sea

Christmas by the sea in the Basque Country, how good does that sound? Your evenings will be spent walking along La Concha Bay with holiday lights reflecting off the water. It’s not your typical winter wonderland like they have in the North Pole, but that’s exactly why it’s special. It has its own unmistakable Basque charm.

All around the city, you’ll find Christmas concerts that visitors can experience. Whether it’s the Il Gardellino Orchestra or the Mississippi Gospel Choir, there’s a performance for every kind of music lover with a festive twist.

If you want to catch a Nativity display, which is one of the best things to do in San Sebastian at Christmas, swing by Gipuzkoa Square from November 28th to January 6th, where there are regular exhibits.

Right next to La Concha Beach, the Ferris Wheel will return again for this season. Thirty-two meters high with twenty-four cabins offering incredible views as the lights sparkle below. It’s a bit of fun for both kids and adults and makes for a beautiful Christmas memory.

On select days during the holidays, you’ll also find open-air events around Alderdi Eder Gardens and the Old Town, which are fun to witness if you have some extra time on your hands.

Handcrafted Christmas Gifts & Souvenirs from San Sebastian’s Markets

You can find basic Christmas gifts anywhere, but the Basque region is known for its high-quality products. Pick up some festive ornaments, wool products, jewelry, and handmade ceramics.

The best spots to find them are local artisan boutiques or craft stalls in the Old Town (Parte Vieja). There’s no shortage of creative gift options here that beat the same old items.

When Is the Best Time to Visit San Sebastian’s Christmas Markets?

San Sebastian’s Christmas markets usually kick off in late November and run until late January. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more tourists arrive, so make sure to book your lodging and flights early, or you might end up having to pay a premium.
Try to visit the markets after dark. This is when the lights come on, the atmosphere is much more lively, and everything just feels more magical.
The best way to get around San Sebastian is on foot or by public transport. Taxis are available but more expensive, so you’ll end up spending much more if you use them.
Unlike southern Spain, San Sebastian can be cold and rainy in winter. Pack hats, gloves, jackets, and jumpers. If you forget something, don’t worry, as you can easily buy it when you arrive.
When things get too cold, pop into one of the city’s many pintxo bars to warm up with some snacks and drinks.

Why Celebrate Christmas the Basque Way in San Sebastian?

Make room in your 2025 holiday plans for a Christmas trip to San Sebastián. You’ll experience a truly unique festive celebration filled with Basque cuisine, local events, and special traditions that appear just once a year.

From San Sebastián’s Christmas market filled with regional treats to its hidden corners packed with handcrafted goods, you’re in for a delightful festive surprise.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). San Sebastian Food Tours. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/san-sebastian/ Eating Europe

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Michelin Star Restaurants in San Sebastián: A Guide to World-Class Basque Dining. Retrieved December 10, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/michelin-star-restaurants-san-sebastian/ Eating Europe

San Sebastián Turismoa. (n.d.). Christmas Market 2025/2026. SanSebastianturismoa.eus. Retrieved December 11, 2025, from https://sansebastianturismoa.eus/en/agenda/christmas-market-2025-2026/