One of the Christmas traditions that attracts the most visitors each year to numerous cities in Spain is the lighting with which its streets, avenues and squares are decorated for this occasion. They are, in many cases, true light shows that transform, already in the weeks before the holidays, their corners into movie sets to savor, as a family, magical walks through its streets, the hustle and bustle of christmas markets and the excitement that lights up the faces of the little ones in the house at every step, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the magic of these dates.
Where to see the Christmas lights
From the dazzling Calle Larios in Malaga to the captivating walk of lights on Madrid’s Gran Vía, each city in Spain offers a unique touch to its Christmas illuminations. Vigo, with its display of millions of LED lights, has earned the title of Christmas capital, while Barcelona is committed to fusing its modernist architecture with spectacular lights. Throughout the country, these destinations become essential stops for those who want to experience an unforgettable Christmas full of light. From Travel Showcase We want to propose five destinations, as well as some hotels where you can rest comfortably at the end of each day.
Vigo, the Christmas capital of Spain
The Galician city has earned the reputation of being the unofficial capital of Christmas in Spain. Its impressive light display includes more than 11 million LED lights that adorn more than 350 streets and include 3,000 light motifs and a thousand illuminated trees. Among its biggest attractions are a giant 30-meter Christmas tree, a 60-meter-high Ferris wheel and a Christmas market in the Alameda, creating a walk that, according to the City Council, will be bigger than ever this year.
Hotel Compostela Vigo
This hotel establishment is located downtown, near the coast; Just 100 meters from Puerta del Sol and surrounded by green areas. Due to its location, close to the oldest part of Vigo and places of interest such as the famous La Piedra market and the maritime station, It is an ideal starting point to enjoy the city at any time of the year. Accumulate one average rating on Booking of 8.5 out of 10 (9.5 for couple trips).
Hotel Maroa Vigo
The Hotel Maroa Vigo is located in the heart of the city, between Plaza de Compostela and the ferry that takes you to the Cíes Islands. There is free Wi-Fi in all areas, and the rooms have modern décor and air conditioning. The promenade, located a short walk away, is home to numerous bars and cafes, while the Museum of Modern Art of Vigo is just 500 meters away and Charlie Rivel Park is 800 meters away.
Málaga
The Larios street, in Malaga, Every year it becomes a tunnel of light that presents a thematic design that varies from one Christmas to another. In addition, in these last weeks of the year, the city offers attractive light and music shows that attract thousands of visitors. Do you want more? The Alameda Principal is transformed into a luminous forest with thousands of points of light that create a magical atmosphere to enjoy in the company of your loved ones.
Ibis Malaga City Center
A hotel with an excellent location, next to the Malaga Cathedral and the Guadalmedina River, and just five minutes from the Picasso Museum. It offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and has a 24-hour reception. Due to its location, it is close to numerous restaurants, bars and shops, and the famous Larios Street is just a nine-minute walk away.
Malaga Rivas 34 Suites Homes
Each of the apartments at this property has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath or shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A refrigerator, oven and microwave are also provided, as well as a coffee maker. It is located just 900 meters from the center and close to several of the city’s most characteristic beaches, such as La Malagueta, and centers of cultural interest such as the Picasso Museum or the Museum of Glass and Crystal.
Route to see the Christmas lights in Madrid
The capital of Spain is transformed into a brilliant light show that floods its most emblematic streets and squares. To enjoy the best lighting, it is recommended start the route on Gran Vía to admire the illuminated historic buildings and feel the Christmas bustle. From there, continue towards Puerta del Sol, where it will be impossible to miss the famous Christmas tree that marks the center of the city’s celebrations, as well as the clock from where each year’s end is broadcast twelve bells. A few steps away, the Plaza Mayor It offers a more traditional atmosphere, with lights that highlight its classic architecture and a charming Christmas market.
Travelodge Torrelaguna
The Travelodge Torrelaguna is located next to the A2 motorway in Madrid, 4 km from the IFEMA exhibition center but very well connected to the city center, thanks to a city bus stop in front of the hotel and close to the Metro station. Concepción neighborhood. It offers spacious, bright and functional rooms with air conditioning and flat-screen TV.
Melia Avenida de America
This establishment is located next to the A2 motorway, a 15-minute drive from the center of Madrid and just two kilometers from IFEMA. Right in front of the hotel, there is a bus stop that connects it to the Plaza Mayor, one of the nerve centers of the city during Christmas time. Its rooms are equipped with all comforts and pleasant modern decoration. It also has an excellent rating by Booking customers (9 out of 10).
Where to see the Christmas lights in Barcelona
Barcelona dresses up with lighting that enhances its modernist architecture. Emblematic avenues such as Paseo de Gracia, Gran Vía, Diagonal Avenue and Plaza de Cataluña are decorated with lights that reflect the creativity and identity of each area of the city, while 14 unique buildings, including the Tower of the Aigües del Besòs, the Masía de Torre Llobeta or the Casa Golferichs, will have lighting decorations with which to delight visitors. In addition, screenings are held at Casa Batlló and immersive shows like The Lights of Sant Pau, which for the fourth year allow visitors to feel among the stars.
NH Collection Barcelona Constanza
NH Collection Barcelona Constanza offers modern rooms with satellite TV, a free gym and spa (for a fee), and a rooftop pool and terrace. It is located next to the L’Illa shopping center on Diagonal Avenue, a 15-minute walk from Sants train station. Its rooms are modern and elegant; They have a Nespresso coffee machine, flat-screen TV, pillow menu, bathroom with rain shower and professional hairdryer.
Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella
Located in the Born district of Barcelona, next to Ciutadella Park, Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella offers modern rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and interactive TV. It has a 24-hour lounge bar and a rooftop terrace with views of the Ciutadella Park, the sea and the Barcelona skyline. Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas are a 20-minute walk away, as is Barcelona’s Olympic Port, and the Sagrada Familia is 30 minutes away.
Valladolid
The Castilian capital stands out for its Christmas lighting that includes, this year, the Palace of Light, an installation of six arches of light called the Palace of Light, in the Plaza de Portugalete, which will be inaugurated on November 28. In addition, giant gift boxes will decorate the central Santiago Street and a Christmas tree and market will change the atmosphere of its beautiful Plaza Mayor. In total, the city installs 2.7 million lights that create a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Hotel Silken Juan de Austria
This design hotel is located in front of the Valladolid bullring and very well connected to the city center. It offers spacious rooms with satellite TV, views of the terrace or the street, Wi-Fi access and are soundproofed. It also has an elegant restaurant equipped with a beautiful garden terrace, where you can taste regional and international dishes made with fresh local ingredients. There is also a shared lounge and a breakfast buffet with special discounts for children.
Hotel Mozart
Located in a traditional 18th century building in the center of Valladolid, the Mozart hotel offers modern rooms with flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi connection and air conditioning. Thanks to its location, you can easily move around the historic center on foot, enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and the extraordinary quality of the tapas area located next to the Plaza Mayor. The Casa de Cervantes museum is 200 meters from the hotel and Valladolid Cathedral is just five minutes away.
