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What to See in Vitoria at Christmas 2025: A Complete Guide
Gasteiz is one of the most welcoming cities in the country, or at least that is what the usual surveys on residents’ quality of life suggest. Everyone agrees that living in Vitoria is pleasant, even though there are some notable drawbacks among the many virtues the city offers.
One of them is the weather. The climate in the Basque capital is harsh, especially when the dreaded winter arrives. Staying at home—preferably in one of the wonderful properties in our portfolio—is a more than valid option during these months when the mercury stubbornly refuses to rise.
However, there are beams of light during this icy period that help make the season more bearable: Christmas. Vitoria at Christmas becomes a collection of leisure options that make the city an ideal destination to fully enjoy the holidays. There are several Christmas markets and activities in Vitoria, as well as plenty of Christmas plans to choose from.
Below, we offer a complete overview of what to see in Vitoria at Christmas 2025: places to visit, activities to enjoy, and much more. Events designed for adults, children and the whole family, all with the aim of immersing yourself in the most anticipated festivities of the year. Let’s get started!
Table of Content
Christmas Plans in Vitoria 2025: The Ferris Wheel and Carousel at Virgen Blanca
More Christmas Activities and Markets: Florida Park, Ice Rink, Olentzero…
Olentzero at Engel & Völkers: A Chance to Discover Some of the Best Homes in Vitoria
Parades and the Night of Candles: Top Christmas Plans in Vitoria 2025
Frequently Asked Questions about what to See in Vitoria at Christmas 2025:
Christmas Plans in Vitoria 2025: The Ferris Wheel and Carousel at Virgen Blanca
Without a doubt, the epicentre of the Christmas celebrations in Vitoria-Gasteiz in recent years has been Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, where two of the most striking Christmas attractions can be found. A perfect place to visit if you’re wondering what to see in Vitoria at Christmas 2025. Here you’ll find the crown jewels of these attractions: the Ferris wheel and the carousel. For a price of five euros per person for the Ferris wheel and 3.5 euros for the carousel, anyone can enjoy these experiences.
The City Council’s website provides detailed information about the features and opening hours of both attractions. The Ferris wheel, which stands thirty metres tall and will remain in the city centre until 6 January, offers spectacular views to those who ride it. Vitoria’s skyline may well become a familiar snapshot for its residents.
Next to it, the carousel offers a more classic experience with a romantic touch. Similar carousels decorate the historic centres of many European capitals. It is also a great option for younger children. Living in Vitoria with children can sometimes make it difficult to find activities, but at Christmas this can change dramatically.
Just a few metres away, you’ll find another major Christmas attraction: the Magic Elevator. Located in Plaza del Arca, and costing four euros (or ten euros for three tickets), this immersive virtual attraction takes its passengers on a journey to the home of the Three Wise Men.
Ferris wheel: €5 per person
Carousel: €3.5 per person
Magic Elevator: €4 per person / €10 for three tickets
More Christmas Activities and Markets: Florida Park, Ice Rink, Olentzero…
While Plaza de la Virgen Blanca is the main hub of Christmas life in Vitoria when it comes to what to see at Christmas 2025, other nearby areas also shine with the same charm. Florida Park is the most representative. For several years now, an ice rink and a slide have been set up here, making it an ideal place for family plans in Vitoria.
This well-established attraction among younger visitors offers affordable prices and is one of the most popular Christmas plans in Vitoria. Ice rink access costs €5.70 for one hour for those over 16, and €3.55 for children aged 15 or under. The slide costs €1.25 per ride. A 10% discount applies if tickets are purchased online.
This area is one of the most prestigious parts of the city, where we have marketed several properties. It is also home to the Monumental Nativity Scene—known as the Florida Park Nativity Scene—first installed in 1962. Walking among its life-size figures is a must-see Christmas tradition in Vitoria.
If you’ve already visited, there’s no problem, as according to the city council’s website, “year after year it is expanded and renovated with the donations visitors leave in the Grotto.” The figures are created by local artists. The Nativity Scene can be visited Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 14:30 and from 16:00 to 21:30.
Family plans in Vitoria reach their peak in front of this Nativity Scene with “Horra! The Forest of Olentzero and Mari Domingi.” The gardens of the Zulueta Palace will host the famous charcoal burner and his herbalist companion, who will collect children’s letters on 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The area also hosts the Aenkomer Christmas Market, featuring food products, accessories, crafts, literature and a wide range of local Álava products. It will be open Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10:30 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21:00, and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21:30.
Just a couple of blocks away, another Christmas 2025 market—this time entirely dedicated to crafts—takes over the city centre. Located in Plaza de la Provincia, this market of artisan stalls is open every day from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00.
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Olentzero at Engel & Völkers: A Chance to Discover Some of the Best Homes in Vitoria
Olentzero is always in high demand in Vitoria during these festive dates. Fortunately, at Engel & Völkers Vitoria we can take advantage of his famous gift of ubiquity. The beloved Christmas character will visit our offices on 19 December from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to meet one of the stars of Christmas in person and hand over their letters directly. Meanwhile, parents can explore our extensive portfolio of homes in Vitoria, including city-centre apartments, properties in the best neighbourhoods, villas on the outskirts and houses in nearby towns.
Parades and the Night of Candles: Top Christmas Plans in Vitoria 2025
Beyond specific locations, those wondering what to do in Vitoria at Christmas 2025 can enjoy two traditional Christmas parades that travel through the city—true highlights of the season.
The Olentzero and Mari Domingi parade takes place on 24 December, starting at the Iparralde Civic Centre, passing through Portal de Legutiano, Francia, La Paz, Olaguibel and Mateo Moraza, and ending around 7:00 pm in Plaza de la Virgen Blanca with a greeting from Olentzero and Mari Domingi and the distribution of roasted chestnuts.
The Three Wise Men Parade (5 January) starts in Plaza de Bilbao, continues through Francia, Paz, Ortiz de Zárate, Florida, Ramón y Cajal, M. Portilla and Lascaray, and ends on Avenida de Gasteiz.
Finally, the Night of Candles is one of the most enchanting Christmas events in Vitoria. On the night of 19 December, the Old Town will be illuminated by thousands of candles in a magical Christmas performance that accompanies visitors throughout the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions about what to See in Vitoria at Christmas 2025:
After this overview, deciding what to see in Vitoria at Christmas 2025 becomes much easier. Many common questions now have clear answers.
What activities are there for children? The ice rink and Olentzero at Florida Park.
What are the best Christmas plans? The Ferris wheel and carousel at Plaza de la Virgen Blanca are among the most popular.
And the best Christmas markets? Those at Florida Park and Plaza de la Provincia.
All of this paints the picture of a vibrant city that offers far more than just its renowned gastronomy.
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