Month by month
What to do in Santiago in December
Cold and wet, but the month when the old town looks its best, with the Christmas lights on.
December is cold and wet, around 8-12 °C on average, but it is also the month when the old town looks its best all year: the Christmas lights, switched on towards the end of November, light up the Praza da Quintana, the Alameda and the whole historic centre until after Three Kings. Along come the Mercado da Estrela — the 2025 edition ran from 19 to 21 December, with the 2026 dates confirmed in late autumn — the ice rink, the visit of the Apalpadora, and, to see the year out, the San Silvestre parade.
On 31 December 2026, December stops being an ordinary month: the cathedral solemnly opens the Holy Door to inaugurate the 2027 Holy Year, with the silver hammer ceremony in the Praza da Quintana. The Archbishopric moved the time forward on 24 September 2026: it will be around midday, with no exact hour announced, even though the cathedral's liturgical calendar still publishes 17:00. It will be a historic date for the city, and one of the most crowded: if you want to be there, book very far ahead.
What happens in December
Christmas lights switch-on (End of November). Lights up the Praza da Quintana, the Alameda and the whole historic centre until after Three Kings.
Mercado da Estrela (December (dates to be confirmed)). The city's leading Christmas market, with crafts and concerts. The 2025 edition ran from 19 to 21 December; the 2026 dates and locations are confirmed in late autumn.
Opening of the Holy Door (31 December 2026). The start of the 2027 Holy Year, the next Compostelan Jubilee: the cathedral solemnly opens the Holy Door in the Praza da Quintana. The Archbishopric announced on 24 September 2026 that the opening is being moved forward to midday, without giving an exact hour; the cathedral's liturgical calendar still publishes 17:00. The door stays open for the whole of the following year.
Things to do in December
- See the Praza da Quintana and the Alameda lit up, among the finest sights of the year
- The Mercado da Estrela, the city's leading Christmas market, and the ice rink in the centre
- The visit of the Apalpadora, the traditional Galician figure of these dates
- The San Silvestre parade to see the year out
- If the trip falls on 31 December 2026, witness the opening of the Holy Door and the silver hammer ceremony for the 2027 Holy Year
For the full calendar of festivals and events, see what’s on in Santiago.
Other months
Previous month
What to do in November
The wettest month of the year in Santiago: umbrella or rain jacket, no exceptions.
Next month
What to do in January
The coldest month of the year, with the Christmas lights still up for the first week.
Full calendar
Festivals and events in Santiago
The whole year, from the Apostle festival to Christmas in Compostela.