Cities lit up for Christmas 2025: it's not all about Vigo

Christmas has a unique way of shining. The streets fill with lights, shop windows and aromas that herald winter, and every city seems to compete to offer the most spectacular postcard. Vigo has gained prominence in recent years thanks to its monumental display, but it is not the only place where you can experience the magic of the season. This year, we invite you to discover other cities which, lit up for Christmas and glowing with their own light, are ideal destinations for a winter getaway.

The most impressive Christmas lights in Spain (and beyond)

Christmas lighting has, for decades, become a true tourist attraction. What used to be simple decorative bulbs is now a spectacle of LED technology and artistic design that brings every corner of the cities to life. Vigo may be the big media star, but in Madrid, Málaga, Seville and Valencia, and even in Porto, the experience is just as intense — if not more so. Each has its own style that offers visitors a unique way to experience the magic of Christmas.

Madrid: tradition and design in every neighbourhood

Madrid celebrates Christmas with the official switch-on, which will take place on Saturday, 22 November, marking the start of one of the largest illuminations in Europe: more than 240 locations and 157 kilometres of LED garlands will transform the city until 7 January 2026.



Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, Calle Alcalá and Plaza Mayor fill with light, and iconic spots such as the Palacio de Cibeles and Plaza de Colón renew their designs every year. Of course, classic Christmas trees and glowing cherry trees will not be missing.

The lights will be on from 18:00 to 00:00, Sunday to Thursday, and until 01:00 at weekends and on public holidays. In addition, the popular Naviluz, Madrid’s Christmas bus, will run through the main illuminated streets.

If you want to know where to stay in Madrid to enjoy the lights, we recommend our hotels Vincci The Mint 4* and Vincci Centrum 4*, as they place you right in the city centre.

Room at the Vincci Centrum 4* hotel

Málaga: a stage of light on Calle Larios

In recent years, Málaga has established itself as one of the most visited Christmas capitals in Spain. Its lights attract thousands of travellers who come in search of a unique spectacle, with Calle Marqués de Larios as the undisputed epicentre.



In 2025, the official switch-on will be on 28 November, with three daily shows at 18:30, 20:00 and 21:30, when the 16 four-metre angels, suspended at 12 metres high above 32 light columns, will once again fill the city’s sky.

The city expands its programme with the “Manto de estrellas” videomapping on the Cathedral, new lights along the Paseo del Parque and projections on the City Hall.

The lights will remain on until 6 January, from 18:30 to 00:00 on weekdays and until 02:00 at weekends and on public holidays. The entire system uses low-consumption LED lighting, consolidating Málaga as a benchmark in sustainability.

We recommend staying at Vincci Selección Posada del Patio 5* and Vincci Larios Diez 4* to experience Málaga’s Christmas magic from the heart of the city.

Room at the Vincci Selección Posada del Patio 5* hotel

Seville: light, history and the Guadalquivir as a backdrop

If there is a city that knows how to wrap this time of year in its own charm, it is Seville. From 28 November, the Andalusian capital will light up more than 300 streets, from Avenida de la Constitución to Plaza de San Francisco and La Campana, with a design that blends classic elegance, energy efficiency and that unmistakable style that makes it unique.



One of the main attractions will once again be the Navigalia mapping on the Guadalquivir River, a free light, sound and projection show that can be enjoyed from the bridges or the riverbanks. The experience is best appreciated from the Muelle de la Sal, which has become an unmissable event.

The city also multiplies its Christmas offerings: the giant Christmas tree, traditional markets with sweets and crafts, such as the Feria del Belén next to the Cathedral, and the monumental nativity scenes set up by institutions and foundations each year form part of the most authentic route through Christmas Seville.

The lights will be on from 18:30 to 23:00, extended to 01:00 on public holidays. This year, the City Council is further strengthening its commitment to LED lighting, achieving an energy saving of 30% compared to previous seasons without losing any of its beauty.

We recommend staying at our Vincci La Rábida 4*, which offers the warmth of a welcoming stately home, or at Vincci Selección Unuk 5* GL, where you can enjoy a unique luxury experience just steps from the historic centre.

Room at the Vincci Selección Unuk 5* GL hotel

Valencia: innovation and colour by the Mediterranean

Valencia lives Christmas with a special energy. Every year more visitors choose the capital of the Turia to enjoy its lights, pleasant climate and the festive atmosphere that fills every square. In 2025, the lights will be switched on on 4 December, and as always, Plaza del Ayuntamiento will be the starting point for a celebration that grows in creativity and visitor numbers.



From there, the lights spread throughout the city, with neighbourhoods such as Ruzafa and El Carmen turning into genuine urban stages thanks to videomappings, interactive projections and striking decorations. But Christmas in Valencia goes far beyond the lights: there are funfairs by the port, ice-skating rinks in the city centre and traditional nativity scenes such as the one at the Cathedral, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The City of Arts and Sciences also joins the celebration with its Christmas market, ice rink and activities for the whole family. The lights will remain on from 18:00 to 00:00 during the week and until 02:00 or even 03:00 at weekends, offering a luminous experience by the Mediterranean that confirms Valencia as one of the most attractive winter destinations in Spain.

Our hotels Vincci Lys 4*, Vincci Mercat 4* and Vincci Palace 4* are the perfect base from which to enjoy the lights in the capital of the Turia.

Room at the Vincci Lys 4* hotel

Porto: elegant Christmas by the Douro

Crossing the border, Porto offers a calmer, more sophisticated version of Christmas. On 1 December 2025, Avenida dos Aliados will host the official switch-on, with the inauguration of its 34-metre tree and 32 million LED lights in white, red, blue and green.



The Portuguese city lights up more than 80 streets and squares, with two million LED lights that will remain on until 6 January 2026. The opening day includes live music, fireworks and videomapping, while throughout the month there are markets, concerts and strolls along the Douro River — perfect for those looking for a charming getaway.

The lights will be on from 17:30 to 23:00, Sunday to Thursday, and until midnight at weekends and on public holidays.

To make the most of Porto, our hotels Vincci Porto 4*, Vincci Bonjardim 4* and Vincci Ponte de Ferro 4* offer an unforgettable Christmas experience by the Douro River.

Room at the Vincci Ponte di Ferro 4* hotel

Tips for making the most of your Christmas getaway

- Travel during the week to avoid crowds and enjoy the lights more calmly.

- Book in advance, especially in December.

- Choose central areas so you can walk everywhere and make the most of the lights and Christmas markets.

- Check dates and times for the switch-on and shows before you travel, as they may vary from city to city.

Christmas has a thousand ways of shining, but what really makes each trip special is how you experience it. In each of these cities — from Madrid to Porto — the lights illuminate the streets, but they also spark emotions, memories and moments that stay with you.

At Vincci Hoteles, we are waiting for you so that this magic becomes even more intense. Our hotels are designed for you to enjoy Christmas from the heart of each destination, with the style and warmth that characterise each of our spaces. Because when you travel with us, you don’t just discover lights: you discover experiences.

Don’t miss our Vincci Christmas City Lights at the hotels Vincci Vía 66 4* (Madrid) and Vincci Larios Diez 4* (Málaga), with menus specially designed to enjoy the lights and the finest gastronomy from their privileged locations.

"Come. Be surprised. Discover more than 40 four- and five-star hotels where every experience is unique. Open your eyes. Look out. Enjoy the most privileged locations. Look. Touch. Feel a design and style that can be appreciated in every detail. Rest. Relax. Let yourself be cared for with a service where you are the centre. Dream. Smile. Live. You are at a Vincci".

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