Christmas in Valencia: the city hall square, markets and New Year
Updated October 4, 2026
Valencia celebrates Christmas around its grand city hall square, with lights, stalls and a giant tree, while the old town fills with nativity scenes. The mild weather means you can still sit outside in the sun.
The Plaza del Ayuntamiento
The city hall square is the heart of Christmas in Valencia, usually with a giant tree, lights and Christmas stalls from early December until the Three Kings.
The old town
Walk from the cathedral and the Plaza de la Reina through the lit streets of the old town, where shop windows and churches show their nativity scenes.
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Catedral de Valencia
Historic
Climb the Miguelete tower for views over the old town.
With children
The Oceanogràfic and the Bioparc stay open over most of the holidays, and on 5 January the Three Kings parade passes through the centre of the city.
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New Year's Eve
Thousands gather in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to eat the 12 grapes with the chimes of the city hall clock, followed by fireworks.
Good to know
- Book restaurants for 24 and 31 December well ahead.
- Most shops close on 25 December, 1 January and 6 January; check museum opening times for the holidays.
- Valencia is mild in December, around 17 °C by day.
- Watch your bag in the crowds in the city hall square, especially on New Year's Eve.
Questions
Where is the Christmas market in Valencia?
The main stalls are usually in and around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, from early December until early January.
Where do people celebrate New Year's Eve in Valencia?
In the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, eating the 12 grapes with the city hall clock, then fireworks.
Is Valencia good for Christmas with children?
Yes: the lights and the parade on 5 January, plus the Oceanogràfic and the Bioparc, which open most holidays.
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