Last Updated on 2023-09-17
Experience the Magic of Christmas in Vigo, Spain!
Christmas holds special significance in Vigo, making it a cherished celebration in this Spanish region.
From the enchanting city-wide street illuminations to the bustling Christmas Markets, the iconic Ferris wheel, and decorative displays adorning various streets, Vigo offers an array of delights during this festive season.
This article draws from our past experiences of Christmas in Vigo, as the specifics for Christmas 2023-24 are yet to be unveiled.
Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive insights for an exceptional holiday.
As soon as the dates for the 2023 Vigo Christmas Market are announced, we will promptly update this article.
Meanwhile, as a reference, the Vigo Christmas lights were illuminated on November 19, 2022, at 7 pm, and the festive spirit lingered until January 15, 2023.
Within this article, we’ll navigate you through the prime tourist attractions, unveil the wonders of Vigo’s Christmas Market, and offer valuable tips to enrich your visit.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive enchantment of Vigo!
Vigo Christmas Lights 2023
The opening of the Christmas lights marks the official beginning of the Christmas festivities in Vigo. People gather in Rua Policarpo Sanz and Rua Príncipe to witness the magical moment when the lights are switched on for the first time.
A countdown sets the anticipation, followed by a delightful Christmas music show accompanied by artificial snow.
The Giant Christmas Tree near Porta do Sol comes alive with a vibrant display of lights, accompanied by traditional Christmas songs.
The line for the carousel quickly grows with excited children eager to take a ride.
Speaking of queues, on the opening day of the Christmas lights, the Ferris Wheel becomes the most sought-after attraction. People patiently wait for hours to experience a few exhilarating minutes high above the city.
For those who prefer to explore the streets of Vigo, numerous festive scenes with Christmas motifs await. The Santa Claus House, a sleigh with reindeer, a towering snowman, and various other figures are dispersed throughout the city center.
If you’re curious about the Christmas Tree in Vigo, we invite you to check out our Instagram page, where we have a live video capturing the enchanting sight. Follow us there for more updates and delightful content!
Christmas Market in Vigo (Cíes Market)
Cíes Market is the largest Christmas Market in Vigo, situated in Parque da Alameda, next to Praça Compostela, and boasting approximately 100 stalls.
If you’re fond of acquiring unique crafts and decorative items, this is the perfect place for you. Moreover, there are numerous food stalls and even a Ferris wheel for the more adventurous visitors.
An additional highlight of Cíes Market is the presence of artificial snow. Three times a day, at 19:00, 20:00, and 21:00, artificial snow machines operate, transforming the surroundings into a winter wonderland and adding joy to the Christmas Market.
Please note that the Christmas Market in Vigo remains open until January 15, 2023, with the following hours: Monday to Friday from 17:00, and weekends from 11:00.
Travel tips for those visiting the Christmas Market in Vigo
Here are some travel tips for those visiting the Christmas Market in Vigo:
- Don’t forget to bring a coat as the temperature drops significantly at night.
- Be prepared for a long queue at the Ferris wheel, so plan accordingly and expect some waiting time.
- When it comes to food, the stalls offer a wide variety of options including pizza, sandwiches, chips, sushi, tacos, hot dogs, crepes, waffles, cookies, and more.
- In terms of beverages, you can usually find beer at the stalls. Additionally, there are vending machines available offering water and soft drinks.
These tips will ensure you have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience at the Christmas Market in Vigo.
Christmas in Vigo 2023: What to Expect
As I mentioned earlier, I had the pleasure of taking my family to the Christmas markets in Vigo last year, and it was an absolutely incredible experience.
To be honest, I wasn’t prepared for the sheer number of attractions and the influx of tourists. The lighting displays were truly breathtaking.
In 2023, Vigo plans to install the same number of LED lights, illuminating around 500 streets throughout the city.
The installation of the Christmas lights in Vigo began as early as August this year. However, due to the current energy crisis, the lights will be turned on at 6:30 pm and turned off at 11:30 pm, deviating from the usual schedule of 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Undoubtedly, the Christmas celebrations in Vigo are considered the highlight of the year, and it is anticipated that approximately three million tourists will flock to the city to partake in the festivities.
Accommodation in Vigo
When we visited Vigo on the night the Christmas lights were turned on, we faced challenges navigating the city center by car.
That’s why we opted for the Hotel Vigo Los Galeones Affiliated by Meliá, a four-star hotel conveniently located near the motorway exit and not far from the city center. This hotel offers a car park at a rate of €11 per day.
Alternatively, you may consider other excellent hotel options, such as the Hotel Axis Vigo, which also provides parking facilities, or the NH Collection Vigo.
However, other hotels can be good choices, such as the Hotel Axis Vigo which has parking, or the NH Colection Vigo, also with parking for your car.
To book hotels in Vigo, we recommend using online travel platforms for the best rates and availability.
Exploring Vigo Beyond the Christmas Markets
While you’re exploring Vigo’s Christmas Market, why not uncover more of the city’s treasures? Brace yourself for a delightful surprise, as Vigo is genuinely captivating!
Here, we present tips on what to experience within the city, along with recommendations for tours and sightseeing adventures to elevate your visit.
Discover the historical monuments of the old town, pay a visit to the Parque de Castrelos (Castle of Vigo), embark on a scenic boat journey, and indulge in a delicious lunch on one of the charming terraces nestled in Vigo’s heart.
For those open to it, consider these noteworthy tours:
- Albariño trails Private Wine Tour/Shore excursion from Vigo: Immerse in the charm of Rías Baixas. This Albariño Wine Tour, led by Juanjo, unveils unique winemaking techniques and visits two distinct wineries. Savor conversations with winemakers, their techniques, and Atlantic-influenced flavors. Indulge in a typical “furancho” lunch.
- Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Vigo City Game: Immerse yourself in a thrilling city adventure with our Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Vigo City Game. Unravel a fictional mystery while exploring highlights like Praza da Constitución. Download the game app, solve puzzles, and enjoy British humor. Be the detective and explore Vigo your way.
- Granbazán Winery: guided tour and wine tasting: with visit to the farm and wine tasting with typical food from Galicia;
These suggestions are just a glimpse of what Vigo has to offer beyond its Christmas celebrations. But if you’re eager to delve deeper into Vigo’s tourist attractions, fear not – I’ve prepared an article exclusively dedicated to this captivating topic.
Discover the best sights and activities in Vigo, Spain, including accommodation recommendations, top tourist attractions, prime sunset viewpoints, notable restaurants, and much more.
Get ready to make the most of your time in Vigo!
Getting to Vigo: Your Travel Options
When planning your journey to Vigo, Spain, you have the choice of traveling by car or bus.
For those who prefer the flexibility of driving, rental cars are available in Vigo.
For exemple, if you’re driving from Porto, Portugal, the journey to Vigo’s city center takes approximately 1.5 hours.
To begin, take the A3 in the direction of Braga, and then continue toward Valença. Cross the River Minho via the bridge at the Tui border, and proceed along the expressway towards Vigo.
On the other hand, if you opt for public transport, consider utilizing bus services like Flixbus.
This option offers convenient schedules and competitive prices for travel from various Spanish cities to Vigo.
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