2025-10-03
If you’re looking for information about the Christmas celebrations in Zamora, then you’ve come to the right place! That’s because I’ve put together in one place everything you need to know to get the most out of the Christmas celebrations in Zamora.
I’m often asked if it’s worth visiting lesser-known Christmas markets, such as Zamora, and I have to tell you that after so many years of exploring Christmas celebrations in Europe, I really enjoyed Zamora at Christmas.
However, I think the best thing about Christmas in Zamora isn’t even the market. It’s just that the city looks beautiful with so many lights shining.
In fact, it’s well worth visiting the city, and Christmas is just another good time to do so.
So, in this article, I’ll tell you about my experience discovering Christmas in Zamora.
✔️Where to stay in Zamora to see the Christmas decorations: If you don’t have time to read the whole article, then know that my suggestion in Zamora is the Hosteria Real de Zamora (2 stars). The historic building was once the Palace of the Inquisition, and the location couldn’t be better, between the Stone Bridge and the cathedral, in the heart of the historic center and just a few minutes’ walk from the Christmas markets.
Best things to do and see in Zamora at Christmas
Seeing the Christmas lights in the streets of Zamora
There is a huge investment in lights and illuminations, which means that many, many streets are decorated.
And of course, with such a beautiful setting, visitors quickly get into party mode. In any case, there are some strategic areas where the lights are even more beautiful.
So, in my opinion, your Christmas itinerary should include a visit to the Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy Christmas music as well as the lights.
There’s also a giant angel in the Plaza de la Catedral that glows when night falls, and the present you see below is in the Plaza de los Sueños.
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Spend a couple of hours in the Plaza de los Sueños
The Plaza de los Sueños is one of the main places in Zamora where many Christmas activities take place.
You can walk along the long avenue and take a look at the food stalls, see the Christmas lights and enjoy the street entertainment that takes place at different times of the day.
One thing that surprised me was the radical transformation that takes place when the lights are switched on.
It’s as if you’re transported to a parallel universe where, with a little magic, everything becomes more animated. It’s well worth experiencing.
Discovering Zamora’s Christmas market
Although it’s not one of the biggest I’ve visited in Spain, if you’re in Zamora at Christmas time, I think it’s worth a look.
As well as the traditional wooden houses selling handicrafts and Christmas gifts, there’s also a carousel to keep the little ones entertained.
I also recommend that you take a letter from Santa Claus and leave it in his mailbox.
Enjoy the Christmas Cabalgatas and Parades
Cabalgatas and Christmas parades are a tradition in Zamora.
The first usually takes place on December 23rd and is called “CabalGaza”, in which Santa Claus arrives in Zamora and spreads magic through the streets of the city.
In addition, between Christmas and New Year there is another tradition which consists of a procession of statues of the saints from the different churches and chapels of Zamora, which parade through the city and gather at Zamora Cathedral.
In addition, on January 5, the traditional “Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos” takes place, with floats and several hundred participants.
Riding the Tren Navideño, or Christmas train
In Zamora there is a Tren Navideño, or Christmas train, which runs through the streets of the city, passing the most emblematic places.
Although it’s not one of my favorite Christmas activities, I recognize that it’s convenient for families traveling with children who need to give their feet a rest.
People with walking difficulties can also benefit from this tour, as they can see the Christmas decorations and lights comfortably seated on the train.
So here’s a suggestion for when you visit Zamora at Christmas.
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Accommodation in Zamora
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Zamora, I have two suggestions to share with you, both of which are excellent.
The Hosteria Real de Zamora (2 stars) is located in the former Palace of the Inquisition, between the Stone Bridge and the cathedral.
It has a cloistered courtyard, Gothic sculptures, Baroque and Renaissance paintings and you can also enjoy a garden next to the medieval walls of Zamora.
On the other hand, the advantage of Apartamentos Turisticos Dormi2 (3 stars) is that it’s half a dozen meters from Plaza Mayor, there are more stores and restaurants nearby and, as it has a kitchen, you can take advantage of it to cook meals.
And if none of these suggestions appeal to you, then I recommend you explore the other accommodation options below:
Everything you need to know before visiting Zamora at Christmas:
Is there a Christmas market in Zamora?
Yes, there is a Christmas market with traditional wooden stalls, handicrafts and gifts for sale.
And, of course, in cold weather, a carton of churros and a cup of hot chocolate always taste good.
Is it worth visiting Zamora at Christmas and New Year’s Eve?
Yes, in my opinion, it’s well worth visiting Zamora at this time of year. The city looks beautiful with all the Christmas lights and decorations.
What are the Christmas lights like in Zamora?
Christmas lights in Zamora are an essential part of the festive celebrations, in fact, year after year, the city investes a lot in Christmas lighting.
To give you an idea, more than 10 km of LED garlands were installed, totaling half a million points of light!
Of all the illuminations, a 9-meter angel in the Plaza de la Catedral and a 17-meter tree in the Plaza Mayor stand out.
The official inauguration usually takes place in the end of November.
When do the Christmas and New Year celebrations end in Zamora?
Christmas celebrations end on Three Kings’ Day, i.e. January 6th.
You May Also Like:
- Christmas in Salamanca: market, lights and show in Plaza Mayor
- The Best Christmas Markets in Europe
- 4 Must-See Christmas Markets in Madrid, Spain
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