Christmas on the Camino de Santiago is decked out in lights and magic until 6 January, offering an itinerary that will not disappoint those who complete their pilgrimage at this time of year. From the first step in the city, the emblematic Plaza del Obradoiro welcomes visitors with a 20-metre tree surrounded by a leisure area for children, with a Ferris wheel, a traditional boat and a wooden carousel that evoke the essence of this festive period.

The festive atmosphere continues in the nearby Plaza de Quintana, where the star of Compostela, with its characteristic eight-pointed shape, recalls the Latin toponymic origin Campus Stellae (field of the star). In the Alameda Park, visitors can take photos next to the illuminated sign with the name of the city, lose themselves in endless corridors of lights among the trees or even try their hand at ice skating.

For those looking for more intimate experiences, Rúa da Carreira do Conde hosts a market with 70 gourmet food and craft stalls. And if you want to discover Santiago where few people go, from 1 to 5 December, the seventh edition of Invisible Heritage Week will be held, giving you access for the first time to places such as the Archbishop’s Palace, the cathedral excavations and the Casa da Parra, among other secret locations. You must register in advance at patrimonioinvisible.gal.

The cultural programme also invites you to enjoy live music: Alice Wonder (Saturday 6), Coti (Sunday 7), Morgan (Saturday 20) and a tribute to ABBA with their Revolution Tour (Saturday 27) at the Galicia Congress and Exhibition Centre. 2025 will close with the SCQ New Year’s Concert. And as the finale of Christmas, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar will parade through the city centre streets on 5 January before arriving at the cathedral.

On a spiritual level, the church of San Fiz de Solovio will feature a nativity scene with more than 500 figures, moving scenes and lighting effects. The Midnight Mass (Wednesday 24th at midnight); the procession with bagpipers and the Botafumeiro (Thursday 25th); or the feast of the translation of the apostle (Tuesday 30th) are other dates to consider.

If you’re still in the early stages of the Camino over Christmas, you can also enjoy Vigo (Portuguese Way), with its giant Ferris wheel and lights; Viveiro (Northern Way), for its giant nativity scene; Sarria and surroundings (French Way), with the Pilgrim Masses; or Ferrol (English Way), with its Christmas fair.

Christmas on the Camino is much more than lights and markets; it’s about enjoying the spirit of the season as each step brings you closer to Santiago.