In December 2025, Basque culture will be adorned with Christmas and family spirit. The ancient Basque pastoral and pagan traditions, adopted by Christians, transcend their boundaries and permeate all aspects of Basque social life.

It’s the perfect magical moment to see and learn how Basques interpret Christmas. Below is a list of the most significant activities and events that characterize Christmas in the Basque style:

  • Saint Thomas’ Day, December 21st, marks the beginning of Christmas in many Basque cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastián, Lekeitio, Irún, Azpeitia, and Mondragón. It’s a fair where many local products (food, livestock, crafts, etc.) are sold, which farmers and ranchers used to pay their annual rents. Here, you’ll feel the most familial and essential spirit of Basque rural life and our collective interest in celebration.
  • Olentzero, the charcoal burner, is the Basque equivalent of Santa Claus. The tradition originated in Navarre around the 17th century during the winter solstice celebrations and spread throughout the Spanish Basque Country and also the French Basque Country. Today, his companion Mari Domingui has also been incorporated into the tradition. On Christmas Eve, Olentzero and Mari bring gifts to children, or coal if they have been naughty. What would they bring you this year? I recommend experiencing the charm of this celebration in a rural village, waiting under the bonfires as the sun rises from the mountains. Another suggestion: visit the Mirandaola Ironworks to meet these characters and learn about the work of Basque blacksmiths.
  • Traditional Nativity Scenes. There are countless beautiful Nativity scenes throughout the Basque Country. My favorites, due to their unique features, are: the Monumental Nativity Scene in Vitoria-Gasteiz (life-size figures throughout Florida Park); The articulated Nativity scene in the Church of Santa María in Laguardia (the figures are made of fabric, wood, and leather, and depict different scenes from the birth of Jesus); and, as a grand finale, the Neapolitan Nativity scene in the Diocesan Museum of San Sebastian, in the Church of Santa María del Coro, set within an 18th-century everyday scene. This last one is an artistic gem of impressive aesthetic value.
  • Craft markets. The largest and most popular among locals are those on the Paseo de Francia in San Sebastian, the Muelle de la Ripa market in Bilbao, and the two markets in Vitoria: the main market on Independence Street and Plaza de los Celedones de Oro, and the smaller but very gourmet Aenkomer market in Plaza de la Florida. For lovers of fine art, don’t miss the ‘Lan ta lan’ Christmas Craft Fair, with gifts and Christmas decorations made by local artisans.
  • Christmas activities. The most typical Christmas activities in the Spanish Basque Country are:
    • the fun ice rinks and toboggan runs in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao, Irún, and Zalla
    • the scenic Ferris wheel in San Sebastián (although Vitoria will also have one this year). When you reach the top of the Ferris wheel, don’t forget to take a picture; you can only get one at this time of year.
    • the Christmas lights of Bilbao.

I’ve focused on the Christmas offerings in the Spanish Basque Country, but on the other side of the “muga” (border in Basque), in the French part of the Basque Country, the Christmas lights are a spectacle worth seeing in almost the entire region. I especially love those in Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

If I had to choose the best Basque culture event in any December, not just in 2025, I have no doubt it would be the Durango Fair. And this year is its 60th edition! In a single space, you’ll discover the true vibrancy of the Basque Country today. It’s the most popular festival of Basque culture and language. A fair that fosters creativity and a passion for Basque culture and identity. A place where creators, intermediaries, and the public connect directly.

Have you ever wondered why the Durango Fair is always held in December? Let me tell you. December 3rd is International Basque Language Day: Euskera. Locally, it’s written as Euskararen Nazioarteko Eguna. It’s the most defining symbol of the Basque people. Language lovers from around the world will find here one of the most ancient linguistic treasures of humankind, still spoken today. Basque is also one of the foundational languages ​​in the development of Castilian Spanish. Part of the current Basque territory lies within the region that, along with Old Castile, is the cradle of modern Spanish. If you’d like, we can create a customized, exclusive, and sophisticated tour for you. And you’ll experience it!

I’ll immediately mention other activities I’ve selected for you that can complement your stay, along with the personalized tours we do together:

 

Basque culture proposals in San Sebastian and Gipuzkoa

  • Cristobal Balenciaga: Technique, Material, and Form. An exhibition offering an in-depth and educational look at the couturier’s work, influence, and legacy. Cristobal Balenciaga Museum. From March 7th to January 11th, 2026.
  • “The Subtleties of a Dialogue” First exhibition of the Balenciaga brand. A selection of dresses designed by Basque couturier Balenciaga and Georgian creative director Demna. Documents from the Balenciaga archive. Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. From May 23rd to January 11th, 2026.
  • Eu-topias, Ou-topias – Good Places Nowhere. Main exhibition of the 5th International Architecture Biennial of Euskadi – Mugak. Basque Country Institute of Architecture. From October 9th to February 22nd, 2026.
  • Limina: Cosmopolitan Chicken Project 30. Euskadi Mugak International Architecture Biennial. Koen Vanmechelen blends art, science, nature, and society. And he reflects, like Chillida, on the “limit” as a place of creation. Chillida Leku Museum. From October 17th to January 31st, 2026.
  • Candlelight, an ABBA tribute. Just you, a string quartet, candles, and great music surrounded by marine life. Aquarium of San Sebastian. From November 1st to December 20th.
  • San Sebastian Christmas Market. Christmas traditions, stories, crafts, and gastronomy. Urumea River promenade and Ramón Labayen Square. From November 28th to January 6th, 2026.
  • Boleros and more. Marcin Masecki Trio: piano and vocals, double bass, and drums. A perfect fusion of classical and popular music. Victoria Eugenia Theatre. December 6th.
  • ‘Fly’ A tribute shows to the quintessential guitar master: Paco de Lucía. Sara Baras and her dance and song company. Kursaal Auditorium. December 13th.
  • DD40 Mikel Erentxun: Duncan Dhu Tour 2025. The essential Basque musician of Basque culture. A show focused on the classics of the former San Sebastian band. Kursaal Auditorium. December 26th.
  • Grand New Year’s Concert. The finest waltzes and polkas by the Strauss family and works by other great composers. Santa Cecilia Classical Orchestra, conducted by Kynan Johns. Kursaal Auditorium. December 30th.

 

Basque culture activities in Vitoria-Gasteiz and Alava in December 2025

  • “Isaak Díez (1891-1962). Life and Work of an Álava Artist” exhibition. Painting, sculpture, illustration, film, etc.; and art in his political activism in the Basque Nationalist Party. Álava Museum of Fine Arts. From September 24th to April 12th, 2026.
  • “50 Years of the International Theater Festival” Exhibition. Tour of the posters that have distinguished it over the years. Ibaiondo Civic Center Exhibition Hall. From October 1st to December 15th.
  • Bernaola Zikloa. International Contemporary Music Series. 18 concerts with top-level artists. Izaskun Arrue Kulturunea, the Jesús Guridi Conservatory, the Artium Museum, Montehermoso, and the Jimmy Jazz venue. From October 12th to February 14th, 2026. In December: 4th, 6th & 16th.
  • Ardoaraba (meaning “Álava Wine” in Basque). In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country & the province of Álava, the annual event dedicated to new wines from Rioja Alavesa and Álava txakolis takes place. There will also be a tasting of selected Basque pintxos. December 5th-8th.
  • The Monumental Nativity Scene in the Florida Park & ​​others. More than 200 life-size figures recreate a nativity scene throughout the Florida Park. You can also see the Nativity Scene at the Sacred Heart School, the one at the Casa del Cordón, the Nativity Scenes at the Villa-Suso Palace, and those of the Alava Nativity Scene Association. From December 5th to January 7th, 2026.
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz Half Marathon. A 21,097-kilometer route through all the new outlying neighborhoods of the Basque capital. Start and finish at Mendizorrotza Stadium. December 14th.
  • Vitoria-Gasteiz Christmas Market. Crafts in wood, ceramics, silver jewelry, silk, glass, leather, natural cosmetics, etc. New Square. From December 18th to January 5th, 2026.
  • Candlelight Nights. More than 15,000 candles mark the start of Christmas in Vitoria-Gasteiz on the Friday before Christmas Eve. A theatrical performance in the streets with music, dance, and fireworks. Mulled wine tasting. December 19th.
  • Mazoka. 10th edition of the Drawing and Illustration Market. Original works, reproductions, and limited-edition products for sale, with the illustrators, cartoonists, and visual artists present. Water Tank of the Montehermoso Cultural Center. December 19th-21st.
  • Dance, shadows, and audiovisuals: “SUM”. In the Akan language, the word SUM means shadow; SUM is about that, about shadows. 3 daily sessions. Baychimo Theater Company of Castile and Leon. FETEN 2025 Award: Best Show for Early Childhood. Montehermoso Cultural Center. December 29th.

 

Basque culture events in Bilbao and Biscay in December 2025

  • Georg Baselitz. Painting Exhibition 2014-2025, from the age of 77 to 87. A leading painter of contemporary European art. Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. From Oct 8th, 2025 to March 1st, 2026.
  • “Maria Helena Vieira da Silva. Anatomy of Space” exhibition. She creates architectural spaces that blur the boundaries of real and imaginary urban landscapes. Venues: Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. From October 16th to February 22nd, 2026.
  • Zu Non, Han DA! Wherever you are, it’s there! 19 bookstores from the Basque Country will present their latest literary releases, which they will later take to the Durango Book Fair. From November 17th to December 4th.
  • Adriana Lecouvreur. Cilea’s best-known opera. ABAO Bilbao Opera and Orkestra Sinfonikoa. Euskalduna Palace. November 22nd, 25th, 28th, and December 1st.
  • DA! Durangoko Azoka (Basque for Durango Fair). The annual gathering of Basque writers, musicians, culture enthusiasts, Basque language enthusiasts, media outlets, publishing houses, record labels, cultural associations, and other Basque institutions. Landa Fairgrounds. December 5th-8th.
  • Christmas craft market in Bilbao. Ceramics, jewelry, toys, leather goods, wood carvings, textiles… Doña Casilda Park. From December 5th to January 5th, 2026.
  • Paradise of the Blacks. A flamenco choreography that addresses the conflicts that hold humanity captive due to its own asymmetrical nature. María Pagés Dance Company. Arriaga Theatre. December 6th and 7th.
  • Young talent and Poulenc. Organ concert. Javier Moreno (organ) and Musikene Chamber Orchestra. Euskalduna Palace – Auditorium. December 7th.
  • The Rooster Regatta in Sestao, Portugalete, and Getxo. A popular regatta with around 80 sailing boats of the cruiser and J80 classes sailing the Ibaizabal-Nervión Estuary and passing under the Vizcaya Bridge. December 20th.
  • “Bilbao is Ballet Gala and Award” An event that promotes and celebrates Basque professional and student talent in classical ballet: Marta Rueda and Roylan Ramos, both from Lyon Opera Ballet; and Aiara Iturrioz (Stuttgart Ballet) with Daniele Silingardi. Other participants include dancers from national and international dance schools. Euskalduna Palace – Hall 0B. December 22nd.

Whether it’s for Basque culture, Basque and Spanish or Christmas, or all together, I’ll wait for you in December 2025 in the Basque Country! With this agenda of the very best of Basque culture in December 2025, information from the Aitor Delgado Tours website, and a conversation with Aitor: your stay with family or friends in the Basque Country will be unforgettable!

November 17, 2025