It’s beginning to look a lot like… Christmas! Are you visiting Valencia during the holidays? The city might not have a white Christmas but you will definitely feel the holiday spirit! Ever sat on a terrace in the sun in December? With a bit of luck you can enjoy the Valencian sun with a drink during this season. On this page you can find information about Christmas in Valencia and where the best winterproof hotspots are during these days.
Christmas spirit in Valencia
You might not expect it, but Valencia is a must visit during the holidays! Many places in the city centre are lit, for example the streets Calle San Vicente Martir, Calle La Paz and Plaza Ayutamiento look magical! A large Christmas tree is placed on the square and most of the palm trees are covered in twinkly lights. It is definitely worth seeing! Furthermore the city consists of cosy markets, fun ice rinks and real life cribs. Our favourite ones are listed below!
Christmas magic
The festive spirit sparkles across Valencia during the holiday season. Streets are draped with twinkling lights, while Christmas markets and charming stalls pop up all over the city. At Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the magic truly comes alive with a towering (artificial) Christmas tree, two giant illuminated baubles, and fairy lights wrapped around palm trees.
One of the unmistakable scents of a Valencian Christmas is that of roasted chestnuts (castañas asadas). In the winter months, you’ll find street vendors on almost every corner selling warm chestnuts and almonds, a cosy treat you can’t miss.
And no Spanish festive season is complete without turrón, a traditional nougat. Supermarkets overflow with this sweet delicacy during the holidays, tempting locals and visitors alike.
Holidays
24 December – Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the most important night of the festive season in Valencia. For locals, it’s tradition to enjoy a long, cozy dinner at home with family. Expect the streets to be quiet, as most Valencians gather around the table for hours of food, laughter, and toasts.
25 December – Christmas Day
In Spain, there’s only one official Christmas Day. Most shops are closed, and families come together for lunch or dinner. Many Valencians also treat themselves to a special Christmas menu in a local restaurant. There’s no Boxing Day here, so that means that the shops reopen on the 26th.
6 January – Three Kings’ Day (Día de Reyes)
Just when you think the holidays are over, Valencia has one more magical celebration. ‘Día de Reyes‘ marks the day the Three Wise Men followed the star to find the King of the Jews. The city comes alive with colourful parades, music, and floats. Children receive sweets and gifts, making it one of the most anticipated days of the year. You can read more about this tradition on our dedicated Día de Reyes page.
Dining on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, many restaurants in Valencia offer special set menus. If you’re planning to go out for dinner that night, make sure to book in advance, tables fill up quickly! To help you out, we’ve listed a few great options below.
Only YOU Hotel
Located right in the heart of Valencia, this stunning 5-star hotel offers more than just a luxurious stay, it’s also home to a restaurant where you can truly indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.
For the festive season, they’ve created a spectacular Christmas menu for those who love to celebrate in style. For €110* per person, including drinks, you’ll enjoy a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner with a touch of local Valencian flavours.
Little guests are welcome too, there’s a special children’s menu for €50* per child, ensuring the whole family can savour the evening together.
- Plaça de Rodrigo Botet 5
- Website
The Westin
Another beautiful hotel opening its restaurant doors during the Christmas season is The Westin Valencia. Here, you can savour the holidays in true style and feel completely pampered, what is exactly the feeling you want to capture at this time of year.
Your evening begins with elegant appetisers, such as marinated mackerel with ponzu and muscat grapes, and scallops with cauliflower and a delicate citrus foam, a perfect teaser before the main courses arrive.
To finish, you’ll be treated to a refreshing pink champagne sorbet for dessert. The festive menu is priced at €120* per person, including drinks. Children are also warmly welcomed, with a special menu for €42* per child (drinks included).
- Carrer d’Amadeu de Savoia 16
- Website
Nou Gourmet
In Valencia’s charming Canovas district, you’ll find Nou Gourmet, a restaurant where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner paired with a fine glass of wine or your favourite drink. Known for its high-quality ingredients and carefully crafted dishes, this is a true gem for food lovers.
On Christmas Eve, Nou Gourmet opens its doors for a festive dinner that’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone. The menu features Spanish croquetas, creamy rice with prawns and octopus, roasted lamb with rosemary-infused confit potatoes, and a delicious dessert to finish.
For €70* per person, including drinks, you can reserve your spot and savour an unforgettable evening in one of Valencia’s cosiest neighbourhoods.
- Carrer de Marti 3
- Website
Tago Mago
This charming restaurant, located right in the heart of Valencia, is also the perfect spot for a delicious Christmas Eve dinner. The menu offers plenty of variety for starters alone, you can choose from six different dishes, including several vegetarian options.
When it comes to mains, there’s something for everyone: will you go for a rice dish with prawns, or perhaps a perfectly cooked piece of meat?
For €39,95* per person, you can enjoy lunch here with all drinks included. Prefer a lighter option? Choose the menu with just one drink for €29,95*
Las Lunas
In one of Valencia’s liveliest neighbourhoods, Gran Vía, this welcoming restaurant invites you to enjoy a delicious Christmas Eve dinner. The festive menu is priced at €60* per person, including drinks.
You can choose from a variety of dishes, perhaps a fresh salad, or a traditional Valencian rice dish for an authentic local flavour.
- Carrer de Ciscar 39
- Website
*Prices are based on the prices of 2024
Christmas parties
In Valencia’s buzzing nightclubs, unforgettable parties keep the energy alive until the early morning hours. Spaniards truly know how to celebrate, even at Christmas time! Just keep in mind: most club nights don’t really get started until around midnight.
Marina Beach Club
Dance to the best electronic beats under Valencia’s starry sky near the beach this Christmas Eve! For . Don’t wait too long, tickets sell out fast! The party runs from 22.00 till 04.30.
Oven Club
Move to the rhythm of underground and house music at Oven Club, right in the heart of Valencia. The best part? You can sign up for the guest list and enjoy free entry until 00:30! The party kicks off at midnight and keeps going strong until 07.00.
Play
In the Ruzafa district, you’ll find Play Club, a true hotspot for Valencia nightlife. Spread over two floors, the vibe here changes with every beat. Upstairs is Rec, a room dedicated to electronic music, now upgraded with a brand-new sound system and lighting. Expect the best in deep house, techno, electro and disco. Downstairs, the night often starts with live music and later shifts into catchy hits, indie and rock. The party kicks off at midnight and lasts until 07.00.
Indiana
This club, known for its Spanish music and lively local crowd, opens its doors wide on Christmas Eve. Indiana features two spaces: one exclusively for VIPs and another for general entry. The party starts at midnight and keeps the energy going until the early morning hours.
Christmas Day Lunch – 25 December
In Valencia, the main meal of the day is traditionally lunch. That’s why on December 25th, restaurants are especially busy around lunchtime. Most Christmas lunches take place between 14.00 and 16.00. To make things easier, we’ve put together a selection of great places where you can enjoy a festive Christmas Day lunch in Valencia.
Nou Raco
In the stunning Albufera Natural Park, you’ll find this unique restaurant where you can enjoy a peaceful Christmas lunch surrounded by nature. Guests can choose from three different menus, rice dishes, meat & fish, or vegetarian & vegan. The rice and vegetarian/vegan menus are priced at €100* per person, while the meat & fish menu is €105*, all including drinks.
Each menu offers a delicious mix of Spanish flavors, from classic tapas such as jamón to a traditional paella Valenciana or other rice specialties. Prefer something else? Mediterranean dishes are also on the menu. And to finish, why not treat yourself to a rich chocolate dessert, the perfect sweet ending. There’s even a special children’s menu available for €40*, drinks included.
Las Arenas
You can also enjoy a festive Christmas Day lunch at Las Arenas! With a tasty bite in one hand and a delicious starter in the other, it’s the perfect way to kick off the holidays. On December 25th, the menu at Las Arenas is mainly meat-focused, think a hearty meat soup to start and guirro lamb as the main course. The menu is priced at €129* per person, including drinks.
There’s also a special children’s menu for €60*, which includes a comforting pasta soup, braised beef with potatoes as the main dish, and a festive Christmas dessert. Drinks and holiday sweets are included. To make the experience even more magical, live music will be played during lunch!
Bacai
On the edge of Valencia, in the Malilla district, you’ll find the unique restaurant Bacai. This modern and stylish spot reflects the creativity of chef Julius Bienert, well-known in Spain from TV and streaming platforms. For Christmas, Bacai offers a carefully designed festive menu with options of meat, fish, and a selection of delicious desserts. The Christmas menu is priced at €60* per person and includes drinks and coffee.
Surrounded by greenery and filled with natural light, Bacai is the perfect place to enjoy a cozy Christmas lunch in Valencia.
Vuelve Carolina
Step into a natural oasis this Christmas Day and enjoy a festive lunch right in the heart of Valencia. This centrally located restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes, from fresh seafood like oysters, salmon, and prawns to meat favorites such as steak tartare. Finish off with a delicious dessert and you’ve got the perfect Christmas lunch. The menu is priced at €83,00* per person (drinks not included)
Turqueta
Have you recently been to Menorca and can’t get enough of the island? Or maybe a visit has been on your travel list for a while? Then on Christmas Day, make sure to check out Turqueta, a restaurant inspired not only by Menorcan cuisine but also by the island’s unique style and décor.
Here you can savor a variety of festive dishes, from classic pan con tomate and rich Italian cannelloni with oxtail, to flavorful rice specialties and a tempting selection of desserts to choose from. The Christmas menu is priced at €49,95* per person, including drinks.
- Gran Via Marques del Turia 35
- Website
Pelayo Gastro Trinquet
Looking for rustic food with a bold touch, while still keeping that authentic Spanish vibe? Then this centrally located restaurant, just a short walk from Xàtiva metro station, is the perfect spot for your Christmas Day lunch in Valencia.
The menu offers plenty of choice: start with appetizers like shrimp carpaccio or traditional Spanish croquetas with Ibérico ham. For the main course, you might go for a classic Spanish rice dish, while dessert options include artisanal ice cream or a rich chocolate mousse. The Christmas menu is priced at €49,00* per person (drinks not included).
Families are also welcome, with a special children’s menu available. Kids can start with Spanish favorites like jamón ibérico croquetas or patatas bravas. For the main dish, they can choose between a Valencian paella or sausage with potatoes, finishing off with a sweet ice cream dessert. The children’s menu is €25,00* (drinks not included).
- Carrer de Pelai 6
- Website
*Prices are based on the prices of 2024
Christmas in Valencia with children
What is a nicer way then to celebrate a holiday with a lot of fun? In Valencia there are many activities for children and the ones below are the most popular.
Ice skating
During your winter stay in Valencia, ice skating can’t be skipped! What is a better way to warm up and have fun at the same time? The city has a few ‘pistas de hielo’. Time to make some pirouettes between the palm trees!
Every year the governments square will be turned into a magical Christmas place. The kids aren’t done playing yet? Maybe they like to have a round in the carousel or Christmas train. Fun for young and old!
Circus
Gran Circo Wonderland
From November 29, to January 19, the spotlight shines on Gran Circo Wonderland. This two-hour magical show brings together world-class acrobats, clowns, and jugglers. Don’t wait too long to grab your tickets – prices range between €11 and €40. More info and tickets are available on the website.
Gran Circo Alaska
From December 5, to January 19, Gran Circo Alaska presents a special circus version of the beloved Disney classic Beauty and the Beast. Alongside this enchanting performance, the show also features spectacular acrobatics and singing clowns, fun for all ages! Ticket prices range from €8 to €40 and can be booked online.
Gran Circo Wow
Visiting Valencia in December or January? Then you can’t miss the spectacular Gran Circo Wow! From December 12, to January 6, the iconic Plaza de Toros transforms into a stage of lights, music, and surprises. Expect an evening full of magic and joy, perfect to enjoy with family, friends, or your loved one. Ticket prices vary from €10 to €40, depending on your seat, and are available on the official website.
Movie
Fancy watching a movie in Valencia during the holidays and already binged all the ‘Home Alone’ movies at home? Cinemas in the city screen dubbed films, but there are a few where you can catch the original versions of the latest blockbusters without Spanish dubbing. Head to Yelmo or Cines Babel for the real deal.
When checking showtimes, look out for the label VOSE or Idioma: Inglés – this means the film is shown in its original international version!
Tips
- Keep in mind that if you’re visiting Valencia during Christmas, many restaurants and bars may be closed.
- Looking for a hotel, B&B, hostel or apartment in Valencia over Christmas or between Christmas and New Year’s? Take a look at our accommodation page.
- Spending not only Christmas but also New Year’s Eve in Valencia? Then don’t miss our New Year’s Eve page for all the details.