Christmas in Bilbao (Bilbao Gabonak)
Bilbao's Christmas programme, known as Bilbao Gabonak, fills the city with lights, markets, activities and Basque traditions from early December until Epiphany (6 January). It is a magical time to visit, with a festive atmosphere, seasonal food and the charm of the Basque winter.
From Bilbao Airport, in Loiu, you are about 15-20 minutes from the centre, where almost all the programming is concentrated. The taxi drops you right at the door, without carrying suitcases in the cold.
The Christmas Market
Bilbao's Christmas Market is usually set up in the Doña Casilda Park and the Arenal area, with dozens of craft, food and gift stalls, plus special programming. It usually opens from early December until 5 January, with extended hours on the central dates. It is the essential stop for buying Christmas treats and soaking up the atmosphere.
The Santo Tomás fair (21 December)
One of the most beloved events: the Santo Tomás fair, held on 21 December. The Old Town and the Arenal fill with farm-produce stalls, txistorra, talos, cheese, cider and txakoli, many locals wear the traditional baserritarra costume, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. If your trip coincides with this date, don't miss it.
The Olentzero and Basque tradition
The Olentzero, the charcoal-maker who comes down from the mountains to hand out presents, is the Basque Christmas figure par excellence. On the afternoon of 23 December he parades through Bilbao's streets in a kalejira with Mari Domingi, starting at Plaza Moyua and ending at the Arriaga Theatre. A very family-friendly spectacle with deep roots.
Lights, tree and nativity scenes
- The Christmas lights illuminate the Gran Vía, the Old Town and the main bridges over the estuary.
- The big tree and light figures in the central squares, ideal for photos.
- Nativity scenes (belenes) in churches and municipal spaces.
- Ice rink and attractions for the little ones on the central dates.
All within walking distance once the taxi drops you in the centre.
How to get from the airport to central Bilbao
From Bilbao Airport to the centre is about 12 km and 15-20 minutes. At Christmas, with suitcases and presents, comfort matters: the door-to-door taxi drops you straight at your hotel or in the centre, with a fixed price from €25 and no holiday surcharge. We cover it in how much is a taxi from the airport to the centre.
| Option | Price | Time | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private taxi (fixed price) | From €25 / vehicle | 15-20 min | ✅ Yes |
| Bizkaibus A3247 | ~€3 / person | 30-40 min + stop | ❌ No |
The Three Kings Parade and the Olentzero for families
The two most anticipated events for children close Bilbao's Christmas: the Olentzero kalejira on 23 December and, above all, the Three Kings Parade on the evening of 5 January, which runs through the centre with floats, music and wonder. Both days involve traffic closures in the centre, so if you need to get around or go to the airport on those days, book the taxi in advance and set the pick-up point clearly.
Christmas food in Bilbao
Christmas is also a food festival. Take the chance to enjoy warm pintxos in the Old Town, seasonal seafood and fish, and the Christmas sweets from the markets. The Ribera Market, the largest covered market in Europe, is an essential stop for fresh produce and snacking.
Tips for your Christmas getaway to Bilbao
- Book the taxi in advance: Christmas is high season and transfer demand rises.
- Wrap up well: the Basque winter is damp; bring warm and waterproof clothing.
- Combine with San Sebastián: 1h away, with its own Christmas charm. See it in taxi from Bilbao Airport to San Sebastián.
- Book restaurants in advance on key dates.