7 ways to celebrate Christmas in Seville

Celebrate Christmas in Seville for the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season without the cold weather. Temperatures stay well above the freezing point and Christmas decorations light up the streets, transforming downtown Seville into a festive wonderland. Holiday markets featuring handcrafted gifts and nativity scene pieces fill the city squares as notes of Christmas carols and flamenco music echo through Seville's neighborhoods. The many dazzling light shows and holiday concerts that take place in December and early January provide evening entertainment options for kids and adults alike. Here are the best things to do in Seville during the holidays for a season full of Christmas joy and magic.

Everything you need to know about Christmas in Seville

Best holiday market: Mercado Navideño de Nervión, Nervión Plaza

Average temperature: 43°F to 61°F (6°C -17°C)

Key holiday days: Christmas is celebrated primarily on December 24, with some smaller celebrations on December 25, and the Three Kings Parade takes place on January 5.

Best free festive activity: The Nativity Scene Fair, located next to the Seville Cathedral

1. Enjoy a festive dinner while watching a flamenco show

Embrace one of the most authentic displays of Spanish culture by watching a flamenco show in a tablao, the places where flamenco artists perform. In the 19th century, flamenco began to be performed publicly in singing cafés throughout Spain, and the art form has maintained its popularity into the present day due to its animated dancers and upbeat rhythms. During Christmas time, you can enjoy a multi-course Andalusian dinner, featuring dishes such as prawns, scallops, and Iberian sirloin, while watching the dancers twirl on stage.

Insider tip

Make sure to arrive at the show at least 30 minutes before it's scheduled to start so that you can settle in and get a seat close to the stage.

2. Browse the stalls at the annual Nativity Scene Fair

The Nativity Scene Fair in Seville, also called the Fair of Cribs, displays figurines that bring the Christmas nativity scene to life. As you walk through the fair, you'll notice how each of the artists features their unique handcrafted pieces. While there are many Christmas markets in Seville, this is the only one dedicated exclusively to nativity scenes.

Insider tip

If you enjoy nativity scenes, follow the Nativity Scene Route, which takes you past all of the different belenes (nativity scenes) set up throughout Seville. It will take you past some of Seville's best landmarks.

Address and opening hours

Casco Antiguo, 41004 Seville. Open from November 9 to December 23; Monday-Friday, 10:30 AM-2:00 PM and 5:00-9:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-2:30 PM and 4:00-9:00 PM.

3. Pose for a holiday photoshoot in downtown Seville

Whether you're solo traveling or looking for activities to do as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, a holiday photoshoot will capture moments from your Christmas in Seville that you can take home with you. Explore the highlights of Seville, including the Plaza de España, Alcazar Palace, and the royal gardens, as a professional photographer captures you in action, taking a mix of posed and candid shots.

Insider tip

If you can schedule a photo shoot in the evening, downtown Seville will be the perfect backdrop for your photos with its sparkling lights and Christmas decorations.

4. Admire the light show in Plaza de San Francisco

Plaza de San Francisco lights up at night with a sparkling show, a perfect setting for enjoying the magic of Seville at Christmas time. For almost a month during the holiday season, the plaza's central Mercury Fountain features colorful lights, and a large-scale projection, the design of which changes every year, is displayed on the city hall.

Insider tip

Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo in front of Seville's tallest Christmas tree, located in Plaza de San Francisco.

Address and opening hours

Pl. de S. Francisco, 2, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla. The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6:30-11:00 PM from December 10 to January 6.

5. Attend a holiday concert at the Royal Alcázar

Every December, the Royal Alcázar, Seville's historic royal palace, hosts several holiday concerts in the weeks leading up to Christmas. These concerts typically feature a mix of solo singers, orchestras, and choirs performing Christmas classics, bringing a festive spirit to Seville at Christmas time.

Insider tip

Before attending a concert, make sure to visit the Alcázar palace itself. Admire the stunning Islamic architecture and sprawling gardens of this site, which has been one of the central monuments of Seville for over a thousand years.

Address and opening hours

Casco Antiguo, 41004 Seville. The palace is open daily from 9:30 AM-7:00 PM. Hours for the concerts may vary.

6. Check out the Inari Christmas theme park

The Inari theme park is the perfect place for families looking for fun things to do in Seville during the holidays. An exhibition center transformed into a magical Christmas village, Inari has ice rinks, an immersive VR room, bouncy castles, and live shows that reflect the festive spirit of the holidays.

Insider tip

Stay until closing time to catch the Neptunus show, which starts at 8:00 PM every day. The show features jugglers and tightrope walkers and tells a fantastical story that will captivate audiences of all ages.

Address and opening hours

Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Sevilla, 41020 Sevilla. Open daily noon-9:00 PM from December 14 to January 4.

7. Watch an authentic Zambombas performance

Zambombas initially started as a gathering of families and neighbors to share a meal and sing Christmas carols and has now turned into a widespread cultural expression, which you can watch while spending Christmas in Seville. Zambombas refers to both the hand drum used to make music in these celebrations and the general performance itself. The schedule for Christmas Zambombas performances includes shows at Los Remedios Theater and Villa Theatre.

Insider tip

If you've already attended a flamenco show in Seville, you'll recognize the rhythms of Zambombas performances as they mix flamenco styles with Christmas carols.

Christmas in Seville: FAQs

Does it snow in Seville at Christmas?

As temperatures typically stay above 40°F (4°C) during December, it's highly unlikely to snow in Seville at Christmas time.

How is Christmas celebrated in Seville?

Christmas is primarily celebrated on December 24, during which most people will eat a Christmas Eve dinner with their families and attend a midnight church service. After Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the final holiday celebration is the Three Kings Parade on January 5.

Is Christmas a good time to visit Seville?

Christmas is a great time to visit Seville, especially if you're looking for a warmer holiday destination. The city's Christmas lights, including the light show at Plaza de San Francisco, are spectacular, and there are many Christmas markets you can browse for handcrafted gifts or souvenirs. New Year’s Eve is also spectacular, and worth staying for when you visit Seville at Christmas time.

What are some must-see Christmas attractions in Seville?

Seville's must-see Christmas attractions include the Nativity Scene Fair, a one-of-a-kind fair exclusively dedicated to nativity scene pieces, a visit to the Royal Alcázar followed by a holiday concert at the palace for festive Christmas songs, and the Inari theme park, a magical winter wonderland full of active games and exhibits. Seville's vibrant food scene is also a must-do when visiting the Spanish city.

Is everything open at Christmas in Seville?

Most stores, restaurants, and attractions will close on December 24. Some remain closed on December 25 as well, but some bars and restaurants will reopen.