December comes packed with surprises, joy, and the magical atmosphere of Christmas in Valencia. It’s the month of New Year’s resolutions, exciting changes, heartwarming family gatherings, and chilly days warmed by love and traditions. This is also a time for leisure, holidays, and memorable trips.
If you’re planning to spend Christmas in Valencia, you’ve made a fantastic choice! The city comes alive with festive lights, unique events, and plenty of activities for all ages. Here are 6 must-try ideas to experience the magic of Christmas in Valencia (and don’t miss the end, where we share 3 extra surprises).
1.- It is the time when the Albufera Natural Park shines the most, you have to see it✨
Albufera Sunset
La Perellonà adds a magical touch to Christmas in Valencia! This unique natural phenomenon turns the Albufera lake into one of the largest in Spain during December, showcasing its most stunning and radiant beauty of the year. Will you miss it?
This occurrence is a controlled flooding event that covers rice fields, pathways, and canals in the Albufera natural park. It happens when the Albufera’s gates, known as “perellones,” are closed. Meanwhile, the Júcar and Túria rivers continue to bring in water, expanding the lake’s surface to an impressive 17,500 hectares.
This creates a one-of-a-kind landscape that can only be seen during November and December, reaching its peak beauty in mid-December—a perfect highlight of the enchanting Christmas in Valencia.
A Unique Blend of Tradition and Benefits
- Enriched soil: The flooding nourishes the land, preparing it for the vital rice cultivation season.
- Diverse wildlife: Ducks, flamingos, and other migratory birds flock to the Albufera, offering an awe-inspiring natural spectacle.
In January, the Aixugà marks the end of this cycle as the gates are reopened, releasing the excess water. Farmers then begin the “fangueo,” clearing the fields of mud to prepare for the new rice-growing season.
Make La Perellonà part of your experience of Christmas in Valencia, blending natural beauty, tradition, and a truly unique setting.
There are excursions that take you and show you the best of the place, find out here
2.- Don’t miss out on the best Christmas markets in Valencia
Valencia Christmas Market
It is time to visit the markets looking for decoration and artisan gifts. To eat a hot chocolate with churros, to get on the live uncle and tour the center of the city full of light, Christmas carols and life. It is Christmas time. So we leave you the best markets in Valencia so you can enjoy the endless activities they offer for the whole family.
- Fira de Nadal de Xixona, is the most important Christmas fair in the Valencian Community: nougats, all kinds of crafts, Christmas decorations… fill the 100 local exhibitors located along Avenida de la Constitución. It also has an amusement fair, food trucks, the Christmas train, activities such as theater, storytelling, tastings… from December 3 to 8, 2022.
- Christmas Fair in Plaza de la Reina: 30 craft booths to buy original gifts this Christmas. From 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (mornings) and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (afternoons) until January 8.
- Christmas Market of the City of Arts and Sciences: Christmas craft market with activities for the little ones in the house, a solidarity corner and food trucks. From December 16 to January 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Christmas market next to the Central Market of Valencia, from December 10, 2022 to January 6, 2023.
- Mercado de Reyes del Cabañal, the mythical market of the kings that opens until 5:00 a.m., where you can find the best Christmas gifts. On January 3 and 4, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. January 5, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. on January 6, 2023.
- Mostra de Nadal in the Mercado de Colón, a new edition of the Mostra de Artesanía, XX edition, will be held: it will feature 14 designers and artisans specialized in textile, leather or jewelry silkscreen printing or screen printing. From December 15, 2022 to January 5, 2023 .
- Tapinería Market will have a Christmas market. From Wednesday, December 21, 2022 to Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The traditional Christmas craft fair, which is set up at the Lluís Vives High School, opposite the Estación del Norte, returns on December 23rd until January 6th, without interruption.
3.- Exclusive: The Nativity Scene Route⭐
Belen Plaza de la Reina
Did you know that Christmas in Valencia is full of magic and tradition? One of the most special activities to enjoy this festive season is following the nativity route, a unique experience that will lead you to discover true cultural and artistic treasures.
In Valencia, you’ll find spectacular nativity scenes that you simply can’t miss:
- Life-size nativity scenes that amaze with their detail and realism.
- Traditional nativity scenes from Naples, renowned for their rich history and exquisite craftsmanship.
- Historical nativity scenes that transport you to the past, telling the story of Christmas with charm and authenticity.
If you’re someone who enjoys setting up a nativity scene every year or you’re passionate about Christmas traditions, the nativity route in Valencia is perfect for you. This journey takes you through the heart of the city, visiting some of the most impressive and historical nativity displays while immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere Valencia offers during the festive season.
Why follow the nativity route in Valencia?
- Fun for the whole family: A delightful activity filled with charm and joy that both children and adults will love.
- Discover the history of Christmas: Learn about Valencian traditions and the significance of nativity scenes in the Christmas culture.
- Explore the city: Marvel at Valencia adorned with festive lights and embrace the holiday spirit as you visit churches, squares, and iconic landmarks.
Make your Christmas in Valencia unforgettable by joining this very special route. Experience the magic of nativity scenes and discover why this tradition continues to inspire generations. A plan that blends art, history, and the true spirit of Christmas. Don’t miss it!
Click here for more information.
3.- Enjoy the best Valencian Gastronomy in winter
Pilotes de Nadal
Almost Christmas in Valencia and the cold starts, so it’s time to visit the most beautiful mountain villages of the region and warm up enjoying winter dishes.
In the Valencian Community we have many winter dishes such as putxero valencià, olleta, arroz caldoso, sopa cubierta, all y pebre or stew. Dishes that must be tried to understand the mixture of natural ingredients and the successful flavor of Valencian cuisine.
For this reason, we propose two plans to enjoy this winter:
- Visit Xàtiva and its imposing castle and, on the way, try the traditional arròs al forn. We recommend going to: Tipics, Pebre Negre Restaurant or Cullerot.
- Visit Morella, the vertical medieval city that will leave you speechless and try ”les pilotes de Nadal”. We recommend you go to: Casa Roque that never fails.
4.- Take refuge in the Cuevas de San José
Caves of San José.
Looking for a unique plan to enjoy Christmas in Valencia? We invite you to a one-of-a-kind experience that blends adventure, nature, and mystery: a visit to the longest navigable underground river in Europe, located in the stunning Caves of San José.
With a constant temperature of 20º, this magical destination offers a perfect thermal sensation, ideal for escaping the typical winter chill of the holiday season. Venture underground and uncover the secrets hidden within these fascinating caves, a natural wonder that feels like something out of another world.
Why Visit the Caves of San José at Christmas?
- A unique experience: Swap traditional outings for an extraordinary adventure that will amaze the whole family.
- Breathtaking natural beauty: Glide along the underground river and marvel at stalactites, rock formations, and landscapes straight out of a fairy tale.
- Suitable for all ages: This activity is safe, exciting, and perfect for everyone, making it ideal for sharing during the festive season.
Take advantage of the magic of Christmas in Valencia to explore this historical and mysterious site. The Caves of San José are not just an enigmatic location but also offer an unforgettable experience, navigating deep within the earth, surrounded by a stunning natural environment that will leave you speechless.
Make Your Christmas Special
Turn a cold winter day into a warm, memorable adventure. Navigating the underground river, immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere, and uncovering its secrets will make your Christmas in Valencia an experience to treasure forever.
Click here for more information and don’t miss this chance to enjoy a different kind of Christmas, combining nature, mystery, and fun. We’ll see you at the Caves of San José!
Discover Medieval Valencia⚔️
Torres de Serranos
Do you really not know what the expression means: ”stay on the moon in Valencia”?
There are several theories: this is how the ships that could not dock due to bad tide (at night, to the moon of Valencia) stayed or this is how the Moors expelled from the city stayed on the beach waiting to be able to set sail to another place.
But the one that has been used the most is that of the Torres de Serranos: these towers have always been the main entrance to the city and defense zone. But, they closed their doors at 10 at night and it was said that everyone who arrived just on time or later had to stay on the moon in Valencia, on the Serranos bridge, waiting for dawn to come and they could enter. to the city.
Medieval Valencia is known as the city’s most splendor period, although it is also one of the most mysterious and dark periods. The famous ”Valencian Golden Age” that has marked the lives of its people forever.
We invite you this winter not to miss these stories… if you come to Valencia you have to know them. Click here to know more.
And now, enjoy!
From Valencia&Go we wish you Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year.