Christmas in Bilbao and Bizkaia 2026: markets and things to do
TIME
October 2026
From the iconic San Martín and Santo Tomás fairs to the colourful Christmas markets and parades, Bilbao and Bizkaia offer a wealth of attractions at this time of year
The territory of Bizkaia and its capital, Bilbao, display a broad calendar of festive, traditional and cultural activities to welcome in the Christmas season.
San Martín
The festive atmosphere kicks off with the San Martín Fairs, which are held around 11 November in the Albia Gardens in Bilbao.
Other towns in the region where the best locally sourced produce from Basque farmhouses is showcased and sampled include Bermeo, Zamudio, Ermua, Gamiz-Fika, Forua, Arrieta, Bakio, Zeanuri, Iurreta, Orozko and Mundaka, amongst others.
Santo Tomás
Just on the eve of Christmas, the major rural event, the Santo Tomás Fair, takes place on 21 December. On this day, El Arenal and the Old Town (this time not taking over the Plaza Nueva) are transformed into a bustling hub of activity, with over 300 stalls selling talo, cider, txakoli, honey and local agricultural produce.
Navidad
Throughout December and the first few days of January, Bilbao is transformed by the illuminations in its main streets and the installation of attractions such as the synthetic ice rink at the Arenal quay and the six-lane slide in Ripa quay.
What’s more, lovers of craftwork and local retailers can enjoy the Gabonart Craft Fair (from 13–15 December to 5 January at the Arenal.quay) and the Ripa Christmas Market.
For families, the programme is topped off with large-scale events such as the Christmas Children’s Park (PIN/ UGP) at the BEC! venue in Barakaldo, the traditional Olentzero and Mari Domingi parade on 23 December —followed by receptions and parades on 24 December in towns such as Getxo, Durango and Portugalete— and the eagerly awaited Three Kings’ Parade on the afternoon of 5 January.
The festive programme is enriched by the cultural offerings of the city’s most iconic galleries and art institutions. Throughout the Christmas period, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Euskal Museoa are offering special programmes and temporary exhibitions that complement the traditional itinerary with a blend of cutting-edge art and history.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Santo Tomás Fair in Bilbao?
On 21 December. It fills El Arenal and the Old Town with more than 300 stalls selling talo, cider, txakoli, honey and local farm produce.
When are the San Martín fairs held?
Around 11 November in the Albia Gardens in Bilbao, and throughout November in towns such as Bermeo, Zamudio, Bakio or Mundaka.
When does Olentzero parade in Bilbao?
The Olentzero and Mari Domingi parade is on 23 December. On the 24th there are receptions and parades in towns such as Getxo, Durango or Portugalete.
When is the Three Kings Parade?
On the evening of 5 January.