Vigo’s Christmas Lights: A Complete Guide

Pontevedra

Vigo's Christmas lights are switched on in mid-November and stay up until early January. During those weeks, the city centre fills with illuminated streets, Christmas markets and fairground rides, drawing visitors from all over Spain. More than 12 million LED lights have been announced for Christmas 2026-2027, and work on putting them up has already begun.

At DoYouSpain, we've put together this guide with everything you need to know to plan your trip to Vigo this Christmas: when the lights are switched on, what to see, things to do with kids and why hiring a car in Vigo will help you make the most of your break.

When Are Vigo's Christmas Lights Switched On?

The official date for the Vigo Christmas lights switch-on in 2026 hasn't been confirmed yet. In 2025, it took place on Saturday 15 November, so it's likely to be around the middle of the month again this year. Check the Vigo City Council (Concello de Vigo) website before you visit.

The ceremony starts at dusk in Porta do Sol. We'd recommend getting there early, as it fills up quickly.

What Time Do Vigo's Christmas Lights Come On?

Vigo's Christmas lights come on every day at 18:00, and the timetable has stayed the same over recent years:

• Sunday to Wednesday: 18:00 to 01:00.
• Thursday to Saturday, public holidays and the evenings before them: 18:00 to 04:00.
• 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 December and 1, 5 and 6 January: All night.

Our top tip: visit on a weekday in the early evening, when it's much less crowded.

Where to See the Christmas Lights in Vigo

Almost all of Vigo's Christmas lights are in the city centre, so the best way to see them is on foot, taking in the sights at your own pace. If you'd rather go with a guide, there are also free walking tours that take in the must-see spots. Here are the places you won't want to miss:

Porta do Sol, Gran Vía and Calle Príncipe: The Must-Sees

Porta do Sol is where it all begins. This square is home to Vigo's giant Christmas tree and hosts the lights switch-on every year. Stay a while to watch the light and music show, then head down to the Casco Vello, Vigo's old town, just next door, for a drink in its lively streets.

Gran Vía is the avenue with the most illuminated trees in Vigo. Walk down to where it meets Urzáiz to see the 18-metre giant gift box, a must-have photo of Christmas in Vigo.

• Vigo Christmas tourist train: If you've got a pushchair or you're with older relatives, this is the easiest way to see Gran Vía. It leaves from Praza da Independencia every half hour in the afternoons and evenings, and costs around 6€ (4€ for children aged 11 and under, free for under-2s). Tickets are sold at the stop.

Calle Príncipe is Vigo's main shopping street, so it's the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done while you stroll beneath the lights. On the same street, you'll find MARCO, a contemporary art museum housed in a former prison and courthouse, which is well worth a stop. It gets very busy at weekends, so we'd recommend leaving the car in the Príncipe or Urzáiz car park and taking your time on foot.

Christmas in Vigo with Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do

If you're looking for things to do in Vigo at Christmas with kids, you're in luck: almost everything is in the city centre, easy to reach on foot and a lot of it is free, like the Christmas tree in Porta do Sol and the Belén Monumental, Vigo's giant nativity scene.

Vigo Christmas Markets

Vigo's Christmas markets are the perfect place to pick up gifts, grab a bite to eat and soak up the festive atmosphere. Here are our favourites:

• Cíes Market (Praza de Compostela): The biggest and busiest, with craft stalls, Christmas decorations and food, plus stands selling sweets, roasted chestnuts and waffles.
• O Calvario Market: Smaller and more traditional, with handmade crafts, unique gifts and activities such as carol singing, street parades and storytelling.
> What to See in the Rías Baixas in Summer
• Vialia on Ice: Next to the train station, with food and gift stalls, plus a sledge slide that kids love.
• Bouzas Market: around twenty stalls along the Alameda de Bouzas, in one of Vigo's most charming fishing neighbourhoods.

As each market has its own opening hours, we'd recommend checking them before you go so you can plan your visit and make sure you don't miss anything.

The Big Wheel and Samil Ice Rink

These are the Christmas attractions that little ones love most in Vigo:

• The big wheel: The exact location for this year hasn't been confirmed yet, but it will be in the city centre and, at over 50 metres tall, you can't miss it. Go up after dark for a view of the whole city lit up beneath you.
• Samil ice rink: This is the biggest in Vigo and it's indoors, so it's perfect for rainy days, which aren't exactly rare in Galicia. There's a go-kart track next door if you want to keep the fun going. It's open from late November to early February and is about 6 km from the city centre.
• Vialia on Ice: If you'd rather stay in the centre, there's another, smaller ice rink next to the train station, ideal for a quick stop while you're exploring the lights.

Father Christmas's House and the Belén Monumental

In one afternoon, you can visit Father Christmas's House, where little ones can hand over their letter to him in person, and the Belén Monumental, which is set up right next door in the Casa das Artes. Entry to the nativity scene is free, and it's a visit the whole family will enjoy.

Why Hire a Car in Vigo This Christmas with DoYouSpain

You don't need a car to see the lights, but it's the best way to make the most of your trip. Hiring a car in Vigo means you can stay outside the city centre, where accommodation is usually cheaper at this time of year, get to Samil without relying on bus timetables and explore the surrounding area at your own pace, from Baiona's fortress and Pontevedra's old town to Santiago de Compostela.

At DoYouSpain, we compare deals from the leading car hire companies in Vigo. Demand goes up over Christmas, so booking early will give you more choice and better prices.

And if you have any questions before, during or after your trip, our team is on hand to help through our Customer Service Centre, our Virtual Assistant or by phone on +34 964 83 09 95.