The city of Vigo has announced its official Christmas programme for the 2026/2027 festive season, which includes an array of festive activities designed to enhance the holiday spirit across the city.
The plan, validated by the Local Government Board, features the installation of 12 million LED lights illuminating 500 streets, 1,169 ornamental arches, 2,921 decorative motifs, and over 2,700 natural trees. The giant Christmas tree will once again serve as the focal point of the celebrations, offering a daily light and sound show with musical performances scheduled at 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, and 21:50.
The festive atmosphere will be further enhanced by 50 three-dimensional light elements, illuminated umbrella canopies in roundabouts and squares, and decorations on municipal buildings such as the Casa Galega da Cultura and the Concello, as well as on local markets and iconic monuments like the Porta de Santa Rita and Redeiros.
The lighting will be activated daily at 18:00 and will remain on until 01:00 from Sunday to Wednesday, extending to 03:00 from Thursday to Saturday and on the eve of public holidays. The lights will stay illuminated continuously until dawn on the nights of December 23, 24, 25, 30, and 31, as well as January 1, 5, and 6.
Additionally, three major themed markets will be set up, including the “Cíes Market” in Plaza de Vialia, featuring decorated stalls, food carts, cultural activities, and an illuminated pergola. The themed markets will also include those at Calvario and Alameda Suárez Llanos in Bouzas.
Recreational activities will cater to all ages at various locations throughout the city. In the Centre and Vialia, attractions will include a classic carousel at Porta do Sol, an adult ferris wheel, Santa Claus train rides, a children's motorbike track, and bouncy castles. In Samil and Coia, there will be ice skating rinks and karting in Samil, alongside a Christmas circus in Coia. Three tourist trains will operate, two in the urban centre and one in the Travesas area.
Culturally, the Casa das Artes will host the monumental nativity exhibition, which will include a children's nativity scene, a photographic display, individual scenes, and a photocall area. Guided tours for educational centres will also be available through registration with the Municipal General Registry.
The Christmas campaign aims to promote cultural activities in key commercial areas, including O Calvario, As Travesas, Teis, Bouzas, Navia, Coia, and Castrelos, featuring ambient announcements and parades by traditional music groups, bagpipe bands, choirs, and folklore associations. Santa Claus and the Royal Postman will maintain their headquarters on Policarpo Sanz, visiting neighbourhoods throughout the festive season.
